Vacation Rental Products Archives - Turno

Airbnb Security Cameras and Surveillance Devices: Policy Guidance and Host Tips

The Turno Team — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 21:08:09 +0000

Airbnb Policy on Surveillance Devices: Updated April 2024

In a significant update announced in March 2024, Airbnb has revised its surveillance device policy, now strictly prohibiting the use of indoor cameras and recording devices across all listings, to enhance guest privacy and trust within its community. The new policy, set to take effect on April 30, 2024, also outlines specific guidelines for the disclosure of outdoor surveillance systems and the permissible use of noise decibel monitors and smart devices.

The following guide aims to help hosts understand Airbnb’s new surveillance policy plus provide practical compliance tips and security camera options to protect their vacation rental properties and provide a safe environment for guests.

Understanding Airbnb’s Security Camera and Surveillance Policy

According to Airbnb, these updates are designed to foster trust and transparency within the Airbnb community by prioritizing guest privacy. Additionally, Airbnb said these changes were made after consultation with various parties, including guests, hosts, and privacy groups. Read Airbnb’s full surveillance policy.

The primary aspects of Airbnb’s revised surveillance and security camera policy include:

Indoor Cameras and Recording Devices: These devices are now strictly prohibited within Airbnb listings, regardless of whether the devices are active or in use. This applies to security cameras and recording devices in all common areas within the property. Per Airbnb, such surveillance equipment must be removed by April 30, 2024.
Disclosure Requirements for Outdoor Cameras: Any outdoor surveillance systems must be explicitly disclosed in the listing description, including the locations of all camera and recording devices.
Outdoor Privacy Zones: Surveillance cameras are forbidden in outdoor areas where guest privacy is reasonably expected, such as enclosed outdoor showers or saunas.
Noise Decibel Monitors: Hosts are allowed to have noise decibel monitors in the listing’s interior but are not allowed in private areas like bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas. Hosts must disclose the presence of noise monitors but are not required to reveal precisely where the devices are located within the property.
Smart Devices: Airbnb suggests hosts disclose any smart devices (e.g., smart TVs, voice assistants) within the property and provide clear instructions for deactivation, enhancing guests’ comfort regarding their privacy.
Enforcement and Consequences: Airbnb has committed to investigating reports of policy violations. Hosts found in breach may face penalties, including removing their listings or accounts.

Vrbo Policy on Surveillance Devices

Notably, Vrbo has already implemented a ban on the use of indoor surveillance devices at properties listed on their platform. Airbnb’s new policy and regulations bring the two OTAs closer in how they approach property surveillance and security devices.

According to Vrbo’s policy, any device that captures photos, audio recordings, videos, geolocation, personally identifiable information, or that monitors internet data is considered a “surveillance device” and is expressly disallowed inside of a Vrbo property listed. Vrbo’s policy also includes limited exceptions for inside devices and provides detailed instructions for the allowed installation and use of outside surveillance and security devices.

How to Use Security Cameras and Surveillance Devices at Your Airbnb

Property owners and vacation rental hosts should remember that there are options for compliant property surveillance and guest security measures. Airbnb states, “Devices like doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors continue to be permitted on Airbnb and can be an effective, privacy-protective way for Hosts to monitor security for their home and get ahead of issues like unauthorized parties.”

Here are some tips to help hosts balance property protection with Airbnb policy compliance:

Conduct an Indoor and Outdoor Property Check: Review your property for any surveillance devices affected by the new policy. Remove all noncompliant indoor surveillance equipment and adjust any outdoor security cameras and noise monitors to ensure they do not overlook private areas.
Amend Your Property Listing: Be clear and precise when disclosing the presence and location of outdoor surveillance or noise monitoring devices in your listing description. For example, a specific note like “Outdoor security cameras are located in the front doorbell, right of the garage overlooking the driveway, and outside the back patio door” leaves no room for misunderstanding.
Voluntary Disclosure of Smart Devices: Though not mandatory, disclosing the presence of allowed vacation rental smart devices and providing instructions for their deactivation can build guest trust and enhance satisfaction. Be candid about the use and purpose of these devices in your welcome message and guest guidebook. Transparency helps reassure guests that you actively comply with Airbnb’s policies and that respect their safety, comfort, and privacy.
Allowable Party Prevention Methods: With Airbnb’s ongoing efforts to curb unauthorized parties, hosts are encouraged to explore alternative methods for monitoring their properties that comply with the new guidelines. This includes the utilization of outdoor security cameras near doorways as well as noise decibel monitors, which can alert hosts to potential disturbances without infringing on guests’ privacy.

Benefits of Airbnb Security Cameras and Surveillance Devices

You’ve invested valuable time and money into your property. Taking measures to ensure its safety is entirely within your rights as a property owner. Outdoor vacation rental surveillance cameras are a cost-effective method to monitor your property and alleviate host stress.

Key benefits of installing an outdoor surveillance system at your property include:

Property Protection

Vacation rental hosts have reasonable concerns about the overall safety of their property. Security cameras and noise decibel monitors can offer hosts peace of mind about the overall access and activity happening at their property.

Security devices are a great tool for hosts because they help deter crime. Property damage and break-ins usually happen to homes that are unwatched and unmanned for periods. Vacation rentals may have extended days of vacancy between guests and can be thereby more likely targeted. Theft and property damage have a higher chance of happening to vacation rentals that may not have visible security devices.

Liability Assurance

Moreover, should guests have an accident or serious claim, security cameras would be a way of gathering evidence. If hosts need to file a claim against their guest, it is important that they have solid evidentiary support or it will be null.

Rules Enforcement

It is hard to ensure that your house rules are being followed without actually being there. With the use of an outdoor surveillance system, hosts can monitor the number of guests entering, existing, and staying over. These devices also help deter unauthorized parties or other noncompliant guest activities. In addition, they can ensure that no pets are being brought in if the vacation rental is not meant to be pet-friendly.

Downsides to Surveillance Systems at Your Vacation Rental

Before installing security cameras or other monitoring devices at your Airbnb, it’s important to understand the few downsides of having a surveillance system. While they may make hosts feel better about their property, guests may be more skeptical of booking vacation rentals with security cameras unless their use and placement are clearly and thoroughly stated upfront.

Guest Privacy

Security cameras have created controversies due to misuse. Guests simply may not be comfortable having security cameras at a place that should feel like home. As a result, the use of security cameras may create a distrustful environment between host and guest. Airbnb’s updated security and surveillance policy aims to alleviate this distrust by removing such devices from inside the property and requiring hosts to reveal their use and location in description listings, giving potential guests the information they need to decide if they wish to book at that property.

Up-Front Costs

Security cameras and other surveillance devices can be costly up-front investments, with costs associated with their purchase, installation, and ongoing monitoring if applicable. The average cost of a quality security camera is $600, according to a recent analysis by Forbes. Additional costs can come from paying outside resources to help you install and update the systems.

Most security cameras used at vacation rental properties are designed to be user-friendly and do not require much maintenance or many repairs. In addition to ensuring battery-operated devices are charged and active, hosts need to mainly plan for up-front costs and product depreciation.

Outdoor Surveillance Cameras to Comply with Airbnb Security Policy

Protecting your property through surveillance systems remains an important consideration for any property manager or vacation rental owner. Even so, installing poor surveillance is never the right course of action. Airbnb’s new policy provides hosts an opportunity to review their security practices and invest in products that protect their property while also ensuring policy compliance.

The following are three widely used, affordable, and durable surveillance cameras.

Google Nest

Google Nest offers multiple safety devices, but these are two of their top surveillance cameras: Nest Cam Battery and Nest Doorbell Battery. Both are budget-friendly and offer a wide range of controls and quality features.

Google Nest makes it easy to manage and protect your property from afar by setting up alerts and being able to view footage from anywhere. This safety device is quick to install and isn’t a hassle to maintain. The main concern for vacation rental hosts will be ensuring that the devices’ batteries are regularly charged between guest stays.

Blink Outdoor, 3rd Generation

Blink is an Amazon security camera that is mainly for outdoor use. The Blink 3rd Generation is a great option for hosts looking to set up outdoor surveillance. It is weatherproof, has infrared night vision, an extended battery life, and more.

Hosts can customize motion zones in the Blink Home Monitor app to be alerted when motion is detected in specific locations such as outside property entryways. Plus, the system offers real-time, two-way audio features that allow for seeing, hearing, and speaking with visitors.

Arlo Security System

Arlo is another popular choice for outdoor property surveillance. Arlo security devices are WiFi enabled with your choice of being wireless or not. Arlo is a bit more of an advanced surveillance system and therefore tends to be higher priced, but many hosts believe the system is worth the up-front investment.

Its cameras offer high-resolution video, recording, and a two-way microphone for guests to let hosts know when they have arrived and are checking out. In addition, the Arlo system offers integrated doorbell cameras and motion-activated floodlight cameras.

Protect Your Airbnb Investment Properly

Airbnb surveillance cameras are an easy solution to protecting your vacation rental. When used in compliance with Airbnb and Vrbo policies, security cameras and other monitoring devices are convenient tools to safeguard, track, and manage your investment.

Protecting your Airbnb comes in many forms. Another way to protect your property investment is to keep it in top-notch condition. Hiring a professional Airbnb cleaning service can aid in doing so. Through the Turno Host App, hosts can manage property problem reports, track inventory, and more.

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Leveraging Smart Home Technology for Airbnb Success

The Turno Team — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:50:04 +0000

Why Smart Home Technology Matters for Airbnb Hosts

As a host, you’re not only providing a space; you’re crafting and promising a level of guest experience. Prospective guests are increasingly seeking smart home rentals that offer similar technologies to what they’re accustomed to in their daily lives. By investing in a combination of guest-facing as well as behind-the-scenes smart home devices for your Airbnb, you can deliver a comfortable guest stay, reduce management hassles, and safeguard your property. Here’s why your short-term rental should be a smart home:

Enhanced Guest Experience: Today’s travelers expect up-to-date amenities and conveniences. Adding smart home devices to your Airbnb property provides a modern experience that leads to happier guests and improved reviews.
Operational Efficiency: Smart technology helps streamline your hosting and business processes. They save time and reduce costs by enabling effective remote property management and real-time problem-solving.
Safety and Security: Hosts and guests alike are prioritizing safety and security, driving an increased adoption of smart technologies across the vacation rental industry. Investments in smart home devices not only protect your property but boost your guest’s comfort and trust as well.

Top Smart Home Devices for Airbnb Hosts

Smart home devices benefit your business by adding a winning combination of security, luxury, and convenience. Let’s take a look at eight smart home technologies every host should consider for their rental properties:

1. Smart Locks and Keyless Entry for Hassle-free Guest Check-in and Property Maintenance

Adopting smart lock technology isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a game-changer.

Smart locks and keyless entry systems allow you to optimize operations and refine guest experiences, making your Airbnb business easier to manage from anywhere.

Traditional keys, although functional, have serious pitfalls. Coordinating key handoffs can create inconvenient hassles for both you and your guests. Also, keys can easily be lost, misplaced, or even duplicated. This introduces unnecessary security concerns for all parties. Smart locks offer a logical and cost-effective solution.

Guests appreciate the ease of accessing your property without needing physical keys. Temporary codes sync with booking dates to ensure guests can only access the property during their reserved time. Once their stay concludes, these codes automatically deactivate, minimizing lingering security threats. Plus, keyless entry systems are great solutions for offering temporary, trackable property access to cleaning and other maintenance people who service your home.

Keyless entry systems provide both ease of access and peace of mind, helping ensure the ongoing protection of your guests and property.

2. Smart Thermostats for Optimal Guest Comfort and Operational Efficiency

The days are gone when guests have to wrestle with unfamiliar thermostats to achieve a comfortable environment, turning hard-to-read dials up and down without precision. A smart thermostat in your Airbnb means guests no longer need to decipher complex dials or navigate dated interfaces. Modern thermostats are generally intuitive and user-friendly, enabling personalized comfort. To be safe, it’s still good practice to leave a brief guide or instructions to ensure that every guest can easily use your smart thermostat.

Smart thermostat technology not only improves guest experience but also contributes to energy and cost savings. These smart home devices help you regulate a consistent temperature inside the home from anywhere, particularly when your property is vacant. Over time, the tangible savings you experience on your heating and cooling bills can offset the upfront technology investment.

3. Smart Lighting Technology for Guest Safety and Energy Optimization

Lighting plays an important role in setting the mood and ambiance of a space. It’s also a smart business investment that rental property owners may overlook.

In the context of an Airbnb, lighting directly influences whether guests feel like they’re in a cold, unwelcoming place or a warm, inviting getaway. By incorporating smart lighting, you can customize lighting options that craft a memorable atmosphere. For example, lights that dim slowly as the evening continues can add a special touch to a guest’s stay.

In addition, smart lighting tech helps improve energy efficiency and lower electricity costs. Devices such as motion sensor lights in common areas help ensure that rooms and outdoor spaces only light up fully when occupied, preventing unnecessary energy consumption. For guests, motion sensors and voice-activated lighting provide a convenient touch that eliminates the need to search for switches in an unfamiliar environment. For hosts, remote access smart lights ensure non-occupied properties are appropriately lit (or not) in between bookings.

4. Surveillance Technology for Smart Airbnb Home Security

Surveillance and security systems are vital components to guest and property protection. With the right surveillance equipment to monitor your property and shared spaces, you can deter threats and safeguard guest privacy as well as their belongings. Furthermore, in the unfortunate event of disputes or damages, surveillance records can provide invaluable clarity and aid in resolution.

Striking a balance between security and privacy can seem daunting to property owners who are considering smart home devices for their rentals. Transparency and respect are the cornerstones of integrating any type of surveillance into rental properties. For example, cameras placed inside private living areas not only breach guest trust but also run afoul of the stated policies of Airbnb, Vrbo, and others. Thus, disclosing the use of cameras and other surveillance technology in the property listing and onsite literature demonstrates both responsibility and respect for guest privacy.

Installing a reliable security system – while also providing upfront, transparent disclosure – offers you several benefits. Surveillance technology protects your property, shows that you are a reliable and professional host, establishes clear stay expectations, and builds trust between you and your guests.

5. Water Leak Detectors for Safeguarding Rental Properties

Hosting an Airbnb can be a rewarding experience…it can also bring unpredictable challenges. One such unexpected setback is water damage, which can prove both costly and time-consuming for hosts.

The good news is you can protect your property from potentially devastating water damage. Install water leak detectors and receive real-time alerts about possible water leaks. Strategically place detectors in high-risk areas, like beneath sinks or close to appliances. These smart home devices for your Airbnb give you the ability to discover and address water issues quickly. Fast action not only prevents minor leaks from escalating into major damages but saves you from costly repairs that keep your property off-market and halt your revenue generation.

The advantages of water leak detectors extend beyond property protection. Guests see these types of preventative property investments as a sign that you value providing a high-quality, safe place to stay.

6. Smart Smoke and CO Detectors for Lifesaving, Real-time Alerts

The primary role of an Airbnb host is to provide a comfortable space that prioritizes guest safety. Smart smoke and CO detectors deliver immediate, real-time notifications in the event of elevated smoke or carbon monoxide levels. These smart home devices for your Airbnb can be lifesaving.

Guests, generally unfamiliar with your property, rely on the important safety measures that you take in preparing your rental home to be occupied by other people. The presence of intelligent smoke, fire, carbon dioxide, radon (if applicable to your area), and other detectors provides reassurance to your guests that your home is well cared for and duly protected in the event of an emergency.

Don’t forget! Regularly test all detectors to make sure backup batteries, notification systems, and other alerts are running properly. Also, keeping a log of testing dates plus a few backup batteries onsite further demonstrates your commitment to guest safety.

7. Noise Monitoring Devices for Positive Guest and Neighbor Experiences

Ensuring a pleasant environment in and around your property plays an important role in both achieving five-star reviews from guests and maintaining a friendly, positive rapport with your neighbors. Noise monitoring devices are smart gadgets that proactively detect and alert you to noise disturbances occurring in the indoor and outdoor common areas of your property. They can be implemented without compromising guest privacy, just be sure their use is pre-disclosed to potential guests.

Furthermore, noise monitoring devices significantly reduce the risk of guests holding unauthorized parties or neighbors calling in noise complaints to your local police department or HOA. Installing smart technology like noise monitoring devices to ensure a peaceful environment for both your guests and neighbors not only enhances your guest stay experience but also demonstrates a proactive commitment to being a good short-term rental neighbor.

8. Voice Assistant Devices for Guest Convenience

Voice assistants, like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, have become commonplace in modern homes around the world. Having these smart devices at your property can fundamentally change the guest experience, almost like providing a 24/7 interactive concierge. Voice assistants can perform various tasks such as playing music, setting alarms, and answering questions about local restaurants and nearby attractions. This personalized and on-demand information resource provides guests with a curated, one-of-a-kind travel experience.

While local weather updates are helpful, the real magic of virtual assistant devices lies in the potential for integration with other smart tech installed throughout the property. Guests can control the lights and temperature, for example, or turn up the volume of the Smart TV from across the room. This elevated level of luxury and convenience can set your vacation rental apart.

Remember that guest privacy is still an unequivocal necessity, and it’s a host’s responsibility to ensure the voice assistant’s recording features are disabled. By thoughtfully adding useful voice assistants to your rental, you can position your property at the forefront of tech-driven hospitality.

Things to Consider Before Diving In

Smart technology devices improve your hosting business while also providing your guests with comfort, convenience, and automation. From intuitive climate control to personalized security features, smart home rentals redefine the guest experience, ensuring modern and stress-free stays.

While the benefits of smart technologies are numerous, keep these considerations in mind when evaluating and installing smart devices for your Airbnb:

Privacy Concerns: Always prioritize guest privacy. Do not install security cameras or other surveillance recording devices in or around private spaces and be sure to clearly disclose their use to all guests.
Tech-savviness: Technology does differ from device to device, and not all guests may be familiar with the particular smart tech you choose. Provide simple “how-to” guides or FAQs for each device in a guest guidebook to alleviate potential confusion.
Budget: Smart tech investment requires smart budgeting. Start small if you’re new. As you see returns in the form of improved operational efficiencies and positive guest reviews, you can reinvest in more advanced smart home technology.

Stand Out with Smart Technology for Your Airbnb

Successful hosting is not just about keeping up, it’s about standing out. By implementing a thoughtful approach to smart home technology in your rental, you can enhance guest experience, optimize operations, improve property efficiency, lower utility costs, and safeguard the security of both your property and your guests. In the competitive market of vacation rentals, investments in smart home devices can make the difference between an average review and a five-star rating.

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Best Vacuum Cleaners for Professional Airbnb Cleaners

Angela Rush — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 08:30:00 +0000

What Is the Best Vacuum for Professional House Cleaners?

Your tools and equipment are an essential part of your vacation rental cleaning services. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to perform your cleaning projects. This is why choosing the best vacuum cleaner is crucial.

Purchasing any vacuum cleaner on the market shouldn’t be your first move. Consider what you want out of this equipment. Then, look at reviews and recommendations from leading businesses within the cleaning industry.

What you’ll find is that most cleaners rely on vacuum cleaners that have the following:

High suction power
Lightweight
Easy to empty canister
Easy to transition from hardwood flooring to carpeting
Long cord length
Accessible and easy-to-use attachments

Best Vacuum Cleaner by Type

Not all vacuums will be the perfect fit for you and your short-term rental cleaning needs. Purchasing a vacuum that’s too cumbersome or lacks efficiency will cause unnecessary hassle. Making the right choice on a vacuum cleaner from the start will save you time and money in the long run.

Upright Vacuums

Your traditional vacuum cleaner will be an upright vacuum. The basic mechanics of this type of vacuum is to push and move the vacuum over dirty or dusty areas of the home. These vacuums are efficient, cheap, and durable when traveling.

An upright vacuum has a detachable storage unit for the collected dust and dirt. This makes emptying the vacuum much easier. It is also equipped with a larger vacuum head so it can cover more ground while being pushed and moved around the home.

Lastly, upright vacuums require little space for storing. Their sleek design makes it easy for them to be stored easily with other cleaning supplies.

Canister Vacuums

If you are looking for a stationary vacuum cleaner, then a canister vacuum is the right choice. This model relies on the user shifting or placing the canister where the dust and dirt are located. Its design is focused on the fact that the lightweight wand and vacuum head do the majority of the maneuvering.

Cordless Vacuums

This model of vacuum cleaner is useful for small, everyday messes. Your average homeowner may already have purchased one. These are typically seen mounted and plugged into a wall charger within the laundry room for easy access.

For a professional cleaning service, cordless vacuum cleaners may not offer enough suction power and dirt storage to get the project done well.

Robotic Vacuums

Another common vacuum cleaner for household owners to have is a robotic one. These offer continuous maintenance for a busy homeowner.

As a cleaning service, these vacuums aren’t the most effective option. They mostly push dirt and dust around since their suction power is low.

Carpet and Extraction Vacuums

If you are cleaning homes that are carpeted, it may be beneficial to purchase a carpet and extraction vacuum cleaner. These vacuums are typically more expensive due to their design complexity.

They clean carpets by having the ability to spray the carpet with warm water and a cleaning solution. As you pull back the vacuum, the water and solution are extracted from the carpet fibers. During this process, dirt and dust are also sucked up with the water and solution mix.

Your upright or canister vacuum may be able to get the job done well enough. However, to ensure thorough cleaning of your clients’ carpets, using this type of vacuum cleaner is recommended.

Moreover, you may be able to charge an additional fee for this added carpet cleaning service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leading Vacuum Cleaners

Wondering about purchasing a new vacuum cleaner? You are not alone. The following are frequently asked questions from those who are also interested in acquiring a new vacuum cleaner.

What is the best vacuum cleaner?

Depending on your needs, you may find one type of vacuum cleaner better than another. Leading vacuum cleaners include:

Upright: Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352
Canister: Miele Complete C3 Calima
Cordless: Tineco Pure One S11
Robotic: iRobot Roomba 692

Where is the best place to buy a vacuum?

If you’re looking to purchase a new vacuum cleaner, make sure to look at options available in your local Best Buy, Home Depot, or Lowe’s. These department stores will offer you a wide variety of vacuum cleaners for you to choose from. Don’t be shy and ask a worker to help you understand what each vacuum offers if you are confused.

To purchase a new vacuum at your convenience, look at options that are available online. Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s all offer online purchasing for their merchandise.

How long should a vacuum last?

Your average vacuum cleaner will last up to eight years. That said, vacation rental cleaning services will get much more use out of a vacuum — leading to a higher rate of depreciation.

Once you notice your vacuum cleaner starts having trouble picking up dirt, won’t hold a charge, or has bent or clogged bristles, it’s time to get a new one.

Purchase the Best Vacuum for Your Rental Cleaning Projects

Consider all your necessary needs in a vacuum cleaner before making a purchase. As a cleaning professional, you will want a vacuum cleaner that is reliable and durable. Understanding what you need will help you make a better purchasing decision.

Check out Turno’s marketplace to schedule your next short-term rental cleaning today.

As an Amazon Associate, Turno earns from qualifying purchases.

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Houseplants That Your Airbnb Cleaners Will Love

The Turno Team — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 23:55:36 +0000

The addition of houseplants can make any property feel homier. However, choosing the wrong plants will leave your Airbnb cleaners and guests with an unwanted mess. Today, we’ll discuss which houseplants are the best choice for your vacation rental property, and which plants to avoid. If done properly, houseplants can help turn your Airbnb into an eco-friendly vacation rental.

Good Choices

To start, let’s outline some of the key characteristics of a good houseplant. Houseplants that will make your Airbnb cleaners happy are ones that are small, do not require a lot of maintenance, and aren’t normally flowering. Because of this, Succulents are some of the most popular houseplants for short-term rentals.

The things that make succulents a great choice include:

Succulents require little to no care at all.
They can grow anywhere.
They are drought-resistant and do not need watering.
They’re beautiful!

Cacti are within the succulent category and are also great houseplants to ease the stress of any Airbnb cleaner. If you don’t think a cactus is a good fit for your property, consider choosing an Aloe plant, or Snake plant which make for splendid decor. Still, some people may have their issues with succulents due to the soil that is necessary for them to grow in. For this, there is no shame in simply purchasing fake plants for your Airbnb.

Fake plants require no water, no soil, and will last as long as you’d like. If you’d like to switch things up, simply store the previous plant and replace it with a different fake plant. This allows for flowers that do not wilt, and Airbnb cleaners that do not have to deal with muddy messes in the house.

Bad Choices

Speaking of messes, some houseplants are especially guilty of making these. Specifically, plants like the Areca palm are a bad choice to bring into your Airbnb. This is due to the pest-attracting nature of the palm that will leave its leaves rotting away. Once those leaves die, your Airbnb cleaners will be left to sweeping up the mess.

Orchids are another plant that appear to be a good choice, until you actually bring them home. These beautiful flowers are especially hard to maintain and will leave dying flower blossoms scattered across your floors. In the end, don’t be fooled by the plant’s beauty and avoid the mess entirely.

Concluding Thoughts

When it comes to running a successful Airbnb, it’s important to keep your Airbnb cleaners happy. Whether you do this by choosing the proper houseplants, or using Turno to schedule and automate payments, making your Airbnb cleaners happy will make you happy too. If you choose your houseplants wisely, you will make your property stand out from the rest among a variety of other benefits.

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New Tools to Help Vacation Rentals Compete with Hotels in the Age of Pandemic

The Turno Team — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:05:50 +0000

April 10, 2020

Honolulu-based Turno recently announced a COVID-19 Education, Documentation, Veriﬁcation, and Demonstration program to reduce the potential for spreading infection and improve guests’ comfort in booking vacation rentals in the future.

Many experts believe when travel resumes following the current COVID-19 crisis, guests will make accommodation choices based primarily on safety. “To combat the perception that hotels have stricter cleaning and sanitation protocols, Airbnb and its competitors will have to demonstrate to potential guests that hosts are following extensive cleaning procedures,” said Turno CEO and founder, Assaf Karmon.

The program consists of 4 parts:

Education

The new program requires cleaners using the Turno platform to complete a COVID-19 Education and Safety Course, based on CDC recommendations.

Cleaners who complete the course receive a badge that is visible to existing clients, as well as hosts looking for new cleaners on the Turno Marketplace. As the CDC recommendations continue to evolve, the course will be continually updated, and the cleaners will retest monthly.

Documentation

As part of the company’s cleaner management system, hosts received cleaning and disinfection checklists based on current CDC recommendations. These checklists can be used as-is or mandatory COVID-19 checklist items can be added into existing property- speciﬁc checklists.

Veriﬁcation

To verify their work, cleaners are required to complete cleaning and disinfection checklists and upload photo documentation of their work before each guest check-in.

Demonstration

Months after the current pandemic, guests will still be conscious of safety when choosing accommodations. Currently, none of the largest reservation platforms (Airbnb, HomeAway, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor) have a cleaning solution in place.

Given the current climate, a reservation system that can let potential guests know that enhanced cleaning procedures are in place will have a distinct competitive advantage.

While the primary purpose of the Turno COVID-19 Education, Documentation, Veriﬁcation, and Demonstration program is to reduce the potential to spread infection, it also positively changes the perception of safety for potential guests.

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8 Features to Look for in a Vacation Rental Cleaning App

The Turno Team — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 21:36:57 +0000

Keeping a clean and organized property is a very important part of owning a vacation rental. Whether it’s you as the host who is cleaning the property or a vacation rental cleaner, it is important to have a method for organizing your cleanings. Using a vacation rental cleaning app can be a useful way to keep track of your housekeeping tasks. Here are 8 features that you should look for in a vacation rental cleaning app.

Sync with Airbnb Cleaner

The first and possibly most important step for those who use a vacation rental cleaner, is to find an app that allows you to sync your account with your cleaner. By doing this, your cleaner will be notified of upcoming turnovers, opposed to you having to reach out to them each time.

In App Messaging

With in app messaging, you could have the ability to connect with cleaners, guests or co-hosts within the app. Communicating within the app would allow you to have all of your Airbnb information in one place.

Overview of Airbnb Calendar

A very important feature for a cleaning app, is the ability to sync your vacation rental calendar to the app. This allows you to view your booking calendar with an overview of upcoming guests. By having an overview of your Airbnb calendar, you will be able to see when you have upcoming turnovers and will need to hire a vacation rental cleaner.

Booking Notifications

It is important to have an app that connects to your Airbnb account, this way you will be able to receive booking notifications and updates through the cleaning app. Booking notifications features would include updates on new bookings, new comments or cancelations. This way your cleaner will see the same updates that you are receiving, and can adjust their schedule accordingly.

Checklist

An Airbnb cleaning checklist is handy to ensure that you or your cleaner won’t miss anything during your turnovers. Whether it’s you as the host who is cleaning the property or a vacation rental cleaner, it is important to have a method for organizing your cleanings. Examples of items on your checklist that could be easily missed are: check drawers for left behind items, refill soap dispensers, wash bathroom floor mats, etc.

Add Co-hosts

Many vacation rental hosts manage their property with a co-host. Both hosts typically are involved in managing the cleaning process, therefore it is important for both hosts to be able to access the app. Using a vacation rental cleaning app can be a useful way to keep track of your housekeeping tasks.

Automatic payments

Another way to streamline your Airbnb cleaning efforts through an app, is with the automatic payments. With automatic payments, you can pay your cleaner through the app once a cleaning has been completed. This makes for one less thing you have to remember to do.

Search for Cleaners

Lastly, an app that allows you to search for cleaners in your area can be very beneficial. This will help in cases where your current cleaner is not available, or if you decide to change cleaners. Turno has an extensive marketplace of cleaners to search for right from the app.

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