Statistics indicate that over 4 million Airbnb hosts exist in the US, each earning an average of $9,600 yearly. Indeed, being an Airbnb host helps you earn additional income while having enough time to work on other stuff. Moreover, you can enjoy tax deductions and other benefits. However, guests want to feel safe in an Airbnb home, and you can boost your chances of retaining them when you prioritize their safety. Moreover, satisfied clients are likelier to recommend your business to other people. Fortunately, you can promote your guests’ safety with the appropriate practices, including the following.
Eliminate risks of falls, slips, and trips
Falls, slips, and trips are common accidents in a living space, and your Airbnb home isn’t an exception. Research states that millions of Americans visit the hospital to treat these accidents, while thousands die. According to the National Safety Council, they are responsible for approximately one-third of non-fatal injuries. Several factors cause falls, slips, and trips, including floor cracks, loose stairs, inadequate lighting, damaged handrails, uneven floor surfaces, slippery floors due to leaks from sinks and showers, etc. You risk lawsuits if guests injure themselves in your home due to falls or slips. Therefore, it’s essential to eliminate anything that can cause these accidents.
Consider installing non-slip strips on your stairs and non-slip mats in the bathrooms. Likewise, ensure that your home’s interior and exterior areas have adequate lighting to help your guests navigate their way around without bumping into stuff. Installing handrails and grab bars can benefit older guests who need help moving around the home, so feel free to consider them. Consequently, arrange your furniture to allow enough walking space, and eliminate clutter from the floor. You’ll also find it helpful to fix your flooring to allow for a more even surface, so keep this in mind.
Train your guests on how to use your appliances
Home appliances can make your guests’ stay more comfortable and enjoyable but can be hazardous when used inappropriately. For instance, leaving your foods unattended in ovens or cooking stoves can cause fire outbreaks. Moreover, misusing the oven’s self-cleaning features (if applicable) can damage its electronic system and increase malfunction risks. Likewise, cloth dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, power bars, personal electronics, etc., can also trigger fire outbreaks. Therefore, you want to avoid assuming that your guests can operate your appliances, as they may not be familiar with them. Instead, take them to mandatory training on how to use them effectively.
For instance, you can use the stove’s back burners when cooking to prevent your kids from being burnt. Likewise, you can consider outlining the specific ways to use your appliances on a document, so keep this in mind. Installing a dishwasher latch can prove helpful if your guests have kids, as they prevent anyone from opening it. If you have an outdoor barbeque, you can train your guests to use them safely for their outward BBQ parties. Also, remind them to unplug each appliance when not in use.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide (Co2) detectors
The NFPA statistics revealed that 40% of fire deaths occurred in homes with no smoke alarms, while smoke alarms reduced home fire deaths by half. Admittedly, these devices can give your guests peace of mind that they will be alerted of any fires. This is because these devices sound an alarm after detecting certain particles in the air. Experts advise installing smoke detectors outside each bedroom and on each story if you have a multiple-storied home. Consequently, determine what type will be more suitable for your home, whether battery-powered or hard-wired smoke detectors. As a tip, ensure they’re easy to maintain and can last longer without compromising function.
Other necessary devices worth installing are the carbon monoxide (Co2) detectors, as Co2 is an odorless gas that can end lives by asphyxiation. These detectors can alert your guests to Co2 presence in the home to take the necessary precautions. Fortunately, new brands of smoke detectors can also detect carbon monoxide, so feel free to consider them. If you want stand-alone options, inspect the manufacturing date, as they lose their sensitivity as time progresses. It’s also prudent to install them on the ceiling or higher wall areas and avoid placing them near heating appliances, vents, fans, or air conditioners. As a tip, seek the services of credible electricians to install your Co2 and smoke detectors for the best results. You can visit https://infiniteelectrician.com/ for more details.
Remove Anything Unnecessary
Generally speaking, when it comes to an AirBnB, you’re going to just want to remove anything that’s not necessary. Sure this could feel as if you’re taking away character from the space, but you’re honestly not. You have to keep in mind that this is your space, so surely you don’t want any potential damage, right? Ideally, for whatever it is you have leftover, you should try to put it into storage. But just remember, with Airbnb spaces, it’s better to keep it to only necessities. It doesn’t mean the space needs to be bare-bones, but it helps keep track of what’s missing or broken if there is fewer items in the space.
