6 Ways to Boost Security at Your Short-Term Rental Property

As a short-term rental property owner, ensuring the safety and security of both your guests and your property is vital. But since most vacation rental property owners operate from a distance much of the time, how can you ensure the best security no matter where you are or the current usage of your property? Discover six things you can do.

1. Use Key Control Systems

Do you utilize traditional locks and keys on your property? The good news is that if you choose not to upgrade to a code or keycard system, you can still have safety and convenience. The method is known as a key control system. This system allows you to store keys in a locked organizer and then allow access to the individual units by code or other means.

Use key control systems to secure the keys to outdoor landscaping equipment, supply rooms, locked areas of the home, or personal and recreational vehicles. You might even use it to physically lock up expensive technology that caretakers or maintenance services need.

2. Lock Up Items Inside and Outside

The front and back doors of a short-term rental aren't the only places that an owner needs to secure. Have you done a walk-through lately to determine what else might need better security?

Simply marking a room or cabinet with a Do Not Enter sign is often not enough to keep curious guests or their kids out. Lock up rooms you don't want anyone to access, cabinets with sensitive documents for the property, equipment sheds, or storage areas for cleaning supplies or hazardous materials. You might even need to lock up access to potentially dangerous parts of the property with a smart lock on fencing. 

3. Improve Access Control Methods

Modern property owners have a wide variety of access control measures to choose from. Tailor your methods to the way you and your guests use the home.

Some landlords like to use a smart lock with a code system the guest enters, eliminating the need for keys. Others may prefer to unlock doors themselves through a remote app on their mobile device. And you might give a local maintenance service or caretaker a keycard or smartphone app for some areas to boost security.

4. Add Cameras Where Possible

Security cameras allow you to monitor the property whether or not it's being used. Cameras on a rental property has limitations — primarily about where you can install them — but the rules do generally allow you to use cameras to beef up outdoor and front or back entrance security. Be sure you're transparent with guests about where these cameras are installed and why. 

5. Provide User-Friendly Security

Think about what could make your guests feel safer during their stay. A camera-enabled doorbell, for instance, might show who's at the front door via a video screen inside. Motion sensor lights on the exterior of the house and remote parts of the lot ensure guests know no one will surprise them. This helps guests not only feel safe but also feel more ownership of security around your property. 

6. Install Remote-Enabled Alarms

Standard fire alarms may be all that's required by city codes or your rental platform, but this gives only limited protection to the property. If no one is there to hear it, does a smoke alarm add much value? Instead, look for systems that you can integrate into your security monitoring plan and provide notification through mobile devices.

Want to know more ways to secure your rental property? Start by meeting with a local security company that specializes in access control issues. At Phoenix Access Control, we provide a wide array of solutions geared toward any budget and any property needs. Call today to make an appointment and get started better protecting your investment and those who use it.