Property Onboarding: Gathering Key Information

• Essential to gather detailed information during property onboarding for smooth operations and great guest experience.

General Property Information

• Obtain the full property address for accurate records and easy identification.
• Understand the property's square footage and layout, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas.
• Establish the maximum guest capacity.
• Determine if there are any Homeowner Association or neighborhood rules that guests must follow.
• Know the property's age and when it was last renovated to plan for potential maintenance needs.

Maintenance and Repairs

• Ask about ongoing maintenance issues or areas of concern, such as plumbing, HVAC, or roof problems.
• Identify preferred service providers for maintenance, including plumbers, electricians, and landscapers.
• Obtain documentation for any warranties on appliances or systems for future reference.
• Locate the main utility shut-offs for water, gas, and electricity for emergency situations.
• Check if there's a regular pest control service in place and arrange one if needed.

Utilities and Systems

• Inquire about included utilities and who manages them, such as water, electricity, gas, and internet.
• Determine the type of heating and cooling system the property has (e.g., central air, window units).
• Check for a backup power source like a generator or solar panels.
• Note any smart home devices installed, such as smart locks, thermostats, or cameras.

Cleaning and Supplies

• Clarify if there's a preferred cleaning schedule or specific cleaning service.
• Inventory available cleaning supplies and equipment on-site.
• Obtain specific cleaning instructions for certain areas or items, such as hardwood floors or delicate furniture.
• Determine if consumables are provided for guests, like toiletries, coffee, tea, and paper towels.

Safety and Security

• Verify the presence of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and when they were last tested.
• Confirm if a fire extinguisher is on-site and its location.
• Inquire about any installed security systems or cameras and how they are managed.
• Identify any safety concerns or hazards on the property, like steep stairs or slippery surfaces.
• Check for liability insurance coverage on the property.

Guest Experience

• List amenities included for guests like Wi-Fi, streaming services, pool, or hot tub.
• Note any unique features or quirks of the property that guests should know about.
• Determine if there's a welcome guide or house manual; offer to create one if needed.
• Establish restrictions for guests, such as no pets, no smoking, or quiet hours.
• Define the check-in and check-out process, whether it's keyless entry, lockbox, or in-person.

Financial and Legal Details

• Discuss the desired nightly rate or pricing strategy.
• Research if there are any local taxes or permits required for short-term rentals.
• Decide on a cancellation policy.
• Establish the preferred payment method for owner payouts.
• Identify any existing bookings or contracts that need to be honored.

Emergency Contacts

• Determine who should be contacted in case of an emergency, whether it's the owner, property manager, or someone else.
• Ask for a list of local emergency services, including the nearest hospital, police, and fire department.
• Have a backup contact if the primary contact is unavailable.

Seasonal and Special Considerations

• Learn about any seasonal maintenance tasks, like winterizing pipes or pool maintenance.
• Get special instructions for extreme weather conditions like hurricanes or snowstorms.
• Decide on offering seasonal pricing or promotions.

Owner Preferences

• Determine how involved the owner wants to be in the management process.
• Discuss specific preferences for guest communication.
• Identify any personal items or areas that should be off-limits to guests.