Security Tips for Airbnb Hosts

Have you got a spare room that you just can’t think what to do with? Then Airbnb is a great way to utilize an unused space and to make some extra cash for yourself. Of course, there are always risks and drawbacks to renting out a space in your home, or even your home itself to strangers that you have never met or sometimes even spoken to before. As a homeowner, it is imperative that you are aware of these risks, and this is where these three hand security tips for Airbnb hosts comes in. Read on to find out more!

Keep your mail private.

We get sent all sorts of sensitive information through the post- bank statements, replacement credit cards, services you subscribe to, and even medical information- all of which could cause big problems if it was to fall into the wrong hands. You need to take care to ensure that your mail is protected whilst you are away, or that you get to it first if you are sharing your space. A great way of doing this is by getting a locking mailbox and ensuring that you are the only one with a key to access it. Alternatively, you could ask a friendly neighbour to receive your mail when you are not there, and just pick it up on your return.

Get insurance.

Whilst Airbnb does provide a certain level of insurance cover, it does not protect documents, financial papers, or jewellery. Your best bet is to get a safe deposit box to keep all of your sensitive files, passports, and any other items that would be difficult to replace. You can then store this box at home or at your bank. Whilst your bank may charge for this service, there is no safer alternative. Having full contents and household insurance is imperative as well and you need to be sure that your policy covers your renting endeavours, just to be on the safe side. You can contact LaFerla to find out what we can offer you in terms of comprehensive insurance for your home and the things inside it.

AirbnbGet a VPN

If you have an unsecured router at home, your network is vulnerable to cyber thieves and hackers. The best way to deal with this situation is to get and install a VPN router which helps to protect your online activities from being traced, tracked, or hacked. When your guests connect to your network, all of their browsing activity will run through the VPN meaning that all of their activity will be anonymous and will be impossible to trace back to your home address. The last thing you want is one of your guests getting up to illegal things on your network, and you arrive home to a visit from the authorities who have traced it back to your house.

These are just three of the top security measures you should consider if you become and Airbnb host. There are of course, many more bits of advice that you should follow, but with a private mail box, insurance from Laferla, and a VPN, you should find most of your concerns alleviated.