When renting out your home, one major factor to consider is the demographic you’re targeting. The type of guests you attract can vary significantly based on the time of year and the nature of your listing. For example, renting out your property during Spring Break may draw teenagers and young adults looking for a lively party scene, while renting it out during the workweek could attract business travelers or families on vacation.

To maximize your rental’s appeal and enhance guest satisfaction, it’s crucial to tailor your property and services to your target demographic. For instance, if your ideal guests are families, understanding their specific needs and preferences can make a significant difference in their overall experience.

Don’t forget about the kids!

When one hears the words “family” and “vacation,” it’s hard not to think of kids—especially little ones. Interestingly, these young guests are a crucial part of your target audience because happy kids often mean happy parents. No parent wants to spend their vacation dealing with tantrums or boredom from their children. So, how can you make your rental more appealing to families with young kids?

Start by making your rental as kid-friendly as possible. Picture yourself as a child: What would you enjoy doing or playing with? Providing amenities that cater to kids can make a huge difference. For example, consider investing in toys like Legos. They are a versatile and engaging option for children who can build and create for hours, provided the kids are old enough. Another thoughtful addition could be a kid-friendly Netflix account or similar streaming service with age-appropriate content. This way, if the kids need a break from playtime, they can enjoy some downtime with entertaining and suitable videos.

Additionally, think about other features that can enhance the experience for young families. Include things like childproofing measures, safety gates, high chairs, and cribs if possible. Providing a range of activities, such as board games or outdoor play equipment, can also keep children entertained.

While catering to the needs of kids is essential for ensuring parents have a pleasant stay, don’t forget to consider other aspects that contribute to a family’s overall enjoyment. By creating a space that accommodates the needs of children, you not only enhance the family’s vacation experience but also increase the likelihood of positive reviews and repeat bookings. Happy kids lead to happy parents, and happy parents are more likely to spread the word about your excellent family-friendly rental.

Create a separate space for the adults

When vacationing with kids, parents are often seeking a break from their regular routine and looking for ways to relax and enjoy their time away. To cater to their needs and enhance their vacation experience, consider incorporating features that allow for both family fun and parental relaxation.

One effective way to achieve this balance is by providing a separate sleeping area for the parents. This dedicated space can serve as a retreat where adults can unwind and enjoy some privacy away from their children. If a separate bedroom isn’t feasible in your rental, clearly delineate areas meant for kids and those intended for adults. This separation can help create a more peaceful environment for everyone.

Another important consideration for families is the availability of kid-friendly food options in the area. Parents often worry about finding restaurants where their children will be satisfied with the menu. To alleviate this concern, compile a list of nearby dining options that offer child-friendly meals. Providing menus or recommendations for restaurants with kid-friendly options, such as chicken fingers or pasta, can be a valuable resource for families staying at your rental.

By focusing on these aspects, you can create an environment that not only meets the needs of children but also offers parents the relaxation and convenience they are seeking. Happy parents and satisfied kids lead to a positive vacation experience, which can result in glowing reviews and repeat bookings. Ensuring that both children and adults feel comfortable and well-catered to will make your property stand out as a top choice for families.

Parents love safety

Another crucial consideration for families when choosing a vacation rental is the safety of their children. Parents will scrutinize the safety features of the rental to ensure their kids are secure during their stay. To address this concern, it’s important to highlight any safety measures you have in place.

If your property includes smart locks, security cameras, or other security features, make sure to advertise these prominently. Clearly communicating the presence of these safety features can help reassure anxious parents that their children are in a secure environment.

Additionally, consider taking proactive steps to enhance safety around the rental. This might include installing safety gates, covering electrical outlets, or providing corner protectors for sharp edges. Ensuring that these details are in place can make a significant difference in how parents perceive the safety of your rental.

Effective communication with guests is also key. Be transparent about the safety measures you’ve implemented and offer to answer any questions parents may have. This open line of communication will help build trust and further reassure families that their children’s safety is a top priority.

By addressing safety concerns and clearly showcasing your commitment to providing a secure environment, you can significantly enhance the appeal of your rental for families. This focus on safety, combined with thoughtful amenities and excellent communication, will contribute to a positive experience for guests and encourage them to choose your property for their next family vacation.

If you have any questions about this article feel free to email contact@ensoconnect.com.

Renting out your property in Toronto, Canada, has become more regulated. If you’re considering turning your home into a rental property or already operate rental properties, you must now register them with the city, notifying the government that you are using your property for short-term rentals. For those currently renting out their properties, the deadline to apply and register is December 31st, 2020. Failure to comply by this date may result in significant fines and penalties.

While these regulations might seem like a hassle, they actually present a positive opportunity. By adhering to the registration process, you ensure that your rental property remains compliant with local laws, reducing the risk of interruptions or legal issues. This proactive approach helps maintain the long-term viability of your rental business, allowing you to focus on generating revenue and providing a great experience for your guests without the worry of regulatory setbacks.

Register Your Toronto STR

he process of registering your property in Toronto is straightforward and designed to be user-friendly. You’ll need to answer several questions and provide personal information, such as your driver’s license. The registration fee is a modest fifty dollars, which is a small price compared to the potential fines of up to a thousand dollars for not registering or another thousand for advertising an unregistered property on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. The entire registration process typically takes no more than fifteen minutes. Following submission, the government will assess whether your property meets the criteria for receiving a registration number.

The criteria for eligibility are specific and stringent. However, adhering to these requirements is crucial for maintaining your ability to advertise on rental sites and ensuring uninterrupted revenue flow. A registered property signals to potential guests that you are a responsible and compliant host. When guests see a registration number in your rental ad, it conveys a sense of trustworthiness and adherence to local regulations.

While it may seem like an additional step, registering your property helps create an image of safety and care. Guests prefer to stay in properties that adhere to local laws and demonstrate a commitment to their well-being. By registering, you showcase your dedication to providing a secure and high-quality experience, distinguishing yourself from hosts who may neglect these important responsibilities. This attention to detail can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining guests, fostering a positive reputation, and ultimately ensuring the long-term success of your rental property.

The Upside

There are several positive aspects of registering your property with the city of Toronto that directly benefit your guests. First and foremost, the requirement to advertise your property’s registration number acts as a reassuring seal of approval. For potential guests, especially those who are renting for the first time or are new to the country, this registration provides a significant sense of security. It serves as a form of validation that your property has been vetted and approved by local authorities, which can alleviate any concerns they may have.

For many travelers, particularly those experiencing the normal jitters of travel, having that extra layer of assurance can make a substantial difference. The registration number effectively ticks off an important box in their mind, offering them a sense of certainty that their stay will be smooth and trouble-free. Even the most seasoned travelers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing their accommodations meet local regulatory standards.

In essence, by complying with the registration requirements, you are not only adhering to legal obligations but also enhancing your property’s appeal by demonstrating professionalism and reliability. This added layer of confidence can help attract more guests, foster trust, and ultimately contribute to a more positive and reassuring experience for those staying at your property.

Another positive when registering also has to deal with the peace of mind of your guest: the new addition of an emergency contact as well as how to contact emergency services (911).  This is especially viable information for guests from out of the country that are unfamiliar with the healthcare system, and are worried in case of an emergency.  Could you imagine that? Being in a new country, with limited speaking ability and one of your family members is injured, and now you are unsure and stressing about how to get your family member to the hospital! This not only helps guests feel more at unease in case of an emergency, but if an actual emergency happens, they are also prepared, which is a thousand times better than not.

Yes, these precautions take extra effort and work, but they ensure a safe and well-maintained rental for potential guests. And again, there is nothing like a seal of approval from the government to ensure guests that your property is on the up and up.  If you are unsure how to register, or are wanting to register your property with Enso Connect, feel free to reach out to contact@ensoconnect.com for assistance.  We are dedicated to making this process as smooth as possible.