How Can I be a Good Short-term Rental Host and a Good Neighbor?
Being a good neighbor is the basis for a vibrant and thriving community. Respecting your neighbors and your neighborhood is part and parcel of being a responsible short-term rental host. Being a successful short-term rental host requires striking a balance between providing a positive experience for your guest and being a considerate neighbor.
Here are a few key tips to help you on your way:
- Be aware of local laws and regulations.
- Be aware of how much work it takes to be a good host and/or hire a group to help with management. If you are out of town, make sure you know someone locally and close by who can help with any issues.
- Make sure you are properly insured and that your STR has appropriate safety devices for both you and your guest’s protection.
- Establish clear communication with neighbors and promptly address any concerns.
- Set guest expectations. Clearly list occupancy maximums and that no parties are allowed on your platform ad. Communicate house rules for guests such as quiet hours, parking and trash instructions upfront.
- Use tools such as noise monitors, outdoor surveillance, doorbell cameras to monitor the property. Be sure this is properly disclosed and in line with platform privacy requirements.
- Keep the property well-maintained, remember you get rated!
- Strictly limit and enforce occupancy requirements.
- Check out Social Media groups for more operational tips.
- Bookmark the Dallas Short-term Rental Alliance website for educational videos and to keep updated.
