The market of Airbnb users Australia wide is growing daily, prompting growing numbers of Australian home owners to take the leap into the rewarding world of Airbnb hosting. For many, this process of Airbnb hosting brings endless excitement, visitors from all walks of life and an impressive financial return — however, it also inevitably brings with it a duty of care to each of the guests who opt to stay in your listed home. While many Airbnb hosts are working tirelessly to improve their homes in terms of providing luxury, comfort and beautiful styling, many continue to overlook the importance of safety essentials at the expense of their guests.
At HomeHost, we prioritise the comfort, satisfaction and safety of your guests — that’s why we’ve put together a list of absolute safety essentials to consider if you’re interested in listing your home on a platform such as Airbnb.
1. Smoke and CO Detectors
They’re an absolute essential, and could quite literally save lives in the case of an emergency. It is paramount that you regularly check that your smoke and CO detectors are working, making this an essential aspect of your home maintenance routine.
2. Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is a small but essential element of any home fire-safety plan. An all-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher can be used on paper, wood, combustible liquids and even electrical equipment, protecting your guests as well as your property.
3. Minimizing hazards
Regular wear and tear can create hazards in the home. Between guest check-ins, be sure to check for hazards, including but not limited to damaged power chords, loose floorboards and faulty electrical appliances.
4. Securing Home and Valuables
Measures such as security cameras for your outdoor areas and safety deposit boxes for your guests’ valuables will give both you and your guest peace of mind throughout their stay, especially considering you’ve likely invested a substantial amount of time and money in ensuring that your home is beautiful and comfortable. This is particularly important if you regularly spend significant periods of time away from an investment property that you have listed on Airbnb, for example.
5. Childproofing
If you have stated in your listing that your home is kid-friendly, ensure that it has been adequately child-proofed — both for the protection of your guests and your property. Child safety latches are essential in protecting small children from hazards, and it is also a fantastic idea to anchor down any furniture or appliances that could potentially tip over onto your guests’ little ones.
At HomeHost, we specialise in Sydney Airbnb property management. We manage your Airbnb so you can manage other things! To learn more about our services, contact the HomeHost team at hello@homehost.com.au or call 1300 17 17 18.
