Operating a short-term rental can be a lucrative venture, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One common issue that Airbnb and other vacation rental hosts face is guests smoking inside the property. Whether it’s traditional cigarettes, vapes, or even cannabis, smoking can lead to damage, unpleasant odors, and disputes over fines. To help you manage this problem and protect your investment, we’ve compiled some practical tips that can keep your Marbella Lane rental smoke-free.
- Prevent Smoking with Clear Warnings
Start by posting no-smoking signs in key areas of your property. Simple but effective, these signs remind guests of the house rules. Moreover, ensure your smoking policy is front and center in your online listing. Make it clear that smoking, including vaping and cannabis use, is prohibited, and mention any penalties for breaking the rules.
- Establish Clear Smoking Rules in Your Listing
When crafting your listing, be as specific as possible about what is not allowed. Mention that vaping and smoking cannabis are also prohibited, especially if your property is located in a non-legalized state. Additionally, set a clear fine for any smoking violations, and describe what constitutes a violation. This transparency will help avoid misunderstandings and support your case should any disputes arise.
- Use Smoke Detectors and Monitoring Devices
Investing in a device like WYND Sentry can offer peace of mind. This AI-powered device detects smoking, including cigarettes, cannabis, and vapes, with over 99% accuracy. It also alerts you in real time if a smoking incident occurs, making it easier to collect evidence. This technology saves you from relying solely on your senses to detect violations and gives you solid proof if you need to make a claim.
- Take Photos and Gather Evidence
In the unfortunate event that you find evidence of smoking after a guest’s stay, take detailed photos. Document cigarette butts, ashtrays, or any other related items. Photographic evidence can help you when reporting violations to platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. Without hard evidence, it’s difficult to prove a claim.
- Smoke Remediation: Be Prepared
To minimize the impact of smoke damage, consider getting a smoke remediation quote in advance. Having a professional evaluation ready can expedite the cleaning process and support your claim for a smoking fine. While it’s best to avoid smoking incidents altogether, being prepared ensures faster turnaround and less downtime between bookings.
- Maintain Communication with Guests
Lastly, communicate with your guests before they arrive. Let them know your expectations regarding smoking, and remind them of the penalties. Many guests may respect your rules simply because you’ve been upfront and clear about them.
Conclusion Dealing with smoking in your short-term rental doesn’t have to be an ongoing struggle. By setting clear expectations, investing in smoke-detection technology, and being prepared with evidence, you can minimize the impact smoking has on your property and your business. Marbella Lane is committed to helping property owners succeed, and keeping your rentals in excellent condition is a key part of that mission.