New Program Promises A Closer, Cleaner Vacation Rental
As the travel industry starts down a long road to recovery, companies are looking for new ways to reassure customers that their products are safe. We just introduced a new program to help its customers find a clean vacation rental closer to home. It includes cleanliness guidelines and new search filters that will guide customers to the right property.
What’s in the new cleaner vacation rental program?
New cleaning standards. These new guidelines combine information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Cristal International Standards. Homeowners and property managers now have “clear guidelines” for disinfecting high-touch surfaces, building in time between bookings to avoid back-to-back stays, and stocking antibacterial handwashes, cleaners and hand sanitizers for guests.
New property descriptions. Homeowners and property managers will be able to report if the property is being cleaned with disinfectant, if guests can check in and out without any person-to-person contact, and whether the property is unavailable for at least 24 hours between guests. Once property owners have supplied that information, we will add it to the property descriptions that travelers see on the site and app.
New search filters for flexibility and proximity. Internal polling suggests more than 75% of guests are more likely to choose accommodations with flexible cancellation policies when booking their next vacation home. So the company is adding new search filters that allow customers to find vacation homes that provide a full refund when canceling by a specific date. We will also highlight listings with the most relaxed cancellation policies, making it easier for people to find vacation homes that offer free cancellation closer to their check-in date. We are also adding a search function for proximity, so you can plan a driving vacation.
You’ve introduced some significant changes to your product today. What are you hoping to accomplish?
We know that when families decide they’re ready to travel again, they’re going to have new priorities when choosing a place to stay. Vacation homes already have the space and privacy away from crowds we know they’ll want, but there are other things we need to highlight for them, including cleanliness, flexibility, and places to stay close to home.
Home Care & Ownership Tips
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Maintenance Tips for Vacation Homes and Rental Properties
This is the first article in a series of three from Ownersite Technologies about ensuring the maintenance of a secondary property, including vacation homes and rental dwellings. The topics include maintenance tips, owners’ rights when renters do not take care of a property, and how to work with tenants to maintain a home and maximize its value.
It may be exciting to have the second home tucked away for vacations or as an investment that will pay off years down the line, but it is just as important to maintain that dwelling even if you are not there to do so on a daily basis. While it may be the furthest from your mind until you receive the mortgage bill in the mail or any other related expenses, your second home should be viewed the same as your primary residence in terms of its investment value and need for maintenance.
The type of maintenance your second home needs depends on the age, location, type and frequency of use, and the materials used in the construction process. Obviously, if you rent the property out full-time, it will need certain kind of maintenance versus a home that has weekly or weekend rentals or that you use infrequently for your own holidays.
Vacation Home Maintenance Tips
If you opt to rent your vacation home out by the weekend or week, you may want to consider hiring a cleaning team through whatever property management company you utilize for the rental. You can also opt to do the work yourself. Look at the maintenance as you would if you owned a hotel, motel, or lodge. Here are some ideas that may or may not apply
depending on the type of vacation home you have:
Do a housecleaning service after each booking that includes vacuuming, bathrooms, linen and towel cleaning, and kitchen cleaning as you would do in your own home.
Clean out the dryer vent regularly if you have these facilities on-site.
Vacuum the condenser coils in your refrigerator.
Change furnace/air conditioner filters at least once a month.
Regularly check and clean your furnace/air conditioner.
Clean faucets and shower heads, especially in areas that use wells or have particularly hard water, to avoid build-up that can affect water pressure.
Clean out sink and drains regularly.
Wash all blankets and comforters at least once every 10 rentals.
Keep an inventory of items that are stocked in the vacation rental, such as dishes, silverware, cups, etc.
Vacation Rental Tips for Renters
Before you head out on your next family vacation you might consider booking something a little bit different than your standard hotel room. Renting out a vacation rental, or other similar sites can give you another option if hotel rooms just aren’t working for you and your family or traveling group. However, because vacation rentals are so different from hotels, there are a few important tips you’ll need to ensure your stay is just as wonderful as you imagine it will be!
Comparing Vacation Rentals to Hotels
First, you’ll want to understand that vacation rentals are completely different from hotels in so many ways. Check out these pros and cons of vacation rentals, when compared to hotels.
Pros:
Typically more space
Kitchen for meal flexibility and to save on food costs
Families can get a place with bedrooms, and bedroom doors, making early bedtimes, and sleeping in general, much easier
Often more affordable
Just more options when it comes to types of stays. You can find large houses, smaller condos, places with yards, and more. Hotel rooms are all essentially the same, when it comes to space and layout.
May be able to find a vacation rental in areas that do not have hotels
More private
Can be a more unique, personal experience. Vacation rentals can feel like you are visiting a friend’s home. Often, hosts are thrilled to have you stay and share their amazing home
Many places are pet-friendly, with adequate space for pets to be comfortable
Better for group stays, or family reunions, in my opinion
Cons
No daily cleaning service.
You may be asked to do some basic cleaning on checkout. Typically, you’ll be asked to put a load of dirty sheets and towels into the wash, and take out all garbages. Of course, each rental is a little bit different.
More limited services compared to a hotel. For example, a vacation rental will obviously not have an onsite restaurant or bar, or a fitness center, typically toiletries are not provided, and no 24-hour front desk service if you discover you need something
Cancellation policies vary, but typically, you will not be able to cancel within 30 days. Even early cancellations can mean a loss of up to 50% of the total cost. In general, cancellation policies at hotels are MUCH more generous.
Rates can be difficult to understand. Owners fees, cleaning fees, service fees can add up, and for short stays, even exceed the nightly rate.
Maintenance issues may not be taken care of as quickly as compared to a hotel. Smaller hosts just don’t have the capacity to take on maintenance issues as quickly as a hotel with staff dedicated to the maintenance of the property
No way to accrue loyalty points, travel with points or get any kind of upgrades because of brand loyalty.
In our experience, uncomfortable mattresses are more common at vacation rentals than hotels.
Comparing vacation rental services
When looking at a vacation rental to rent, there are several websites that can help you through the process. They each are a little bit different, with pros and cons for each.
Guidelines for owners and property managers for enhanced cleaning and disinfection of holiday rentals
As the world reopens for travel, people will be more concerned than ever about the cleanliness of their holiday rentals. In an effort to help you anticipate and deliver the experience holidaymakers need to feel safe while staying at your properties, we’ve compiled this list of comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting guidelines.
These guidelines were created in consultation with Expedia Group partner Cristal International Standards, part of Intertek Group, and with the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA). They’re based on publicly available information from the World Health Organization (WHO).
General advice
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has created a need to take additional cleaning and disinfection measures to help prevent its spread and help ensure the safety of holidaymakers and partners.
Partners are encouraged to:
Use accurate, reputable sources of information including the WHO, and local authorities
Make sure to follow local regulations, where applicable
Have a proactive plan to manage and minimise the risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and similar events, such as a prevention of spread of infection plan
Implement an enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of the property between stays
If using an external or professional cleaning company, communicate expectations and plans for cleaning and disinfection standards, and get periodic confirmation that they are being followed by the company contracted
Communicate to holidaymakers on measures implemented, both pre-stay and during stay, via listing content and property information booklet
Support for guests —
Support good hand hygiene for guests and anyone involved with the property by providing sufficient hand sanitiser, antibacterial soap products at property entry points and key areas, and also encouraging hand washing regularly with water and soap for at least 20 seconds
Implement social distancing policies during check-in and check-out, and during any interactions with guests, staff and the local community. When possible, encourage minimising these interactions
Recommend removing shoes when entering the property and leaving them at the entrance (if possible, outside)
Inform guests on how they can contribute in prevention, and actions to take if they identify symptoms (refer to WHO, or local government resources)
Consider providing cleaning and disinfecting products for guests to use, along with instructions; antibacterial hand wash and additional personal hygiene products are also nice to have on hand for guests
If guests clean the property themselves, be sure to assess the results and the overall cleanliness of the property and to implement an additional cleaning if necessary; regardless, implement disinfection as described below
Cleaning guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
We know that many of you continue to host right now, whether that means opening up your home for longer stays, welcoming local guests, or offering housing to medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus (COVID-19) response. If you’re continuing to host, it’s important to revisit your cleaning routine to make sure you’re doing what you can to protect yourself and your guests.
Why cleaning is more important than ever
Cleanliness has always been top of mind for hosts and guests. But it’s even more critical as we all aim to reduce the spread of infection. According to the CDC, it’s possible for someone to contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface—like a doorknob or light switch—and the virus may live on some surfaces for several hours or even days. That’s why it’s essential to clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces often, especially between reservations.
The difference between cleaning and sanitizing
When it comes to preventing the spread of germs, it helps to understand the difference between cleaning and sanitizing. Cleaning is the act of removing germs, dirt, and impurities (like when you use a soapy sponge to wipe off a visibly dirty counter or stovetop). Sanitizing is when you use chemicals to reduce the number of germs and bacteria. By cleaning first, then sanitizing, you can lower the risk of infection.
Here are some guidelines to follow when cleaning your space between guests. If you work with a cleaning professional, instruct them to use this list, too.
1. Wear protective gear while you clean. Personal protective items like disposable gloves, aprons or gowns, and facial coverings (like homemade or purchased masks) can provide additional protection. Make sure to wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.
2. Ventilate rooms before you clean. The CDC recommends opening outside doors and windows and using ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the space before beginning to clean and sanitize. Learn more about how to properly ventilate before cleaning from the CDC.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each cleaning. Use soap and water, and wash for at least 20 seconds. If that’s not possible, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Learn more about proper hand washing
4. Clean, then sanitize. Use detergent or soap and water to remove dirt, grease, dust, and germs. Once the surface is clean, spray with a disinfectant. Let it stand for a few minutes, then wipe—and if you’re not using paper towels or disposable wipes, it’s best to use a new cleaning cloth for each guest.
5. Avoid touching your face while cleaning. To prevent the spread of germs, the CDC recommends not touching your face, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands—so pay extra attention when cleaning.
6. Use the right disinfectant. Most common household disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as cleaning solutions with diluted household bleach or at least 70% alcohol, are believed to be effective against the coronavirus. Pay special attention to frequently touched surfaces, like light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and faucet handles. (See our full list of surfaces to sanitize at the bottom of the page.)
7. Don’t forget about sofas, rugs, drapes, and other soft, porous surfaces. Carefully remove any visible dirt or grime, then clean with the appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. If possible, machine-wash items according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Wash all linens at the highest heat setting recommended by the manufacturer. That includes bed sheets, mattress covers, hand and bath towels, kitchen towels, and blankets. Remember to wear gloves when handling dirty laundry, and take care to avoid shaking laundry, which could increase the spread of germs.
9. Clean and sanitize laundry baskets and hampers. If possible, consider using a liner that is either disposable or that you can throw into the washing machine.
10. Empty the vacuum cleaner after every cleaning. You should wipe down the vacuum cleaner with disinfectant, along with appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine.
11. While restocking your supplies, take a moment to check expiration dates. And remember to never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning solution that can release toxic gases that are dangerous to inhale.
12. Line trash cans. Placing bags into trash bins will make it easier to dispose of tissues and other waste.
13. Dispose of or wash your cleaning supplies. If you’re using paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and other disposable cleaning supplies, take the trash out after you’re done. If you’re using cleaning cloths and other reusable products, make sure to machine-wash them at the highest heat setting appropriate for the material.
14. Safely remove any cleaning gear. When you’re done cleaning, immediately remove any protective outerwear like gowns, gloves, or masks, and dispose of them or wash accordingly. Remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds afterwards.