More travelers than ever are searching for vacation rentals they can trust to be safe. By taking steps to avoid the most common guest safety issues, you can prepare your property to welcome new arrivals (and 5-star reviews!).
Top 5 safety issues that lead to bad reviews
How to avoid the most common guest safety issues
Reviews don’t only build trust with potential guests, they can also have a significant impact on your listing’s visibility and, ultimately, the number of bookings you receive. According to a recent Expedia Group study, before booking a property, 70% of travelers read reviews and most are willing to pay more for accommodations with higher guest ratings.
Unfortunately, when vacation rental safety measures are overlooked, guests may leave less than favorable reviews about their stay. While positive reviews can boost your listing’s performance, a negative review can send travelers clicking for another option and hurt your ranking in search results.
Take a look at the most common safety issues we see across vacation rental listing guest reviews. By taking the necessary steps to protect your guests and your property, you can start raking in 4- and 5-star reviews.
1. Follow comprehensive cleaning guidelines
Cleanliness has always been a top priority for travelers, but now more than ever. Make sure your cleaning protocols meet (or better yet, exceed) expectations. Guests will definitely notice, and their appreciation will shine through in their post-stay feedback.
Follow our cleaning checklist to reassure travelers that your vacation rental is a safe place for their next vacation.
2. Prevent pests from making themselves at home
As a vacation rental owner, the last thing you want to hear is that there are pests on your property. The best long-term strategy to discourage unwanted guests from invading your vacation rental is to schedule a regular pest control service. You can also take precautionary steps such as disposing trash properly, storing any food (even pet food!) securely, and trimming surrounding trees and bushes to avoid a serious infestation problem.
3. Protect against electrical hazards
Common electric problems include faulty light fixtures or dead outlets. While a power outage can put a serious damper on a vacation, broken sockets and exposed wires can pose dangerous fire hazards.
To help you avoid these safety mishaps, have a licensed professional give your property a routine electrical checkup. Regular maintenance and preventative measures can ensure that all your equipment is working properly and can be used safely.
4. Maintain and clean your pool
Outdoor amenities like swimming pools are great attractions when travelers are searching for vacation rentals. However, negative feedback about your pool’s cleanliness could hurt your chances of receiving those bookings.
These popular amenities need regular upkeep. For water that is clear and inviting, be sure to test your swimming pool’s chemical balance and pH level weekly.
5. Equip your vacation rental with fire safety equipment
Fire alarms and other fire safety equipment like fire extinguishers are essential in every vacation rental property. As careful as your guests might be, accidents can happen. These are simple but vital home safety features that potential guests will be looking for as they read through your listing. Installing fire safety equipment helps give you and your guests peace of mind.
What should you do if you receive a negative review?
In the same Expedia Group study, 83% of travelers agreed they assume a negative review is true if the property doesn’t respond. Additionally, 65% are more likely to book a property that responds to guest reviews versus the ones that don’t. Responding to reviews shows that you take feedback seriously, and you are taking steps to improve the guest experience.
Negative reviews stink, but they’re not the end of the world. Follow these steps to turn less than favorable reviews into positive outcomes for your business:
- Respond and address the complaint. Thank your guest for raising their concerns and assure them that you are taking steps to correct the issue. This will show travelers that their safety and comfort are your priority.
- Keep it positive. Be friendly and courteous in your responses. If guests remember you as accommodating and good-natured, they are more likely to return and refer your property to family and friends.
- Look for opportunities to improve. Pay special attention to issues you notice arising consistently over multiple reviews, especially those that relate to guest safety. Take the necessary actions to improve guest safety and update your listing accordingly.
Guests care about reviews – especially ones concerning the safety of your property. You can help prevent negative reviews by providing a safe guest experience. To set yourself apart from the competition, highlight safety features in your listing and address concerns as they come up. Show your commitment to guest safety and establish your listing as an industry leader.
