Owning an investment property is a unique luxury, but it comes with the responsibility of protecting a structure and all its guests. Understanding how to manage a rental can be challenging, but we help simplify things. This is your complete guide to protecting your cabin rental property. Learn more about this process and how Nevaeh can help.
Guest Protection
Owning a cabin rental property comes with the responsibility of keeping your guests and assets safe. There are various ways to increase the safety of the cabin and make your guests feel welcome, protected, and informed. Each property enhancement option we discuss below will help you create an excellent guest experience from check-in to check-out. Additionally, these procedures will help you keep your cabin user-friendly for future guests with minimal downtime in between.
Be Clear About Your Cabin’s Rules
The cabin’s rules will help determine how your guests interact with your space and set clear consequences when things go wrong. Without these rules, guests may feel more compelled to act out of character or do things inside the cabin that could potentially damage items or appliances.
When some tenants know the items are not theirs, they may feel that they do not have to pay for damages. Building rules with consequences sets a clear boundary that holds renters accountable. Key items to incorporate into your cabin rules include:
- Maximum occupancy number
- Noise limitations and quiet hours
- Security deposit terms and conditions
- Zero tolerance policies
It’s worth noting that, should a guest break any policy you set out, the most common consequence is financial.
Understand if You Have a Target Guest
Knowing the cabin’s target guest type is going to help you set the ground rules for the space and shine a light on areas you can offer more leeway. Typically, rental cabins in the North Georgia area attract a wide range of guests and travelers, so it’s worth creating one set of baseline rules to cover all your bases. This strategy can ensure your rules apply to everyone fairly.
Maintain Boundaries When Screening Guests
You need a thorough and secure screening process for each guest before allowing them into your space. This measure cannot secure your property completely, as there is no way to know every guest personally. However, you can perform your due diligence and ensure there are no apparent red flags before a guest comes into your home.
There may be a few boundaries you’re not willing to bend, and you deserve to know these basic background criteria before opening your doors to anyone. A few highlights include the following:
- Age
- Length of stay
- Total number of guests
- Purpose for visit
Comprehensive Cabin Insurance
Comprehensive cabin insurance will include a line of protection for all guests. Insurance is invaluable for property owners, especially if the cabin sees many different tenants. It’s your property, so by default, you’re responsible. Cabin rental insurance with a bodily harm coverage plan can cover guests if an emergency or physical injury occurs.
You also need a cabin insurance policy that protects the home and its contents. Typical homeowners’ insurance is unsuitable for a vacation property, so you should consider investing in short-term insurance (STR). At a minimum, most STR policies include asset protection, contents protection up to a certain value, and bodily harm coverage.
Rental Cabin Protection
After you safeguard your guests and your belongings, it’s time to start thinking about how you can protect the cabin itself. It’s essential to remember the cabin is your investment property. While you may not be there often and you only enjoy the fruits of its labor, you must put its security at the top of your priority list. Ensure the investment earns what it’s worth and offers you the financial freedom you’re looking for. Below we discuss a few primary steps for protecting your cabin rental.
Invest in a Security System
Security systems have come a long way. Now, you can install a motion-activated system on your property and monitor the property from almost any location in the world. Even when you are hundreds of miles away, you can view the property and receive alerts on property activity.
Guests may feel intruded on if you’re always monitoring the activity. You should disclose these security measures so that they know you can and will access the property’s activity when you deem it necessary. Put an emphasis on exterior monitoring measures so that you can control misconduct at the point of entry and keep an eye on potential intruders.
Keyless Entry
Gone are the days of hiding a spare key somewhere on the property. A spare key is a security risk for the property and your guests. Today, making a copy of the key and reentering the home at a later date is simple. Invest in an all-keyless entry system so that you can change the access code at will, ensuring only those with the current code can enter the home.
You’re welcome to have a set of keys as well in case technology takes a time out and you can’t get in. Consider leaving those keys with the property manager.
Reinforce All Doors and Windows
Most burglaries in the US start as forced entries. But that does not mean an intruder won’t try the doors and windows first. These access points are relatively easy to enter when someone feels determined enough. Consider having all the doors and windows reinforced for good measure so that these access points are less vulnerable.
Additions such as security bars, deadbolts, and interior window locks can help deter criminals. Reducing access points is not ideal in case of an emergency, but guests can be busy or forgetful, so it’s important to be careful. Consider which access doors can be emergency-use and which can benefit from additional defenses.
Pay for Premium Management
One of the most valuable tips in this guide to protecting your cabin rental property is to invest in premium management. They will be your go-to team when you’re away, so it’s vital to pay for a management firm you trust to uphold your needs in your physical absence.
Nevaeh Cabin Rentals is one of the premier property management companies in Georgia, with luxury and quaint cabins available. We can ensure your cabin receives the care it deserves while you’re away or assist you in enhancing the security measures. Partner with our trusted staff today to learn more about our partnership details.
