When you have back-to-back rentals, you have to be strict about your check-in and checkout policies. Your housekeeper may get annoyed and there could be a personal safety issue for her (people walking in on her while she's inside your vacation rental home alone). To download a printable version of our Sample Check-In and Checkout Policies that you can save and edit yourself, simply follow these instructions. Submit your request for downloadable versions by clicking the button below. Enter a valid email address.  (NOTE: Your email address will not be given, sold or lent to any third party.) You will receive an email with links to a printable version of the Sample Check-In and Checkout Policies.
Establish strict policies. Tell your guests NO early check-ins or late checkouts. Write it on your reservation confirmation, rules documents and even on the directions to your second home. Now of course I know that you're saying, "yep, I do that," —but there are still the ones who will push the boundaries.
Make an agreement with your housekeeper. Have the guests checking out leave the key on the kitchen table. When the housekeeper is inside, she locks herself in. This way when the new guest arrives early, there is no key in the lock box and there is no way for the new renters to get in. Now there are cautions to this: what if your housekeeper forgets to put the key back inside the lockbox? Make an agreement with your housekeeper making her responsible for driving over, at any hour, to give the incoming guests the keys. Or better yet, have a back-up lockbox at your property with a spare set of keys. How do you enforce your check-in and checkout times?   Sample Checkout Policy/Departure Information Checklist Communicate your checkout policies clearly to renters to avoid misunderstandings and delayed checkouts.   How to Enforce a No-Smoking Policy in Your Vacation Home Tips for keeping your vacation rental property smoke-free.   Guidelines for Communicating with Renters Learn how to create thorough rental agreements, directions, and inquiry responses.   3 Steps for Resolving the Problems of Your Vacation Rental Guests How to turn a disgruntled renter into a repeat one.   © Christine Karpinski 2006, U.081117.AF

Establishing Strict Check-in and Checkout Times for Your Vacation Rental Guests    Avoid potential conflicts and problems for your housekeeper and vacation rental guests.