Better Safe Than Sorry — How to Protect Your Airbnb Property (2024)

Renting out a property can be a great way of generating another income and where better to advertise your pad than on a well-known website Airbnb? Launched in 2008 Airbnb now has over 1.5 million listings in over 200 countries. Whether you are renting a romantic hideaway ideal for honeymooners, a swanky apartment ripe for sightseers or a large house for family gatherings, you will want to make sure you earn a decent return on your investment and that your property is fully protected.

Airbnb has introduced numerous security measures to protect the properties it lists, but renting your home out to complete strangers still carries an element of risk. From stopping mail deliveries to adding an Airbnb security deposit to your listing, there are a few things you can do as a host to step up safety:

1. No Mail Today

Identity theft is a very real problem and nosy renters might pick up (and open) private mail that’s delivered to your property — even though it’s clearly not for them! The best solution? Invest in a lockable mailbox. Alternatively, you can look into pausing mail delivery when your property is rented out — but this could prove tricky if it’s often hired out.

2. Lock It Up

Giving a door key to renters? Can you be sure they aren’t nipping off to Mr. Deadbolt the local key cutter to get another? It’s unlikely your renter has plans to return and ransack your home, but the risk is still there. It’s a good idea to consider an electronic lock that utilizes a code, this can be changed or erased whenever you choose.

You could go one step further and fit a smart lock — you select when and how long your guest can access your property and a clever App allows you to see when they enter and leave your home. Overall, there are numerous keyless entry solutions that you definitely should invest in.

3. Ensure You’re Insured

Airbnb has a “host guarantee”, that offers some insurance to those renting out properties and requesting an Airbnb security deposit from guests offers a degree of protection (we’ll talk more about that later). It’s wise to check in with your own insurance company too. Tell them what you are doing with the property and make sure you are fully covered.

4. Remove Valuables

Don’t leave family heirlooms or important documents at your rental property. Even if you lock your valuables away an intrusive guest could discover your treasures and pocket them. Better to remove them from the property altogether.

5. Plan & Investigate

You don’t have to hire a private detective to check the credentials of potential guests. You can explore their profile, check references and play message ping-pong in a bid to discover whether they are the sort of renters you want to welcome into your home.

Trying to juggle letting a few properties? An organization is key to avoid mix-ups and protect all of your rentals. If you have more than two rental properties you can even get a helping hand in the form of cloud-based software that offers tons of useful features. Sync your calendars, collate reports, simplify communication, manage your bookings effectively and soon you’ll be the host with the most. Best of all, there is the Airbnb property management software called AirGMS that is free for Airbnb hosts with up to 4 listings.

6. Request an Airbnb security deposit

Asking for an Airbnb security deposit from your guests is perfectly acceptable — those renting out your property pay the deposit up front and it is returned when they depart (providing they have taken good care of your home).

Some hosts aren’t comfortable with asking for an Airbnb security deposit, as they feel the extra cost may put potential guests off booking. Others do request it but don’t always follow up claims — especially if the damage is minimal (such as a broken lampshade or missing wine glasses), as they feel it’s just too much bother to go through the process.

However, the Airbnb security deposit does allow you to relax, safe in the knowledge that if your guests break the rules e.g. they pollute your home with secretive indoor smoking or throw a loud and lavish party for countless friends (which leaves your place looking a right state), then you have a valid way to recover costs.

Take Home Points

Whether you have one studio flat to rent out or four mansions in Kensington the success of your venture depends on you. Keep your pad in great condition and conduct research to find out what other hosts are charging in your locality. Follow our tips above to secure your property adequately in advance, and if it provides you with peace of mind, request an Airbnb security deposit in advance.