Ep 7 | Should You Install a Doorbell Camera at Your Airbnb?

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Hey there, Airbnb hosts! Landon here, and today we're diving into a question I get all the time: Should you install a doorbell camera at your short-term rental?

I'll be honest, I was on the fence about this for a while. But after a few... let's call them "learning experiences," I'm now convinced that doorbell cameras are a must-have for any serious Airbnb host. Let me tell you why.

The Unauthorized Pet Incident

Picture this: I get a call from my cleaner. She's telling me there's dog hair, paw prints, and damage to the window coverings at one of my properties. Here's the kicker - this was a strict no-pets property.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love most dogs and cats. It's usually the owners I'm worried about. When someone says their dog is "very well behaved," that's about as subjective as my daughter saying her room is clean.

I didn't have a doorbell camera at the time, so I was stuck in a he-said-she-said situation with the guest. It was a headache trying to prove anything, and I had to decide whether to risk a negative review over a relatively minor issue. In the end, I let it slide to protect my property's rating.

But it got me thinking: Could this have been prevented?

The Game-Changer: Enter the Doorbell Camera

After that incident, I installed a Ring camera at that property. Since then, it's become a non-negotiable for all my rentals. And let me tell you, it's been a game-changer.

Here's why doorbell cameras are awesome for Airbnb hosts:

1. They deter unauthorized pets and extra guests

2. They provide evidence if issues do arise

3. They make check-in smoother for guests

4. They allow you to keep an eye on your property remotely

5. They can help with landscaping and maintenance schedules

But the real magic isn't in catching people red-handed. It's in setting clear expectations from the get-go.

Setting the Right Expectations

Here's a pro tip: Disclose the camera in your listing. I always mention it in my check-in instructions, saying something like:

"If you have any problems accessing the property, please hit the Ring camera button, and me or someone on my team will walk you through any issues."

This does two things: It lets guests know there's a camera, and it shows them there's a team involved in managing the property. Win-win!

Since I started doing this, I've noticed:

• Fewer unauthorized pets

• Fewer undisclosed additional guests

• Guests taking better care of the property

• Better adherence to checkout instructions

But Isn't It Creepy?

Look, I get it. The idea of cameras can feel a bit... invasive. But here's the thing: When done right, doorbell cameras actually make guests feel safer.

The key is to follow these golden rules:

1. Always disclose the camera's location in your listing

2. Never, EVER put cameras inside the house

3. Only use outdoor cameras to view entrance areas, not private spaces like patios

4. Comply with all local laws and regulations

Remember, the goal isn't to spy on your guests. It's to protect your property and provide a secure, well-managed experience for everyone involved.

The Bottom Line

So, should you install a doorbell camera at your Airbnb? In my experience, absolutely yes. It's an investment that pays for itself many times over in terms of peace of mind, easier management, and avoided headaches.

Just remember to use them responsibly, communicate clearly with your guests, and always prioritize privacy. Do that, and you'll find that doorbell cameras can be a powerful tool in your hosting arsenal.

Until next time, happy hosting!