12
7 ways to avoid renters trashing your holiday home
There is no doubt about it…damage is one of the most feared aspects that owners face when letting a holiday home. After all, you are letting a ‘virtual stranger’ stay in what is likely to be one of your most valuable (financially and emotional) assets.
As one renter recently discovered when their home was trashed by a ‘guest’ there is always a risk when renting out your holiday home.
Whether you are a holiday letting expert or new to the market, there are vital things to consider when holiday letting – follow our 7 steps to reduce the risk of damage.
Get insured
Holiday rental insurance is likely to be more expensive than traditional home insurance but do not skimp or choose a policy that isn’t tailored for holiday letting. No matter which of these 7 steps you take, being adequately insured is the primary way to protect against vandalism and theft.
Ensure your insurance covers both;
- Accidental damage to contents – to cover incidents such as; damaged furniture, children drawing on settees or broken electrical items;
- Malicious damage – what would happen if guests had a domestic argument or birthday/wedding party at your holiday rental that got out of hand. Would your insurance cover the damage if the property was trashed?
It’s important to check that your insurance covers damage by guests/tenants when commercially letting as some policies only cover damage by friends/family. It is also common that insurance in France excludes damage by tenants, leaving the property owner under insured.
Do your homework – research potential guests
If you are uncertain about an enquirer, or are cautious about a late booking request do some research. Check the name, email and phone number in Google (use quotes “name”) to see if anything alarming is revealed. You can also use Google street view to see where people live.
Look for an unusual tone or grammar in emails, but you should take into account that English may not be their first language.
If in doubt pick up the phone and talk – if alarm bells are ringing you could either decline the booking or take a damage deposit.
Take a damage deposit
Whether or not owners should take a damage deposit is a controversial subject.
For – they can make guests mindful that they will be charged for damage,
Against – unless you are on-site or can prove that guests have caused specific damage, disputes can and often arise, leading to hostility.
A damage deposit is not a substitute for comprehensive insurance that covers extensive damage. Also, they will not deter guests from intentional, destructive behaviour.
Gather evidence – damage deposit disputes often occur after an owner deducts for damaged items or extra cleaning. It’s not uncommon for disgruntled holidaymakers to subsequently threaten holiday let owners with legal action and bad online reviews. In an attempt to prove your case in the event of damage disputes with guests, always take photos of any damage and keep evidence of any costs incurred.
Who is watching your property?
If you are not on-site your housekeeper or neighbour can be excellent for early notification of problems. Untidy guests, parties, over occupancy etc. The sooner problems are addressed the sooner they can be resolved, which usually means less damage.
Use a letting agent
If you prefer a hands off approach to letting your holiday home, employ a letting agent to deal with bookings, guests and damage. You should clarify with the agent what happens in the event of damage.
Avoid large groups
Although a controversial subject, it’s common for campsites to refuse large bookings of single sex groups or youngsters. Do you? If you suspect a booking could potentially be disruptive, consider whether it is more hassle than it’s worth.
Refuse pets
Many holiday home owners, especially those in the UK, take their pets to their holiday homes. However, who is to say that guest’s pets will be as well behaved as yours? Pets left in an unfamiliar environment often chew or mark their scent. Flea infestations can also be a huge problem – which isn’t likely to be insured.
Unfortunately there isn’t an industry ‘guest blacklist’ where holiday home owners can check guests credentials before taking a booking. Renting your property is a system based on trust and mutual respect. But there’s always going to be the odd few guests who cause damage – despite you screening them.
Holiday homes getting trashed doesn’t happen too often, but accidental damage does. Ensure your self catering insurance is protecting you.
