Renting an Airbnb is a quick way to plan a wonderful vacation — but you’ve got to think about your safety, too. We’ve found the best way to stay worry-free is to make several key checks when you are first arriving at your Airbnb. So, en route to your getaway, take a look at our tips to stay prepared and get ready for fun. We’re covering what devices to look for, questions to ask the owner and security tips to help you relax no matter where your vacation takes you. Read more : 7 Tips to Spot Hidden Cameras in Your Airbnb
Check in-depth reviews and host notes on any rental. Airbnb basics include looking at your host’s rating, but don’t stop there. You can uncover a lot of useful info — and potential Airbnb security red flags — by digging a little deeper as you finalize plans and create your itinerary. Take time to read past reviews and see exactly what they talk about. Be wary if the reviews are all about the surrounding destination but don’t talk about the rental itself much, which could mean there were issues they don’t want to mention. Always pick hosts who have gone through the Airbnb process to verify their identity and give preference to “superhosts” with plenty of positive reviews. You can also learn a lot from the photos the host includes — or doesn’t include. Look for pics that show access points around the house, how easy it would be to break through windows or doors, and how clean and open the nearby landscaping is. That’s what burglars watch for, too. Be wary if the photos don’t show a lot of visual info about the rental, or if they don’t show any security features that the listing mentions. This is also the perfect time to Google the surrounding area and see if it has any notable risks, from a wave of residential theft to a propensity for wildfires or flooding.
The wireless Ring Stick-Up Cam Pro sits perched on the corner of a home, keeping an eye on the exterior of the property. Airbnb has completely banned indoor security cameras. If you see any, that’s an instant dealbreaker and you should request a refund as well as finding another spot. Outdoor security cameras are still allowed, but if you’re renting you should know exactly where they are. Rental owners often use a combination of mounted security cameras and video doorbells to, at minimum, check when renters arrive and make sure they’re showing up as expected. Find these cameras and make sure they aren’t intrusive or pointed through windows to see into the rental’s rooms. A single, minimally invasive video doorbell is the best case scenario.
- First, check in-depth reviews and host notes.
- Second, verify if there are indoor security cameras.
- Lastly, check for electronic devices provided by the host.