COVID-19 has forced virtually every business on the planet to either pivot or perish. The pandemic disrupted industries worldwide, and the only way for businesses to survive was to adapt to the new realities. In the face of rising cases and recurring lockdowns in many countries, COVID-19 has caused widespread devastation—not only to families and communities but also to businesses and entire industries, including the rental and hospitality sectors.

For the rental industry, the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Travel restrictions, health concerns, and changing consumer behavior led to plummeting demand, cancellations, and financial instability for many property managers and vacation rental hosts. In response, businesses were compelled to implement new safety protocols, adopt flexible cancellation policies, and find creative ways to offer safe, socially distanced accommodations.

The companies that have managed to weather the storm are those that embraced these changes quickly, pivoting their operations to accommodate evolving guest needs and market conditions. Whether through contactless check-ins, enhanced cleaning measures, or adjusting to the demand for longer stays and remote work accommodations, the ability to adapt has become crucial for survival. As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic’s effects, the rental industry must remain agile, prioritizing safety and flexibility to navigate the uncertainty ahead.

Renting is difficult

What was once a common and routine task, like going to the grocery store, has transformed into a stress-inducing, extraverted nightmare. Wearing a mask, navigating crowded aisles, and struggling to maintain enough distance between other customers have become part of the new reality. Renting your property has similarly been faced with new difficulties and stressors. Our only hope now is to keep adapting and modifying what we once did.

As air travel starts to pick up again, both renters and property owners find themselves in a state of unease, navigating the fear of close proximity to someone who might have COVID-19. This anxiety, along with concerns about cleanliness and safety, currently dictates the survival of the short-term rental industry. So, how can property owners navigate these issues and continue renting during the pandemic?

There isn’t a silver bullet solution to make things go back to normal (though we wish there was), but there are steps you can take. First, reflect on your property and ask yourself the hard questions: “Has my rental been thoroughly cleaned after each guest?”, “Are there clear cleaning measures in place for incoming renters?”, “Are we being transparent about how frequently things are sanitized?”

Understanding what makes a guest feel safe and comfortable in your home is essential. By addressing these concerns, you can implement the necessary safety measures and create an environment that reassures guests. Offering detailed communication about your cleaning processes and safety protocols will help build trust and project a COVID-free image for your property. This, in turn, will make future guests more confident in booking your rental, knowing you prioritize their well-being.

Sanitizing your home is paramount

Sanitization should always be the first step in making your rental a COVID-free home. Just as you wouldn’t feel comfortable arriving at a hotel in another country only to find a dirty toilet or an unmade bed, your guests have similar expectations. They’re paying for a special stay, and they want the cleanliness of the space to reflect that. While it’s easy to spot the obvious issues, like an unclean bathroom or messy bed, it’s the less visible areas that can pose the biggest risks—like a sink tap or light switch that hasn’t been wiped down, or kitchen counters that haven’t been properly sanitized.

To ensure thorough cleaning, it’s helpful to write down a list of objects and surfaces most frequently touched in your rental. This might include door handles, remotes, appliances, faucets, and light switches. With a clear idea of what needs attention, you can be sure you’re not overlooking areas that guests will interact with often.

If you’re not comfortable doing this level of cleaning yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. A professional service ensures that every surface is disinfected and every detail is handled with care, reducing the risk of spreading germs. The last thing you want is for an unsanitized fixture to become a petri dish for the coronavirus, jeopardizing both your guests’ health and your property’s reputation. Prioritizing sanitization will not only keep your guests safe but also provide them with the peace of mind they need for a relaxing stay.

Talk with your guests

Besides thoroughly cleaning, it’s essential to open a dialogue with your potential guests. Boast about your cleaning efforts! Let guests know about the extra steps you’re taking to ensure their safety—after all, they won’t be upset that you went the extra mile to clean for them. In fact, many travelers today are more likely to prioritize cleanliness over other factors, so highlighting your sanitization protocols can make your property stand out.

Additionally, you should welcome any questions your potential guests might have. Their questions are part of their process for ensuring peace of mind, and addressing them promptly will build their confidence in your property. If a guest has even the slightest doubt about the safety and cleanliness of your rental, you risk losing that booking. This is why reassurance is crucial during this period. By opening up this conversation, you show that you care about their health and well-being.

Reassuring your guests not only helps secure bookings but also strengthens trust, as it communicates that their safety is your priority. Addressing any specific concerns or requests they have also shows that you’re willing to comply with their needs, fostering a sense of care and attentiveness. In a time when safety and cleanliness are top of mind for travelers, this open dialogue can be the key to setting your rental apart and building long-term guest loyalty.

Show off the clean

You may be asking yourself, “But Enso, this just ensures people that already wanted to rent will continue to rent.  What about the others that rented before but don’t anymore?”.  Great question.  Advertise, advertise, advertise!  Edit your Airbnb/Vrbo/guest booking site listing and say that you regularly sanitize and have proper precautions in place.  It could be this one step that pushes a potential renter toward a confirmed booking.

Being a great host like yourself, you know the importance of making your guest feel comfortable and welcomed. During this stressful time, you may feel the pressure of following new protocols you didn’t have before, but don’t worry. Here at Enso, we are at your disposal to ensure your rental experience is stress free.