Your Airbnb business needs to run smoothly in your absence, that’s a fact of life! But then how do you welcome travelers when you can’t be there?
There are two delicate periods during the stay of tenants in an Airbnb accommodation. Their arrival (check-in) and departure (check-out). During check-in, tenants need to feel comfortable and confident enough to enjoy their stay in your property. And when they leave, it’s vital that everything goes smoothly and that your property is returned to you as it was on arrival. How do you do all this while you’re away? Let’s find out together.
Case studies
Serge is 26 years old, a young executive with two apartments. One of which he makes available on Airbnb for seasonal rental. In accordance with the rules and precepts of tourist rental legislation, and in compliance with the tax authorities. One day Serge accepted a reservation from a couple living in Russia, who were impressed by the renovated antique dwelling that the young executive from Lyon had posted on Airbnb.
Everything went according to plan, with the reservation finally resulting in a 25-day rental. A godsend for Serge, who just happened to need the money to buy the latest iPhone XS Max. On the day of the Russian couple’s arrival, while everything was going well up to that point, a series of disasters occurred, culminating in the delay of the couple’s flight. Serge was supposed to pick them up at the airport during his break, drive them to their accommodation and show them around quickly before returning to work for the afternoon’s account.
Due to a number of factors, it was impossible for Serge to wait any longer, as he had already waited another 40 minutes, making himself late for work. He decides to go back to work, but can’t rest easy as he’s already collected his visitors’ money and doesn’t know what time they’ll be arriving in Lyon. So it’s impossible for him to do the check-in himself. So what can you do?
The solution is simple: use a specialized check-in agency. Check-in (and check-out) services are generally provided by concierge agencies. They also take care of managing your accommodation, welcoming your visitors and ensuring that their stay runs smoothly, right up to their departure.
In Serge’s case, he could very well have contacted a friend if he was away for other reasons (vacation, work…), but in this particular case, it was an unforeseen event.
What services does a check-in agency offer?
Most check-in agencies offer a three-stage service: before, during and after the traveler’s departure.
Before travellers arrive
The agency agrees with you on the arrangements for collecting the keys to your property. The agency then contacts the tenant to arrange a meeting point or check-in time. A check-in time is agreed (allow around 2h30 more than the arrival time if your tenant is traveling by plane, and 1h30 if he or she is traveling by train). Once the tenant and checker have met, the latter is taken to the apartment.
During your stay
As soon as the tenant arrives at the property, the checker offers a warm and smiling welcome. After a tour of the property and an inventory of fixtures, the checker hands over the keys to the tenant. A few useful tips are provided to help the tenant acclimatize to the local area and make his or her stay more enjoyable.
After your stay
Once your tenant has left, the check-in agency (or concierge) takes possession of your keys, which they hold until you can collect them in person. An assessment of the premises is then carried out, and finally handed over to you.
How does agency check-in work?
Check-in agencies operate on a fee-for-service basis, costing around €18 to €20 per check-in or check-out. So there’s no weekly, monthly or annual subscription to pay. You call on your favorite check-in agency only when you need it.
What’s more, some agencies offer attractive flexibilities. For example, an extra 30 minutes’ waiting time if the tenant is late both on arrival and departure. Or lower additional charges if necessary.