Renting out your property on Airbnb is a lucrative venture, but it also comes with inherent risks. Guest misconduct, unfortunately, is a reality that many hosts face. While it’s impossible to completely prevent damage or theft, being aware of the signs can help you mitigate losses and improve your future hosting experiences.
Unexplained Damages
Obvious signs of Airbnb damage, such as broken furniture, stained carpets, or holes in walls, are clear indicators of potential property compromise. However, look beyond the superficial. Scratches on floors, marks on walls, and even worn-out appliances can be subtle signs of misuse.
Missing Items
A missing inventory is a clear red flag. This can range from high-value items like electronics and jewelry to everyday essentials like towels and kitchen utensils. Check your Airbnb property thoroughly after every guest to ensure everything is accounted for.
Unusual Odors
Strange smells can be a sign of something amiss. Whether it’s the lingering scent of smoke, the odor of cleaning chemicals used to mask something, or a musty smell indicating potential water damage, these are all cause for concern. Every guest will not be hygienic. You have to build in a cleaning cost.
Digital Footprint
In today’s digital age, guests often leave behind traces of their stay. Unusual internet activity, unauthorized device connections, or strange login attempts on your smart devices can indicate potential security breaches in your Airbnb property.
Security System Alerts
If you have a property security system, pay close attention to any alerts or notifications. Unusual activity, such as doors being opened at odd hours or sensor triggers, could be a sign of unauthorized access to your Airbnb property.
Changes in Property Access
Look for signs of forced entry, such as damaged locks or doors. Even if there’s no visible damage, if you find keys or access codes in unexpected places, it might indicate unauthorized access. Installing a security camera with 24×7 monitoring on the property premises is a good way to counter access to property. You will have sufficient evidence in case something goes wrong.
Suspicious Behavior
Trust your gut. If a guest’s behavior seems odd or suspicious, it might be worth investigating further. This could include late-night noise, frequent visitors, or a reluctance to leave personal information. Of course, be mindful of your personal biases (everyone has one!) when judging the behavior of any guest.
Altered Utilities
Excessive water or energy consumption can be a red flag. A sudden spike in your utility bills might indicate misuse or even illegal activities. It is common sense that guests will not encounter situations where they need to consume a lot of water or energy. One way to counter it is to install metered connections that will stop working once the threshold is reached.
Neighbor Complaints
Your neighbors can be a valuable source of information. If they report unusual activity or noise coming from your property, it’s worth investigating. Always ensure that the number of people in your Airbnb property do not exceed the number of guests approved at the time of property booking.
Social Media Clues
While it may seem invasive, checking a guest’s social media profiles can sometimes reveal clues about their character or potential intentions. However, use this information with caution and avoid making judgments based solely on online profiles.
Gut Feeling
Ultimately, your intuition is a powerful tool. If something doesn’t feel right about a guest or their stay, trust your instincts. It’s better to be cautious than to regret it later. Talk to your guest before approving their Airbnb property booking request. See if the guests make demands beyond what you are offering and if they are comfortable with your property rules. If they are not, that’s a huge red flag!