Vacation Rental Etiquette 101

These days a lot of businesses rely on ratings.  From Uber, Trip Advisor, VRBO, Open Table – a good rating can make you (and a bad rating can break you!)  Ratings now work both ways.  Gone are the days that you could slam a business, but also be a bad customer.  Many platforms now can also rate the customer or user.  Take Uber for example. If you are a rude rider, you are disrespectful, you’re drunk and throw up in their backseat – the driver can give you a negative rating which may hurt your ability to get future ride.  

Vacation rental companies have experienced a lot of success in the last few years, especially during and right after the epidemic.  Most companies do not have to rent to just anyone and we at Beachside Getaway, have the right to not rent to guests based on a variety of factors, including past rental performance.  There was recently an incident of a vacation renter who destroyed a property on Hilton Head – they jammed shellfish in the heaters and turned up the heat, they flooded sinks and bathtubs….We were shocked… We were horrified!  Who would honestly do such a thing? 

Here are our basic tips on being a good guest and get a good guest rating!    Follow these simple steps to be a good vacation renter.  A lot of these things help our cleaning crews turn the property over faster for the next guest so they can get in earlier or at least on time, something that we know you’d like to have when you check in. 

Let’s all do our part! 

1.     

Follow Checkout Instructions: Adhere to any specific checkout procedures provided by the rental, such as setting the thermostat, locking doors, or returning furniture to its original position.  Also note the timing of departure and what time you are expected to vacate. 

2.     

Report Issues: If you encountered any problems during your stay (e.g., maintenance issues), inform the property owner or manager. Report any safety hazards, such as loose floorboards or inadequate lighting.  If something breaks during your stay, make sure you let us know so we can get it repaired or replaced. 

3.     

Clean Up: Tidy up the space by washing dishes, wiping down surfaces, and taking out the trash. Gather all garbage and place it in designated trash bins. If instructed, take it out to the designated collection area. Don’t forget to please empty your fridge! 

4.     

Sheets: Take the sheets off the bed and place by the washer/dryer, if applicable. 

5.     

Check for Personal Items: Do a thorough check to ensure you haven’t left any personal belongings behind. Look in closets, drawers, and under beds for any clothing or personal items you might have left behind. Ensure you have all chargers, gadgets, and any other personal electronics. Check bathrooms for any toiletries, cosmetics, or personal care items.

6.     

Final Walkthrough: Perform a final walkthrough of the rental to confirm everything is in order. If you want to safeguard your security deposit, consider taking photos of the property’s condition before you leave, especially if you noticed any pre-existing damage. 

7.     

Leave a Review: Consider leaving a review of your stay to help future guests! 

By following these steps, you'll not only be respectful to the property owner but also contribute to a positive experience for the next guests. This attention to detail can lead to favorable reviews and possibly even discounts for future stays!