How can you choose a safe and reliable vacation rental property? With the rise of social media platforms such as TikTok, new fears have risen among short-term renters. More guests are sharing their experiences spotting unauthorized recording tools and cameras within the homes they have chosen for their short getaways, and their distrust of property owners and managers has – understandably – significantly grown. News outlets such as the Washington Post are breaking down various methods for detecting hidden cameras in rental properties, a symptom of times in which surveillance technology is causing growing concern.
But is there a middle ground? Between property managers attempting to protect their homes and guests wanting to ensure their rights to privacy are respected, short-term rental monitoring seems to have become a slippery slope – but we at Minut are here to help. Privacy is at the core of everything we do, from the design of our noise-monitoring sensors to our integrations with trusted short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb.
We believe that monitoring and privacy aren’t antithetical, and our sensor’s unique ability to detect excessive noise and monitor occupancy without recording or filming makes us a trusted staple of the hospitality industry. At Minut, we understand that all hosts want to protect their properties. But we also believe that the best ones do so while caring for their guests. So, without further ado, here are our best tips for choosing a safe and reliable vacation rental property!
To choose a safe vacation rental, picking the right platform is key. Platforms that display reviews from previous guests and implement identity verification – such as Airbnb for example – ensure that property owners and guests alike are who they claim to be, and can be contacted in the event of an incident. And don’t forget to keep all communication and transactions within the platform!
In many countries – and according to the guidelines of most short-term rental platforms – all monitoring and/or recording devices must be clearly disclosed on the property’s listing. When monitoring devices such as Minut appear on a listing, it is a sign that the property owner or manager cares about the privacy of their guests and has chosen a non-invasive monitoring method. Remember: good property managers and owners are transparent with their customers!
To make sure you enjoy your stay, it is important to assess whether the vacation rental you’re choosing is a good fit for your particular lifestyle. Keep an eye out for ‘no parties’ or ‘no noise past 10 PM’ instructions if you’re looking for a place to celebrate your birthday in, and double-check that your furry friends are just as welcome as you are in the property!
If a booking lacks reviews, it may not be the best option for you! When browsing on a vacation rental platform, reviews are worth their weight in gold. Keep an eye out for pictures that reflect the images advertized on the listing and beware of comments that sound ‘robotic’ or disingenuous. Consistent, coherent, and positive reviews are an excellent sign.
Safety features are often disclosed on short-term rental platforms. On the listing, you’ll be able to verify essential features such as fire and CO2 detection. With Minut, property managers are now also able to monitor temperature and mold risk to ensure that their rental is in the best possible condition for their guests – while saving energy and caring for the planet.
With many guests reporting being scammed through booking vacation rental properties that didn’t exist, receiving check-in information through a trusted platform can be a life-saver. Scammers often try to keep communication out of these platforms to avoid being caught. Property managers who use Minut are able to swiftly deliver check-in information to their guests at the touch of a button, so you can quit worrying… even before you arrive!
To choose a safe and reliable vacation rental, trusting your gut is your best bet. If anything feels off – or if the pricing seems a little too low to be true – keep looking! To determine whether a vacation rental is right for you, communication is crucial: a good host will answer your questions and won’t ask you to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. You could also ask them how they usually monitor occupancy and excessive noise: their answer should be clear and to the point – and it’s even better if a trusted name comes up!
Click here to discover more reasons why guests love Minut!
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