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10 Essential Etiquette Tips for Short-Term Rental Stays

Woman Walking Into a Stockbridge Short-Term Rental with a SuitcaseWhen renting a vacation or short-term Stockbridge 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 article will cover some best practices and etiquette suggestions for renters staying in short-term or vacation rentals. From how to act when you first arrive to what you should and shouldn’t do during your stay, we’ll cover it all. If you follow these ten tips, you’ll have a wonderful time at your short-term or vacation rental!

10 Tips to Being a Great Short-Term Rental Guest

  1. Treat your vacation or short-term rental as if it were your own home. This involves treating the property with respect and handling it as if it were your own. This includes not smoking inside, not making a mess, and not being excessively loud.
  2. Before arriving, make sure you speak with the owner or manager. It’s critical to go over any questions or concerns you might have. It is also a wonderful way to get to know the property’s owner or manager and establish expectations for your stay.
  3. Presume that you are not allowed to consume any food or beverages in the house unless the Stockbridge property managermade clear instructions. 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 respectful of the neighbors of the short-term rental. This means that you should not be too loud, play loud music, or have parties at the rental. Bear in mind that you are a guest in someone else’s neighborhood!
  5. Be sure to leave the short-term rental as clean as you found it. Taking all trash with you, wiping down surfaces, and sweeping the floors are all part of this process. If there are any specific cleaning instructions, make sure to follow 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. Most of the time, your security or cleaning deposit will cover minor damage. But, in any case, be ready to cover the costs.
  7. Short-term rentals, on the whole, have a strict no-smoking policy. This consists of cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and cannabis. If you smoke, do so outside and away from the premises.
  8. In most short-term rentals, pets are not allowed. However, if you have a pet, you must inform the owner before you arrive. For well-behaved pets, some owners might be willing to make an exception.
  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 beforehand if you require special accommodations. Also, when leaving, send a message or make a phone call to the property owner. This is a considerate gesture that they will appreciate, especially if they need to prep the property for another tenant.
  10. If you had a pleasant stay or if the property owner took extra care to ensure your comfort, leave an online review. If you have a complaint, talk to the owner first before venting on the internet. If you share your concerns respectfully, most short-term rental property owners will appreciate the opportunity to answer them.

Following these suggestions will help you have a fantastic time at your short-term or vacation rental. You’re sure to have a good 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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