Have you invested in a rental property in Breckenridge, CO? The city attracted over 100,000 visitors in 2021 and has returned to its pre-pandemic popularity.
This means that you can probably expect a lot of travelers who will want to book a stay in your home. This brings a lot of opportunities but also a major challenge.
How do you ensure the tenant is a good fit? How do you ensure that they're a responsible tenant?
Here are the do's and don'ts of screening guests for vacation rentals:
1. Do: Let Them Know Your House Rules Beforehand
On your vacation rental listing, you should state your house rules. This lets you filter different types of tenants. Only tenants who are willing to comply with your rules will contact you for booking.
Examples of house rules are:
- No loud music
- No parties
- No inviting guests
- No pets
- Guests must wash bedsheets before leaving
- Guests must take out garbage
- No filming or photography on the property
- No commercial activity (apart from remote work)
Once you set the house rules in advance, you can file a dispute in case your tenant doesn't follow them. If you use platforms such as Airbnb, they can help you prepare for such disputes.
Make sure that your house rules also comply with Colorado's landlord-tenant laws.
2. Don't: Do It Yourself
You'll soon find that managing a vacation property is a huge strain. As you attract more guests, you'll find it overwhelming.
You must consider hiring a rental management service to assist you. They can help you find the best tenants as they'll have experience dealing with hundreds of guests.
3. Do: Treat It Like a Hotel
If you want to create a successful business from your rental home, you'll need to treat it like a hotel. This is also a way to screen the best tenants.
Premium tenants will want to stay in a vacation rental that offers premium services. This means that you'll have to be more hands-on with your property.
This includes regular guest communication, cleaning services, and offering amenities. If you're not always able to attend to your guests, you can always hire a property manager.
4. Don't: Hire Anyone Available
The reason you have a tenant screening process is to be selective with your tenants. Even if someone meets your minimum requirements, you should scrutinize them further.
You should communicate with potential tenants beforehand. If you feel even slightly uncomfortable, you shouldn't work with them. It's better to take a loss than to deal with a difficult tenant.
Start Screening Guests for Vacation Rentals
Now you know the process of screening guests for vacation rentals in Breckenridge, CO.
Follow these steps to attract the ideal tenants. Once you find these tenants, take your time to communicate with them until you find the right option. Do your due diligence to care for your property. You must hire a property manager to help you.
PMI Breck is the best property management company for Breckenridge landlords. We have consistent positive reviews, and we're certain you'll have a great experience working with us!
