Many holiday rental owners are concerned about a lack of control over who books their property on holiday rental sites.

Some of the major issues include no control or screening, property suitability for a guest, property damage and misuse, lack of personal interaction to establish a rapport with the guest and flexibility and availability particularly when owners have multiple properties or manage their bookings through various platforms.

It's essential to strike a balance between being selective and maintaining an open and welcoming attitude towards potential guests.

By following these 8 steps, you can increase the likelihood of finding guests who will treat your holiday rental house with respect and have a positive experience during their stay.

Here are 8 Steps to More Control Over Your Holiday Rental Bookings:

  1. Set your rental criteria: Define your target audience and determine the type of guests you would like to attract. Consider factors such as the maximum number of guests, age restrictions, pet policies, and any other specific requirements you may have.
  2. Create an appealing listing: Make sure your listing is detailed, accurate, and highlights the unique features of your rental property. Include high-quality photos, a comprehensive description, and information about nearby attractions, amenities, and any additional services you offer relevant to particular groups or types of guest.
  3. Screen potential guests: Develop a screening process to assess potential guests. This can involve asking them to provide some background information, such as the purpose of their trip, the number of guests, and any previous rental experience. You can communicate with them through messaging platforms provided by rental platforms like Search and Stay.
  4. Use the booking request option on Search and Stay: The "request to book" option offered by Search and Stay provides an additional layer of communication and verification between guests and property owners/managers, allowing both parties to ensure that the rental is suitable and available before confirming the reservation. It allows property owners to have more control over their booking process and enables them to address any specific concerns or requirements raised by the guest before finalising the reservation on Search and Stay.
  5. Gather references and reviews: If possible, check their reviews on rental platforms like Search and Stay or other platforms where they might have stayed before. Alternatively, to get an idea about your guests' public persona, try social media and professional networking sites to find out a bit more about them.
  6. Utilise rental platforms' tools: Take advantage of features offered by rental platforms like Search and Stay, such as guest verification systems and secure payment options, which can help ensure the credibility of potential guests.
  7. Communicate effectively: Pay attention to the communication you have with potential guests. Prompt and respectful responses can indicate the level of integrity, respectability and reliability you can expect from them as guests.
  8. Trust your instincts: Trust your intuition when assessing potential guests with Search and Stay's 'request to book' option. If you have any reservations or concerns about a particular inquiry, it's better to decline the booking and wait for a more suitable guest.