The travel industry has adapted to the fact that COVID-19 is here to stay. As a result, short-term rental hosts need to continue to provide high-quality vacation rental cleaning services focused on health and safety. Guests’ expectations for cleanliness and safety have increased, and hosts must match that demand. This blog post will discuss some of the best health-focused vacation rental cleaning practices you can and should offer your guests.
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Vacation Rental Cleaning and Safety Protocols You Should Have in Place
The first step in providing top-notch vacation rental amenities is understanding what your guests want. When it comes to health and safety, vacationers will be looking for a few key things:
Information on cleaning protocols
As we mentioned, one of the most essential vacation rental cleaning tools you can offer is a detailed cleaning protocol. This should go above and beyond the minimum requirements set forth by health authorities.
It is especially important to invest in high-quality air filters, and let your guests know how often you are changing the filters. Guests are paying extra attention to air-quality since the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to give your guests peace of mind, it is important to be as transparent as possible about your cleaning procedures.
One way to do this is to create a detailed cleaning checklist that is easily accessible to guests. This can be in the form of a physical checklist that is posted in the rental unit or an electronic one that is emailed to guests before their stay. Either way, guests should be able to see precisely what you are doing to ensure their safety.
In addition to a cleaning checklist, you should also have a policy in place for how you will deal with guests who show symptoms of COVID-19 during their stay. This policy should include procedures for isolating sick guests and deep cleaning the rental unit.
By having a detailed cleaning protocol in place, you will be able to give your guests the peace of mind they need to enjoy their stay.
Offer health and safety kits
Another vacation rental cleaning amenity that guests will appreciate is a health and safety kit. This kit should include items such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
Additionally, it is a great touch to have information on local clinics, hospitals, and Covid-19 testing sites in your house manual. A health and safety kit is an easy add-on to your existing welcome basket.
Encourage guests to use contactless check-in
Vacation rental hosts should offer contactless check-in and check-out whenever possible. This can be done by providing guests with a key code or keyless entry system via Smart Lock.
By doing this, you will minimize contact between yourself and your guests, which will help to keep everyone safe. Plus, automating your guests’ check-in experience saves your time, energy, and money. Host Tools is a great vacation rental management software that will help you automate self-check-in, manage your cleaners, and communicate with guests all in one place.
Offer flexible rebooking policies
Due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, guests will appreciate having a flexible rebooking policy in place. This will allow them to cancel or reschedule their stay with minimal hassle.
By offering this type of policy, you will show your guests that you are committed to their safety and comfort. Plus, they’re more likely to rebook with you if you show them grace and understanding if they come down with Covid-19 right before their stay.
Hire a stellar cleaning crew
Last but not least, one of the most crucial vacation rental amenities you can offer is a top-notch cleaning crew. Your cleaning crew should be trained in proper vacation rental cleaning procedures and use high-quality products. You can learn how to hire a top-notch cleaning crew here.
By providing these items, you will be able to show your guests that you are taking their health and safety seriously.
Final Thoughts
Vacation rental hosts need to take extra steps to ensure the safety and comfort of their guests in the age of COVID-19. By providing a detailed cleaning protocol, health and safety kits, contactless check-in/check-out, flexible rebooking policies, and a thorough cleaning crew, vacation rental hosts can show their guests that they are committed to their safety. By taking these steps, vacation rental hosts will be able to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their guests that will provide 5-star reviews every time!
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
