If you look back at all your best vacation memories, you'll probably find a familiar pattern: no nasty surprises. The best vacations are smooth and easygoing from the moment you set foot in the hotel or rental.
You want to offer your guests that same positive experience.
The best way to do that is by setting clear vacation rental rules and guidelines. Do that, and you will set expectations from day one. Here's how to set house rules in Wilmington, NC.
Outline Property Management Guidelines and Rules
You want your vacation property to remain in excellent condition whenever a guest rents it. When setting rental rules in NC, it's worth writing down your behavior expectations and how guests should treat your property.
It will also keep your neighbors happy. Ensuring you have all the most common rules on there, such as:
- No smoking policies
- Cleaning rules
- Pet policies
- Lowering noise after a specific time
- Use of amenities like pools, patio furniture, and hot tubs
Some of these rules will depend on your situation. For example, noise may not be an issue if your rental is far from the neighbors.
Have Clear Check-In and Check-Out Procedures
When guests overstay, it's not always deliberate. In many cases, the landlord hasn't been clear about the rules. Before guests arrive, give simple, easy-to-read instructions about how and when they can check in and out.
Include a frequently asked questions section to help with potential issues, like who to call if they can't access the key or are late arriving due to travel delays.
NC Property Rental Best Practices: Penalties
Unfortunately, sometimes outlining guest rules isn't enough to prevent problems. That's why you need a fallback plan, such as fines if you have problem guests.
The most important thing to remember is that the rules should be clear, and the guests must sign them before they enter the property. The most common penalty is holding a security deposit if something goes wrong, such as your guest damaging furniture.
Don't Forget About Health and Safety
Review all your rules and policies from a health and safety perspective. This not only helps protect you from a legal point of view, but it's also best practice to ensure your guests have a safe visit with you.
If items or features in your property could pose a safety risk, ensure you have the proper protections in place. If you market your rental to families, invest in features that will help make your property safer, such as stair gates.
Add Your Rules to Your Guest Welcome Pack
Remember to provide helpful information for your guests through a welcome pack, like recommended restaurants or local attractions. Adding your rules to a welcome pack containing helpful tourist tips will increase your chances of encouraging guests to read the rules.
Vacation Rental Rules and Guidelines
Setting rules might seem minor for your Wilmington, NC, property, but it can be the difference between a happy guest and one that bombards you with issues and complaints. Keep these tips for setting vacation rental rules and guidelines handy.
PMI Wilmington has extensive experience and an eye for detail, so we know how to make your short-term rental profitable. Head here to discover more about our vacation rental management services.
