Nine Security Tips For Airbnb Hosts

First-time Airbnb hosts often experience some anxiety about opening their home to strangers. This feeling can linger even after many guests visit your Airbnb, as security risks are always present. That’s why we assembled some essential security tips for Airbnb hosts.

Airbnb hosts must protect their valuables by removing them altogether or putting them in a safe in an off-limits room. You should also take pictures of your Airbnb before guests arrive to check for vandalism, accidental damage, and theft. The best security tip is to install password-protected keyless entry systems or smart locks.

That way, guests cannot re-enter your home after checking out of the Airbnb. Follow along as we highlight nine security tips for Airbnb hosts.

Nine Tips To Secure Your Airbnb

Airbnb security is about the guests as much as it is about the host. Hosts must protect their homes and their belongings, but they must also care about their guests. Several key security tips make this much easier, such as:

1. Install Smart Locks

First-time Airbnb hosts may fear that past guests can make copies of their keys. Some people use password-protected smart locks, but the guest can document and memorize the entry code. The best way to eliminate security issues is to install a smart lock and or a keyless entry system with timed passwords. That way, you can generate a new password each time you host guests in your Airbnb.

This is the best way to protect yourself, your home, and your future guests. Keyless entry systems with temporary passwords also ensure you don’t have to meet the people renting your house. Instead, you can provide the temporary password, so your guest can enter the Airbnb without meeting you.

2. Vet The Guests

It’s hard to get used to the idea of strangers staying in your home. Some people don’t necessarily care about who books their Airbnb, but being too lax can cause headaches later. That’s why it’s important to vet your Airbnb guests before accepting them. Airbnb already checks guests in some ways, like verifying their IDs and reviewing their profiles. However, it’s up to you to come up with some questions and a list of red flags.

Ask them about their intentions, whether they plan to bring additional guests, and why they’re in the area. Pay attention to how quickly they respond and try to see how clear and honest they are. It’s also important to check if previous Airbnb hosts have reviewed the guest. If they lack reviews, you must rely on your questionnaire and your communication with them.

3. Install Entrance Cameras

While you can’t monitor your Airbnb guests indoors, you should install entrance cameras for security purposes. These can help you feel secure in many ways, and they provide peace of mind. Visible cameras help deter theft and break-ins, as many people aren’t bold enough to commit crimes while on camera. Ideally, install a camera on or above the front door and back door for the best results. Not only will this deter break-ins, but it will also help make your guests feel safer.

That said, you must explicitly tell your Airbnb guests about your entrance cameras. Disclose the cameras in the listing, or you will violate Airbnb’s policy and may face consequences. Today, you can find reliable video doorbell cameras for $50 to $350, depending on the brand and functions. However, it’s typically worth paying a little extra for a high-definition camera with recording and live monitoring capabilities.

4. Hide Or Remove Your Valuables

Some people live in their Airbnb part-time and rent it out to supplement their income the rest of the year. If that applies to you, you might keep some valuable and sentimental items in the house. Think carefully about whether you want to hide or remove these items. You can designate a room as off-limits to keep your Airbnb guests out and store your valuables and sentimental items in there.

However, that requires trust, so it’s best to keep valuables in a safe in your off-limits room. An alternative is to remove your valuables altogether and store them at another property. Not everyone has that option, as most people don’t own multiple homes. If you can spare an extra room, install a lock and hide your valuables in a safe.

5. Document The Condition Of Your Home

Every Airbnb host should take pictures of their home before guests arrive. Ideally, you should do this once you’re done cleaning and preparing for your guests. That way, you can record exactly what your home looks like before anyone arrives. This way, you can make a claim against anyone who steals or breaks your belongings. This includes furniture, dishes, art, pictures, bedding, and even your walls and floors.

Documenting everything is the only way to prove your case if guests damage your home and deny it. Of course, accidents happen, so wear and tear doesn’t necessarily mean your guests intentionally disrespected you or your home. It's important to verify your claims if something happens to ensure you can be reimbursed.

6. Prohibit Additional Guests

While you can’t control anyone, you can do your best to prevent risky behavior at your Airbnb. That’s why more and more Airbnb hosts prohibit guests from inviting more people to their homes. For example, your Airbnb guests may visit a local bar and bring some strangers home shortly after meeting them. They can’t necessarily vouch for these additional guests, as they have only just met them. This increases the risk of theft, vandalism, and even violent behavior. Ideally, provide a maximum occupancy and prohibit your guests from exceeding it.

7. Prioritize Fire Safety

Just as you must protect your home from your guests, you must also protect them. Fire safety is a big part of that, and you must ensure your smoke detectors work. It’s also a great idea to provide a fire evacuation plan whenever possible and fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas. Providing fire extinguishers can prevent serious damage and even save your guests’ lives.

8. Offer Security Tips

You can’t necessarily expect your guests to care as much about your Airbnb’s security as much as you do, however, they are the ones at risk in your home. That’s why it’s important to create a list of security tips for your guests to follow. For example, you can request that they close and lock the windows by 10:00 PM to deter burglaries.

It’s also a good idea to tell them to close the curtains and blinds in areas where valuables are visible. Some of these things may seem obvious, but you can’t count on each guest to consider them. Think about all the things you do to keep yourself safe at home and put them in a list and give it your guests when they book your Airbnb.

9. Provide First Aid Supplies

Many of the top security tips revolve around the host. However, you owe it to your guests to make them feel as safe and comfortable as possible. That’s why you should provide first aid supplies in the event of anyone getting hurt. Your first aid kit should include gauze, bandages, and even basic over-the-counter painkillers. Having a first aid kit available can at least show your guests that you care about their safety.

Can You Put Cameras In An Airbnb?

You aren’t allowed to install security cameras inside an Airbnb. However, you’re allowed to install exterior cameras to monitor the entrances. That said, you must tell your guests if you have entrance cameras, or else you will violate the Airbnb policy.

Summing It Up

Airbnb hosts can boost security by installing smart locks or keyless entry systems with one-time passwords. It’s also a good idea to have entrance cameras, as long as none of them point toward the home’s interior. Hide or remove your valuables to prevent theft, and only accept guests with positive reviews.

Related Guides:

• What To Consider Before Renting Out A Room In Your House
• Airbnb Versus Traditional Renting: Which Is Better For The Short Term