As we come up on a holiday weekend and more states are relaxing restrictions, people are considering getting away, but within driving distance and staying in short term rentals.
Sites like Vrbo and Airbnb are seeing an uptick in rentals for Memorial Day.
They've also released updated cleaning guidelines for property owners, things like disinfecting high-touch surfaces, building in time between bookings to avoid back-to-back stays, and stocking antibacterial soap, cleaners and hand sanitizer for guests.
Vacation rental experts say it’s important that property owners communicate clearly and post protective measures.
Guests should also ask questions before booking.
“And it will be great for the property owners to hear those concerns directly from the incoming guests, so they can continue to make adjustments to attract those guests and figure out what they need to market and publish out on the various platforms,” said Pam Knudsen, Director of Compliance at Avalara MyLodgeTax, a company that handles tax compliance for rentals.
Knudsen says guests should also ask about the surrounding community where they plan to stay, what stage of reopening are they at, and about things like mask requirements.
“It’s a great way to open up that conversation with the property owner and also to determine are there any other concerns that anybody's got that the property owner can address or that the guest wants to bring up,” said Knudsen.
You'll also want to ask about refunds and flexibility in canceling, because you don't know if an area may suddenly see a surge in cases and have to close down again.
