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Best home security solutions for Airbnb hosts

Airbnb has gained immense popularity over the years with travellers preferring the renting service over expensive hotels for a more local experience.

With its rapid expansion, thousands of homeowners have opened up their properties to host Airbnb guests. According to The Guardian, some parts of the UK now have one listing for every four properties.

It has become a means of earning for many families and individuals, with an Airbnb UK insights report claiming that a typical host in the UK made ÂŁ3,100 a year in 2018 through the platform.

The current situation, with the global pandemic, has slowed down business for Airbnb hosts but there is hope that things will soon return to normal.

Being an Airbnb host is a great opportunity to earn and welcome guests from all around the world. However, it presents some unique challenges with respect to security.

Keeping your property safe and secure can be a little tricky when you have people coming in and going out of your property, and we’ve all heard of stories about how the hospitality of the hosts was taken advantage of.

In August 2020, an Airbnb listing was shut down by the police in Halesowen over complaints of anti-social behaviour and suspected drug-related activity.

To ensure that the experience stays a pleasant and secure one for both parties – the hosts and the guests – Airbnb hosts must adopt a few best practices to maximise security for themselves and their property.

Read on to find out the best home security solutions for Airbnb hosts:

VET YOUR GUESTS

Before you adopt any other security measures, it is important to cover the basics first. We understand that more guests mean more income for you, but you can’t let just anyone live on your property.

It is very important to have a strict screening process before you hand someone the keys to your rental space, and thoroughly assess their Airbnb profiles to help weed out fraudsters.

Although Airbnb offers an identity verification process where, before booking a stay, the guests are required to send in their Government ID and confirm a few personal details such as their legal name and address, it is still a good idea to do some research on your guests yourself too.

After receiving a booking request, you can look up their Airbnb history and read the reviews left by previous hosts. That will give you a good idea about what to expect and whether you should host them or not. Also, consider letting your property to people with a legitimate profile picture and not one of a cat or dog.

A quick Google search might give you a better insight and it would be immensely helpful to check out their Facebook and Instagram profiles as well.

You may also send them a message and ask a few questions such as their expected time of arrival or if they have any specific plans during their stay.

SMART LOCKS

How many times has it happened that you came back home at night and checked your pocket or purse for your house keys only to find out that they’re not there? Many, we assume.

Keys are one of the most commonly misplaced items in the world and giving your house keys to someone can be risky and cumbersome, which is why it is best if Airbnb hosts simply eliminate them and switch to better and more secure smart locks.

What are smart locks? They are keyless entry systems, hence eliminating the need for keys, that work using electronic locks opened with various authentication methods such as key cards, keypads, key fobs, biometrics, and smartphone apps.

They are like automatic locks but with the added feature of syncing with your smart home system and allowing you to monitor how many times the door was opened and closed, and by whom.

Smart locks are ideal for Airbnb hosts since they allow giving guests temporary access, depending on the length of their stay, which can be revoked any time with a single tap on your smartphone’s screen.

With keys, you would have to ensure that they have been returned and, in certain conditions, have the locks rekeyed or replaced after your guests leave which can be highly inconvenient.

Also, you would have to be physically present to give the keys to your guests, which is not always possible. Smart locks, with their virtual access feature, take care of the above-mentioned issues and ensure maximum security and control over your home.

SECURITY ALARMS AND SENSORS

When letting your property, it is crucial to limit your guest’s access to only authorised areas. If you’re sharing the place with them or have multiple rooms for different guests, you need to ensure that everyone stays where they are supposed to and don’t go prying here and there.

Quite obviously, you can’t physically be there to monitor every guest’s activity, especially if you have multiple lettings, and this is where security sensors and alarms come into play.

You can use motion sensor alarms that get triggered when activity is detected and which send you real-time push notifications on your smart device to alert you.

These can be installed in certain areas of the rental property or entire rooms where you do not want the guests to enter. As soon as they do, you will be alerted and can take appropriate action ASAP.

Sound sensors are another great way to keep a check on your guests that alert the hosts of any decibel spikes. These don’t infringe on the guests’ privacy by eavesdropping or recording sounds; they just alert the hosts of loud noises.

Particularly useful in keeping noisiness to a minimum, sound sensors can be used to alert the hosts of any disturbances or unauthorised parties.

In addition to minimising internal threats, sensors and alarms can also be used to control external threats and deter would-be burglars and intruders, keeping not just you but your guests protected as well.

SECURITY SAFES

Security safes have been used for centuries to protect valuables and have always proven their worth, and with the recent advancements in technology, they are more effective than ever at securing your possessions.

If you have valuables such as cash, jewellery, and important documents that you do not want to see getting into the wrong hands, it is best to invest in a sturdy safe to keep them protected.

Since Airbnb hosts usually share their property with their guests, it only makes sense to lock up items of value. In fact, this is a security measure that must be adopted by everyone.

Leaving your valuables out in the open, or common places such as in the bedroom drawers or closet, is just as good as inviting someone to steal them. Burglars know exactly what to steal and where to look.

Security safes come in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes, and knowing which one is best for you is crucial before you make a purchase.

There are wall safes that are installed into the walls of the home and are usually small to easily fit in the limited space. They are connected to the studs in the wall, fixing them in position and making them difficult to move.

Floor safes are embedded into the floor of the house’s concrete basement, making them extremely sturdy and difficult to remove.

Free-standing safes are the most common type and relatively cheaper than wall and floor safes, ranging from very small ones to bulkier ones weighing up to 2 tons.

Gun safes are made specifically for storing licenced guns and other weapons, and they come in different shapes and sizes that can easily accommodate all kinds of guns including long ones such as rifles.

All safes come with a fire rating, and the higher the rating is, the greater the level of protection against fires. It is typically judged by the degree of heat and the number of hours the safe can withstand and, if your budget allows it, you must go for the highest protection.

CCTV CAMERAS

Before we discuss the use of CCTV cameras any further, let’s make it clear that Airbnb has certain rules about security cameras and other recording devices used in listings.

Even though CCTV cameras are considered to be one of the most effective security measures against thefts, intrusions, and burglaries, there are certain reservations with respect to the privacy of the people being monitored.

The UK has certain legal requirements that must be followed regarding security cameras on your residential or commercial property.

Airbnb also takes the privacy of its users very seriously and has its own set of standards to ensure the surveillance equipment isn’t misused or used to infringe on guests’ privacy.

According to Airbnb guidelines, if you are a host and have any type of security camera or recording device on your property, you are required to disclose that information in the “Things Guests Should Know” section under the Health and Safety tab.

You are also required to explain where the cameras are placed, how the guests will be monitored, and whether an active recording is taking place.

CCTV cameras in private areas such as the bedroom or bathroom are never acceptable. You may, however, install them in the main entry and exit areas, general open areas such as the kitchen and living room, and off-limits areas where your valuables are stored. In any case, you must always inform your guests before they book your listing.

If you fail to disclose this information to your guests, you might have your account suspended and, in some serious cases, even terminated.

If a guest finds out about it after booking your listing and is not very comfortable with the idea, Airbnb allows them to cancel their reservations and receive a refund.

That being said, CCTV cameras are a powerful deterrent against all types of security threats including theft, intrusions, burglaries, and vandalism.

They not just stop such criminal activity but also, due to their recording and monitoring capabilities, help catch the perpetrators through clear identification and solid evidence.

When buying a CCTV camera for your Airbnb, you must run a risk assessment of the property to identify areas at risk, choose your power source and how you wish to have it installed, determine your budget, and choose your desired features.

The main features to look out for are motion sensors, notification alerts, camera resolution, night vision, audio communication, field of view, storage, and advanced features such as pet-friendliness and integration with other security systems.

The most popular types of CCTV cameras include bullet, dome, C-mount, PTZ, day/night, infrared/night vision, network/IP, HD, and wireless CCTV cameras.

HOW CAN CALDER SECURITY HELP?

We are experienced professionals working in the security industry for over 40 years and our extensive knowledge enables us to understand the various needs and requirements of different types of properties such as Airbnb rentals.

We provide comprehensive home security solutions for Airbnb hosts that include not just professional installation but also their monitoring, maintenance, and repair.

DOMESTIC LOCKSMITH SERVICES

We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA) and can work on a wide range of locking mechanisms including smart locks.

We specialise in wooden, UPVC, and aluminium doors, and are the official suppliers for leading lock brands including Chubb, Yale, Securikey, and Garrison.

Yale is a recognised name in the world of locks and has officially collaborated with Airbnb to provide hosts and guests with the best of smart home security.

In addition to installation services, our professional locksmiths also offer repair services for when the locks become damaged or develop faults.

DOMESTIC ALARM SERVICES

We offer professional installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair services for all kinds of burglar alarms, along with professional keyholding services.

All of our burglar alarm installations are carried out by qualified, experienced engineers that comply with standards: PD6662: 2010, DD243, and BS8243, required to qualify for police assistance.

Our systems meet the stringent requirements of BS4737 and European Standard EN50131 (Intruder Alarm Systems in Buildings).

We have both wired and wireless systems and can also advise you on the best choice for your property.

Our expert installers guide and train users before leaving the site, making sure they are comfortable with the system and understand how it works.

We also offer a 24-hour emergency call-out and can help you when your alarm goes off at 3 am if needed, and we can also talk you through fault fixes over the phone.

DOMESTIC SECURITY SAFES

It is always recommended to have your security safes installed by a professional security company to ensure that they are safe to use, the floor can bear the weight sufficiently, and they’re not in danger of falling or damaging anything.

We are familiar with a wide range of safes, cash boxes, and strong boxes, and our SSAIB approved contractors can help you assess your specific needs and recommend a suitable safe perfect for your requirements.

In addition to installation services, we also offer safe opening, removal/relocation, repair, and maintenance services.

DOMESTIC CCTV CAMERAS

We offer a comprehensive solution for home CCTV cameras perfect for Airbnb hosts and can design, supply, and install a variety of systems.

We offer both analogue HD and IP camera systems and can advise on the best solution for your Airbnb rental property after assessing your security needs and requirements.

We have qualified security specialists who are well-versed with the CCTV laws and regulations and are there to help you every step along the way.

Our SSAIB approved installers follow all the best practices in the industry and do not compromise on quality.

To ensure the utmost safety, we install only high-quality, state-of-the-art CCTV equipment from trusted brands such as Hikvision, one of the world’s leading CCTV manufacturers.

In addition to professional installation services, we also provide professional monitoring, repair, and maintenance services to ensure you cameras always work fault-free.

Calder Security is Yorkshire’s leading independent security company and we promise you the best services to keep you, your guests, and your Airbnb property safe.

Contact us here for a quick consultation or call us on 0800 612 9799.