The best damage claim is the one you never need to make

The best damage claim is the one you never need to make

Virtual Assistant · Member since 2026 · 69 posts · 16 votes

Damage prevention starts before the guest arrives.

Clear house rules.

Guest screening.

Property inspections.

Good documentation.

Strong communication.

None of these can guarantee that damage won't happen.

But together, they can reduce risk and make problems easier to manage when they do occur.

One thing I've learned from STR operations:

Damage management shouldn't begin after something is broken.

It should begin before check-in.

Before every arrival, the property should be prepared with the assumption that prevention is easier than recovery.

A few minutes spent checking the property, reviewing guest information, and making expectations clear can save hours of stress later.

Good operators don't just ask:

"How do I handle damage?"

They also ask:

"What can I do to reduce the chance of it happening?"

#DamagePrevention #STRManagement #PropertyManagement #GuestScreening #ShortTermRental

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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    1mo

    I don't do guest screenings. Hotels don't do background checks and neither do I.

  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1mo

    Define "guest screening"

  • Collin HaysBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1mo

    Obviously not a post by an actual operator.  Carry on.

  • Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1mo

    Damage prevention starts LONG before guests/tenants arrive! Every choice you make from acquisition, through and including occupancy, can cause an adverse outcome down the road.

    Material/product choices. Durability must be a key factor, along with proper, secure, installation, and utilizing "low maintenance" materials wherever possible, such as floor coverings, upholstery, paint, and many other "touch" elements.

    Scope of repairs/updates. Overlooking aging plumbing (from fixture to public connection, supply AND waste) or aging or improperly installed electrical elements, will guarantee problems at the least convenient times.

    In theory, 'inspections" can prevent issues, but that depends on who is inspecting, what the standards for inspection are, and how experienced the inspector is.

    Rules, documentation, and communication are important, but you cannot micromanage guests, and most importantly, you cannot assume they have read/listened to everything prior to issues arising.

    Oddly, you don't even mention actively seeking out potential hazards and/or having your insurance company perform a periodic review of the property in conjunction with re-evaluating your coverage limits and deductibles. Slips, trips, and falls are the number one cause of injuries in nearly any residence or business. If you are providing potential hazards (recreational equipment or opportunities on the property), you need to have a serious Safety Plan and regular Inspections as appropriate.

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