Best Practices
Train your staff on who is in the neighborhoods
Does your staff know the names of the neighbors? Their numbers, have you visited them? These issues are real and empathy needs to be shown.
Develop 5 step process for guest outreach program
Communicate on all advertising (see below) Put messages on all, sms, emails, personal calls and remind during in person check in.
Example information;
We participate in Big Bear’s “Good Neighbor Program.” This is a family home in a private and quiet neighborhood. We have pledged that our tenants will abide by our rental agreement & will respect the neighbor’s right to “quiet enjoyment” from 9:00 PM and 9:00 AM. Disturbing the peace is a City Ordinance Violation. Please be respectful due to sound traveling in the mountains. Do not use the barbecue after 10:00 PM. Failure to comply with these rules may result in expulsion from the property with no refund and additional fines from the City of Big Bear. Big Bear is very strict with outside noise after 10 P.M.. You do face noise complaint fines from the city if you are outside on a deck (talking, BBQ, playing music, etc.) after 10 P.M.. This is a Big Bear city ordinance. If Destination Big Bear has to visit the home during your stay because the city ordinance department has demanded we do, your booking will be charged a $250.00 minimally and possible eviction.
ABSOLUTELY NO PARTIES!
Lower occupancy
In many cases home owners have allowed hosts and managers rent to less than what they legally can. Example many homes are only sleeping 12 instead of 16.
Remove Game Tables
Many companies have removed ping pong tables and air hockey games. Air hockey games are the loudest and we all should work with our home owners about the air hockey tables. Ping Pong tables can invite younger guests and open yourself up to Beer Pong.
Remove hot tubs
Have you considered moving the hot tub or removing it? What about only making the hot tub available during higher winter rate months. Many times, you must guarantee the owner the same amount; therefore you would have to reduce your commissions.
Hire Neighbor to do check ins for you and watch the guest
Many hosts and managers have hired the neighbor to do check ins so they can communicate ith th guests.
Install Noise Alerts
BigBearVRA recommends that after 2 code calls for noise that all managers and RBO's install noise alerts on the homes. Expedia will give you a $150.00 credit if your home has noiseaware. The city of Big Bear Lake is looking to give $150.00 credit towards license fees if a home has noiseaware.
Install Ring Cameras for troubled homes.
If you have a home that you feel could cause issues, larger home with lots of games in the game room, lots of parking - install a RING camera from the onset and train staff to manage it.
Remove twin beds
Putting more than one bedroom with bunk-beds or twins will invite parties. Take excessive twins out. Example: If you have a four bedroom home and two bedrooms have twins then you are inviting single people to rent your home. Everyone should look to book to families which in most cases lower the risk of late night noise.