Consider the following scenario: your visitors were meant to leave at 11 a.m. Your visitors take their time and don’t leave until after 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., you have fresh visitors.
As a result, you’ll either have to have the property ready in a shorter amount of time or postpone check-in for the following guests. In any case, it’s a hassle for you, and it might result in two bad reviews on the same day.
If you’ve had a lot of late check-outs or are fed up with your visitors taking their time leaving your vacation rental, here are seven things you can do to put a stop to it once and for all:
1. Put down a deposit
Once you’ve specified the check-out time in your house rules, you’ll need to include some repercussions if it’s broken. Although a security deposit is normally utilized if there is any damage to the property or wear and tear on the furnishings and amenities, it may also be used if any broken house rules.
As a result, you may collect a deposit from your visitors and only return it if they check out by the specified time. Owners have a pool of money they may draw into and remove payments if a late check-out occurs by collecting a refundable deposit upfront. If visitors are aware that they would be charged if they check out late, they are less inclined to do so.
2. Charge a fee for late check-out
You may even incorporate a check-out charge to deter them from being late. You may either charge them per hour, for example, $50 per hour, or you can charge them for the whole day. These extra expenses may deter a late check-out, and if it does happen, you’ll at least profit from it.
You may charge this fee on your vacation rental website as well as big OTAs like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway. Remember to include the check-out costs in your rental agreement, which visitors must sign when they arrive.
3. Household Regulations
House rules are a formal means of putting down the ground rules for all visitors that come to your home. They provide you the chance to say precisely what you expect of them, what they can and cannot do, and what consequences will be imposed if these rules are violated. When all of your visitors are on the same page and clearly understand what is permitted and prohibited, you will feel much more in control.
Noise, smoking, dogs, rubbish, parking, and guests are all examples of common home regulations. Including the check-out time in your home rules is quite crucial. You should provide the precise time on your vacation rental website and any other OTAs where you offer your property.
Your visitors must follow your home rules since they have signed them.
4. Keep in touch with your visitors
Communication with your visitors probably begins when they reserve your vacation rental, but it also continues while you prepare for their arrival. You must advise them of the check-in process, who will receive them, and what time they will arrive, among other things.
If you don’t want to charge your visitors or remove a portion of their deposit, you may work things out before taking any negative measures. Simply asking your visitors when they plan to check out can make things easier. There is no risk, and it may even help to avoid difficulties.
Of course, if they say they’ll check out later, you’ll have to inform them that’s not going to happen. Then offer options, such as staying for a few hours but paying $50 per hour after check-in. Alternatively, you may keep their bags on your premises or suggest a nearby location.
You may also choose to be adaptable. Consequently, it may result in a glowing review and referrals, increasing total bookings! If you don’t have any new reservations for that day, be kind and let them stay for a few hours for free.
5. Be on time for check-out
Being physically present at the departure time is one of the most efficient strategies to prevent a late check-out. Guests will not be able to take advantage of the fact that no one is there to ensure they depart. When the host arrives at the property to check them out, they will also be physically unable to remain any longer.
Each business provides a distinct service. While some property managers are in charge of cleaning and replacing amenities, others serve as a point of contact for visitors in an emergency during their stay. They may employ someone to only help with check-in and check-out. Consider employing a property manager if you have an automatic check-in system or oversee the rental property from afar. This is particularly useful when you have fresh arrivals on the same day.
Some hosts have even gone so far as to change the code of their WIFI door lock after check-out to prevent visitors from accessing the property!
6. Set an earlier check-out time
Another option is to adjust your check-out time. Consider setting your check-out time sooner than it is if you’re prone to late check-outs. Having additional time to prepare for each new group of visitors is a huge benefit. If you follow these rules, you’ll be able to identify possible issues before they arise.
7. Don’t Forget to Remind Them the Night Before
Send a pleasant reminder with the check-out time the night before check-out. It will be enough to write a short text. Here’s an example to get you started:
Hello (guest name), I hope you had a pleasant stay at (rental name). Please bear in mind that check-out is scheduled for noon on Thursday. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.
You may also let your visitors know that the cleaners will be arriving at check-out time and that you will be welcoming new guests. Lodgify’s vacation rental reservation system features automatic messages that you may send to your visitors, so you won’t forget or be concerned!
