As one of the most visited states in the US, Florida is a great place to own a vacation rental property. However, it's difficult to manage an Airbnb rental, so you need to know how to find good renters to let into your property.
Here, we're going to discuss some dos and don'ts to know when screening guests for your vacation rental. Read on to start generating rental income the right way.
Do: Look Into Multiple Things
Some landlords only screen tenants for their credit scores or criminal records. It's important to look into both. You want to get someone who can pay rent, but you also want a tenant who will take care of the property without landing you in legal trouble.
Additionally, you should look into the tenant's rental history. Both short-term rentals and long-term living spaces matter. Making sure they've made on-time payments and left their past homes in good shape is important.
Don't: Forget to Ask for Relevant Information
Some vacation rentals rely on what potential guests tell them about themselves with no proof. Unfortunately, people lie to get what they want. This is a surefire way to end up with some bad short-term tenants, especially because Airbnbs have such a high turnaround.
Make sure that you look at a guest's government-issued ID. Only admit them if their face matches the image on that ID. ID verification also ensures that you conduct a thorough screening of the right person for real information.
Do: Be Transparent and Communicative
It's important for a vacation host to communicate openly with their guests. Set clear rules about how many people can be in the room and what you expect from their behavior. Provide written regulations around things like smoking, drugs, and pets.
This ensures that everyone is on the same page. If you want to be even clearer, put a list of rules on the back of their door in the room. If something bad happens, you'll have legal recourse to say that they violated a rule that you established and they agreed to.
Don't: Try to Do Everything Yourself
Rental management can be hard, and getting professional help is important if you want to be successful. Fort Lauderdale property managers have the tenant screening tools and professional resources you need for thorough and effective background checks.
Without professional-level knowledge, you'll stumble blindly through the screening process. You also will likely use low-quality free tools or pay unnecessary money for better ones. Vacation rental managers already have purchased good tools that can make your life easier.
Get Help Screening Guests for Your Vacation Rental
Screening guests for your vacation rental can be challenging because of the many dos and don'ts to remember. Luckily, property management services are available to help you protect your short-term rental unit while collecting passive income.
Our team is committed to helping you find the right guests for your unit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Reach out to PMI Matching Property to learn more about the screening services we offer.
