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10 Essential Etiquette Tips for Short-Term Rental Stays

Woman Walking Into a Newport News Short-Term Rental with a SuitcaseWhen renting a vacation or short-term Newport News rental, it is important to remember that you are a guest in someone else’s home. It is crucial to respect both the property and the residents living year-round. This blog post will cover some best practices and etiquette for renters in short-term or vacation rentals. From how to act when you first arrive in what you should and shouldn’t do during your stay, we’ll cover it all. If you adhere to these ten tips, you’ll have a pleasant stay at your short-term rental or vacation rental!

10 Tips to Being a Great Short-Term Rental Guest

  1. Manage the vacation or short-term rental as though it were your own home. This entails treating the property with respect and caring for it as if it were your own. Things, like not smoking inside, not being too loud, and not leaving a mess, are all examples of this.
  2. Before you arrive, make sure to speak with the owner or manager. It is essential to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. It’s also a great way to get to know the owner or manager and establish your expectations for your stay.
  3. Unless the Newport News property manager has left clear instructions regarding food and drink consumption, assume that you are not permitted to consume anything in the home. However, the majority of owners of short-term rentals will provide spices, condiments, and basic toiletries for your use. Plan to provide all other necessities yourself.
  4. Be considerate of those who live in the immediate vicinity of the short-term rental. This means no excessive noise, no loud music, and no parties at the rental. Remember, you are a visitor in someone else’s neighborhood!
  5. Make sure to leave the short-term rental in the same condition as when you came. This entails removing all trash, cleaning surfaces, and sweeping the floors. If there are specific cleaning instructions, be sure to stick to them.
  6. If you break something, leave a stain, or cause any other type of damage to the rental property, you must immediately notify the owners. Minimal damage is usually covered by your security deposit or cleaning deposit. However, be prepared to cover the costs in any case.
  7. Generally, smoking is strictly prohibited in short-term rentals. This would include cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis. If you smoke, do so outside and away from the premises.
  8. Typically, pets are not allowed in short-term rentals. If you have a pet, however, please inform the owner before arriving. Some owners may be willing to make an exception for well-mannered pets.
  9. Check-in and check-out times established by the owner must be respected. This requires prompt arrival and not staying past the check-out time. Communicate with the owner ahead of time if you require special accommodations. Also, when leaving, send a message or make a phone call to the property owner. This is a courtesy they will appreciate, especially if they need to arrange the home for a new tenant.
  10. Leave an online review if you had a good time or if the property owner went out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. If you have any complaints, you should first confront the owner before posting them online. If you share your concerns in a respectful manner, most short-term rental property owners will appreciate the opportunity to address them.

Using these tips will ensure that your short-term rental or vacation rental is a great experience. You’ll have a great time if you show a little respect and consideration!

If you’re in the market for a new rental home, check out our listings online.

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