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10 Essential Etiquette Tips for Short-Term Rental Stays

Woman Walking Into a Washington Corridor Short-Term Rental with a SuitcaseWhen renting a vacation or short-term Washington Corridor rental, it is important to remember that you are a guest in someone else’s home. Respect for the property and the people who live there all year is essential. This blog post will cover some best practices and etiquette for renters in short-term or vacation rentals. We will cover everything, from arrival etiquette to what you should and should not do during your stay. If you follow these ten suggestions, you’ll have a great time at your short-term rental 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 signifies treating the property as if it were your own and treating it with respect. This includes not smoking inside, not making a mess, and not being excessively loud.
  2. Be sure to talk with the owner or manager before your arrival. It’s crucial to go over any questions or concerns you might have at this point. It is also a wonderful way to get to know the property’s owner or manager and establish expectations for your stay.
  3. Unless the Washington Corridor 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. Make sure you have everything else you’ll need on hand.
  4. Be respectful of the neighbors living near the short-term rental. This means not being excessively loud, not playing loud music, and not throwing 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. This includes removing all trash, wiping down all surfaces, and sweeping the floor. If there are specific cleaning instructions, be sure to stick to them.
  6. It’s important to notify the landlords as soon as possible if you break something, leave a stain, or cause any other type of damage to the rental property. Usually, small damages are covered by your security or cleaning deposit. But be prepared to cover the costs in either case.
  7. Smoking is usually prohibited in most short-term rentals. This would include cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis. If you smoke, you must do so away from the property and outside.
  8. In most short-term rentals, pets are not allowed. Nevertheless, if you have a pet, you must inform the owner prior to your stay. 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 means being on time and not staying past check-out. Communicate with the owner ahead of time if you require special accommodations. Also, send a text message or call the property owner when you depart. This is a thoughtful gesture that they will appreciate, especially if they need to prepare the property for a new tenant.
  10. If you had a good time or if the property owner went out of their way to make your stay pleasant, leave an online review. If you have a complaint, talk to the owner first before venting on the internet. If you communicate your concerns in a respectful manner, most short-term rental property owners will appreciate the opportunity to address them.

Following these suggestions will help you have a fantastic time at your short-term or vacation rental. With a little bit of courtesy and respect, you’re sure to have an enjoyable stay!

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

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