What people REALLY want in a vacation rental

This week, we’ve discussed how to pick the ideal location for those real estate investors interested in buying a vacation home, and what costs to consider. Today, we’ll examine what qualities tenants are looking for in a great vacation rental.

Privacy

Many people will choose a rental home over a hotel because they don’t want to be away from the crowds. Vacation homes without noisy elevators or private pool can be quite attractive to renters looking for some peace and quiet.

Space

Offer as many sleeping areas as possible without making the home too crowded. Pullout couches, trundles, bunk beds are great ways to increase the likelihood of renters because you can appeal to bigger-sized groups. Some people also prefer a rental property with a fully functioning kitchen so they can cook their own meals, or an outdoor space where they can barbeque and let their children play.

Renters like extra beds in vacation properties

Amenities

Vacationers want to hit the “easy” button when they arrive to a retreat for several days. So, having on-site laundry, free wi-fi, functioning kitchen appliances, and good parking are all big plusses. Also, being near a bus route, bike trail, or having a community gym can be very attractive property features. The more qualities you can offer, the more likely your rental will have high occupancy rates all year long.

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Eviction Secrets Revealed!

You might think evictions only happen to tenants who are financially irresponsible or those who can’t afford rent checks for one reason or another. However, sometimes evictions happen to very wealthy people who were just very bad tenants. That is why you must perform eviction checks on all your tenant applicants, regardless of their income level.

Last week, several media outlets reported that troubled star, Amanda Bynes, was evicted from her NYC apartment. Bynes, who is reportedly worth $4 million, was kicked out following an arrest and numerous complaints. Neighbors say she was smoking in the hallways and very rude to the doormen.

Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, denied rumors she was evicted from her Georgia apartment last week. Brown, who is also reportedly worth several million dollars, claims she moved because of discord with neighbors. However, the neighbors claim Brown threw loud parties and they had to file at least 10 complaints with police and property management.

Eviction checks and landlord references  are imperative, because they can tell you invaluable things about a tenant that credit checks and employment history cannot.

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Lawmakers Write Bedbug Bill with Tenants and Landlords

Add Connecticut to the list of states that are trying to pass new laws to aid in the fight against bedbug infestations in rentals. To make sure the bill was written in fairness to both parties, Connecticut lawmakers met with both landlord and tenant legal representatives to hash out the details. If the bill passes the state Senate, both tenants and landlords would have some responsibility in ridding a rental home of a nasty bedbug invasion.

The bill calls for tenants to act responsibly by reporting any bedbug infestations immediately to their landlords. The tenants would also be responsible for preparing the living space for treatment by certified professionals. In turn, the landlords would be responsible for covering the cost of treatments until the pests are eradicated from the property. However, if the tenants do not cooperate with providing access to a qualified exterminator, they would have to assume the cost of treatments. The bill includes legal ramifications if either party does not comply.

Landlords also would not be able to rent out a home if they know it is infested with bedbugs, and has not yet been treated. They also have to inform prospective tenants of any treatments that occurred in the past 60 days.

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Landlords Find Boa Constrictor in Rental

Last week, landlords in Indiana received a shock when they discovered a four-foot boa constrictor curled up in the bathroom of a recently vacated apartment. Thankfully, animal control officials were able to retrieve the snake and relocate it to a wildlife refuge area. 

Most landlords and property owners have no problem allowing tenants to live with cats or dogs in their rental unit, as long as there is full disclosure at the time of lease signing. However, perhaps not as many landlords are giving enough thought as to whether or not to allow exotic pets. Have you considered the liabilities that could come with having residents who don’t properly care for them?  For example, some exotic pets carry diseases that can transfer to humans, so do your homework before you allow anything.

Also, before you allow a tenant to keep any pet on your property, make sure it is legal. Some states have laws banning certain primates or big cats from being raised in captivity by private citizens. You should always stipulate in your lease agreement which pets are acceptable – dogs, cats, fish, snakes up to a certain size, etc. 

Don’t forget to also include a pet deposit requirement in the lease agreement. An extra $100 deposit will come in very handy if you have to call in the animal control specialists once the tenant vacates!

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