Your guide to protecting your airbnb in Chicago

Irregardless of whether you lease out your family’s cottage or you own a diverse portfolio of Airbnbs, it’s often a challenge to protect your rental properties in Chicago. Unless you’re always on site, it’s simple to wonder about keys getting copied or former renters unexpectedly showing up. And what should you do in the event of a flood or fire at the property while you're offsite?

From smart door locks to completely automated home security packages, here are some helpful tips on how to protect your Airbnb in Chicago. 

Don’t worry about keys by switching to smart locks

When a renter checks out, they could follow your instructions and provide the keys for the following inhabitant. However, if a tenant took or copied a key, they could access your place again later. Of course, you might replace your locks after a key is lost, but that is not a timely or cost-effective solution.

Thankfully, you can use smart locks that function along with your security system to counter these concerns. You will then provide each visitor their personal code number for entry. When they leave, don't worry about the key exchange. Instead, simply customize the codes to deactivate after they’re gone. If previous inhabitants come back and make an attempt to enter with their prior entry code on the number pad, you will be alerted with a message of the failed attempt on your smartphone.

Home automation makes available rentals appear to be inhabited

The goal is that your Chicago rental property will be occupied, but that's not always the case. Nevertheless, you need to make it seem that someone is home so your Airbnb isn’t an easy mark for prowlers. Incorporating a security system with home automation gives you the chance to use smart light bulbs, motion detection equipment, and surveillance systems that make your rental seem inhabited.

Start by setting your smart lighting to turn on at particular times of the night. You will also want your security app to alert you if your video cameras notice someone lurking around your perimeter or walking toward your main entrance. You have the opportunity to employ the talk functionality to make them aware that you can see them or set your lights to automatically come on when a camera or motion detector discerns suspicious activity.

Protect your Chicago Airbnb with 24-hour monitoring

Your renters can sleep easy if they feel protected from intruders, specifically when Chicago is not familiar to them. In the event a prowler makes an effort to gain entry, your home alarm system will not only initiate the alarm siren but will also notify your 24-hour monitoring team. Even if you’re not available, help will be forthcoming. Your monitoring experts can even act as your primary contact and loop you in when you're available.

Besides break-ins, your monitoring team can link to fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide sensors. It is likely to be harrowing for your visitor if flooding occurs or a fire breaks out. Not only will you get a cell phone update that an emergency has taken place, but an agent is also able to coordinate emergency services while you're in transit.

Request a modern home security package in Chicago

Protect your rental in Chicago when you get a state-of-the-art home security system. Thankfully, Vivint provides popular choices like smart lights, smart door locks, and 24/7 monitoring. Touch base with us today and our home security experts will help you customize a system that’s ideal for your Airbnb or rental property. Call (312) 626-4802 or submit the form to begin!