The essentials
- Take photos — Snap pictures and take videos of your property before and after each rental, even if there are no damages.
- It’s not the end of the world — If damages do happen, you’ll be prepared.
- Get insurance — Ensure your homeowner and short-term rental insurance is current and has an appropriate maximum coverage.
People alone can cause damage to rental properties, and the chances go up when you add pets to the mix. The best thing you can do is plan so that if damages do occur, you know how to handle them.
Establish clear policies and communicate
Clear and open communication is the best way to ensure that you and your renters are on the same page about expectations when welcoming pets to your property. This can start with a pet policy that outlines what pets can and can’t do when on the property. You can also add a refundable damage deposit should anything occur during the stay.
One way to help ensure that no damages occur is to make your space inclusive for pets. After all, pets that feel safe are less likely to lash out due to stress and anxiety.
Review damage policies and protection
If you’re using a popular hosting platform to rent out your property, you’ll need to know their damage policies and how to seek support.
Airbnb
Airbnb’s host damage protection can reimburse owners up to $3 million for damages caused by guests if the guest doesn’t pay for them. In some instances, cleaning fees (for removing stains, pet accidents, or smoke odor) can also be covered. AirCover also covers lost income when hosts have to cancel confirmed bookings due to damage caused by a guest (or their invitees).
However, Airbnb doesn’t cover damage from normal wear and tear, typical cleaning associated with normal check-out tasks, or injury/property damage to guests or others (which should be covered by liability insurance).
Vrbo
The Vrbo approach to damage protection recommends that property owners require renters to purchase property damage protection (PDP) or to outright pay for any damages they cause. This PDP has policies that cover from $59 up to $5,000 in coverage. Vrbo also has options for owners to set their own damage deposit amount, and owners have up to 14 days after check-out to file a claim. Similarly, they recommend requiring travelers sign a legal agreement to communicate stay expectations.
Other websites like HomeToGo and Flipkey have similar recommendations to Vrbo where they encourage owners to work out any damages between themselves and renters, with little further advice on escalation.
Document everything
After your property is freshly cleaned, document the way that it looks with photos and videos. Focus especially on high traffic areas like walls below hip height, corners, furniture, and the kitchen. And when renters leave, take photos and videos of the space before the cleaning crew comes back in. This is all to ensure that if damage does occur during a stay, you have the proper evidence when filing a claim. The likelihood of you needing to use this documentation is low, but can be helpful in the off chance that damages occur.
With your cleaning team, regularly check in with them to note any scuffs, stains, smells, etc. that they notice while tidying up. They’ll also be able to tell you if some of the pre-check-out tidiness you request (stripping the beds, loading the dishwasher, etc.) has been completed.
Assessing damages and filing claims
Damages are never fun and can be difficult to process, but staying calm and level-headed is the best course of action. This is exactly why you have insurance, why you had renters sign an agreement, and why you have documentation of what the space looked like before.
This is the time to assess the damage and the cost. Why? If your damage policy or insurance deductible is significantly higher than a replacement, using the deposit may be the better option—especially if it was due for updating anyway.
Things to remember when filing
With Airbnb, you’ll need to file a reimbursement request within 14 days of the guest checking out in the resolution center. After submitting the request, the guest has 24 hours to respond. If they don’t respond, pay partially, or decline payment, your request goes to the host damage protection center, where Airbnb support will step in and review it.
As with Airbnb, Vrbo hosts must file a damage deposit claim within 14 days of guest checkout. Many are processed immediately, and payments are deposited within 3-7 business days.
Professional vs DIY repairs
When it comes to fixing damages, it may be tempting to try to do it yourself, but using a professional—while more costly—guarantees that it’ll be done right the first time. As a rental property owner, having a working relationship with a contractor is smart, especially as they know local mandates and insurance requirements.
For those who are more experienced at repairs and live close to the property, doing it yourself can be the quicker, more cost-effective choice.
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Doing it yourself can save you money on labor and materials. | ✗ You may not have the skillset to execute the repairs properly. |
| ✓ You can do repairs on your own schedule as quickly or slowly as you prefer. | ✗ Local laws and insurance stipulations may be hard for you to navigate. |
| ✓ DIYing offers you a chance to learn new skills and gain experience. | ✗ When DIYing, you assume all liability for any accidents or injuries that occur. |
| ✓ Doing the repairs yourself can instill a sense of pride. | ✗ You likely don’t have the proper insurance to cover any damage that could occur during the process. |
Diving into the short-term rental market can be a great revenue stream to supplement your income or help you save for retirement. But before you start accepting bookings, consider all the ways to protect your investment, and ensure you’re well prepared for any situation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Vrbo insurance cover pet damage?
Yes, Vrbo also shares these responsibilities with renters multiple steps during the booking process.
How does Airbnb handle damages?
Airbnb has several options for owners to utilize when seeking reparations for damages caused by renters like AirCover.
Is vacation rental insurance worth it?
Yes! Protecting your investment is imperative, and can protect you in the long run.
Does Vrbo reimburse for damages?
Vrbo will cover valid claims up to the maximum amount of a host’s damage deposit.
How do I win an Airbnb damage dispute?
Follow the appropriate process with ample documentation to support your claim.
