Tourism Economics completed a study that concluded New York visitors spent over 88 billion dollars in 2023. That means the impact of tourism has continued to grow in New York since the pandemic.
To make sure your rental business gets a piece of the Long Island tourism pie, you need to make every booking count. Without screening guests for vacation rentals, you're more likely to run into issues that end up costing you in the long run.
Here at PMI Eastern Long Island, we want to help you make the most of your vacation rental business. Listed below are the top dos and don'ts to keep in mind during the screening process. Keep reading to make sure every guest you book will aid in the success of your business with our vacation rental screening tips!
Do: Request Guest Information
After you've attracted guests to your Long Island vacation properties, it's within your rights to ask for general personal information. Ask for things such as:
- Full names of everyone staying on the property
- Contact details
- The purpose of the stay
- The intended length of the stay
With this information, you'll have a better idea about the guests and what to expect from them. Don't forget to pay attention whenever you interact with them. Small clues in their demeanor can tell you whether you should be worried about renting to them or not.
Don't: Violate Professional Boundaries
Following proper screening process guidelines means you need to keep professionalism in mind when you ask them questions. You'll only end up scaring potential guests away if you ask invasive or uncomfortable questions during the screening process.
Rental guest vetting should be a comfortable interaction for everyone involved.
Do: Verify Guest Integrity
After you've finished questioning your potential guests, it's time to verify that the given information is correct. An alluring rental description could draw in people from all walks of life. You should contact the appropriate authorities or personnel to help ensure your guest is the person they claim.
This prevents future liability claims and helps to protect your business. The best way to achieve this professionally is to hire a separate company.
Don't: Ignore Fair Housing Laws
As you learn more about your guest selection in Long Island, it's important to remember local Fair Housing Laws. It is against the law to discriminate against things such as:
- Sexual orientation
- Race
- Nationality
- Religion
- Disabilities
- Age
- Marital Status
However, if you find past rent issues or property damage reports during your screening process, this kind of information is fair grounds for denying a guest the right to rent from you.
Master Screening Guests for Vacation Rentals With PMI
The key to screening guests for vacation rentals without any issues is to hire a professional company that has the experience and resources to do it right. This will protect both you and your guests and ensure that there will be no problems in the future.
PMI Eastern Long Island is made of a North Fork-born team with the local insight to help vacation rental businesses reach their goals. We aim to assist you with all your vacation rental needs, including booking coordination, property inspections, and guest screening. Contact us today and we can guide you toward a booming Long Island rental business!
