How to many short term rental when without internet?

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying an STR and self-managing.  However, I like to hike, backpack, and do occasional remote trips where there is no cell phone service for up to 5 days.  Is it possible to self-manage and still do these kinds of things?  How does one make that work?  I'm aware of channel managers and autoreplies, but it seems like some responses to guests require personalized answers.  Thanks as always for all your help!

Chris

Lee Davis · Answer

It feels like anytime we are offline for even a day that something happens where our guests try to get a hold of us. It's like murphy's law. Imagine coming out of the backcountry to find out that your water heater broke three days ago and two sets of guests did not only not have water, they had radio silence from their host who they've been trying to get a hold of? What if a key gets lost by the previous guest and the next ones checking in don't have a key? If you're using a keypad lock, what if the batteries die and they can't get it in? Stuff like that is tough enough when you are on the grid. STR's are actively managed. This is not "passive income" as you're in the hospitality business now. If it's not a disaster, we are being asked questions pretty much every day about anything you can imagine. You would need someone to fill in for you who is capable of handling anything thrown their when you are unable to be reached for a long period of time.

Ken Boone · Answer

Yea.  Unless you have a backup to cover when you are gone... I would not do it.  Too much risk for customer dissatisfaction. Customer dissatisfaction leads to less than 5 star reviews, too many less than 5 star reviews means you won't rent very well - so if it gets to that level - whats the point.  @Lee Davis is right on with his response.  Get yourself a good backup and you will be fine.

Mike Shemp · Answer

@Chris Ivy

I don't have any STRs that fit this description, but here are some ideas I would do if I were thinking about doing a remote setup:

1.  I would make sure my rental agreement mentioned there were no communication methods.  Also include hold harmless language in it.  You should talk to an attorney about what would need to go into it.

2.  You could look into getting communication to the location via satellite phone if you want to have some means of your guests reaching you and you reaching them for emergencies.  There are also satellite texting options too.

3. If you have a property manager that is local or close to the area, you could establish CB or other radios at the location and at your property managers so there was a means of communication.  You would have to do some testing on this, and also have backup plans for when the PM was not monitoring the radio.

You should also talk to an attorney and your insurance company about what kind of language you need in your rental agreement related to having no/limited emergency communications as well as any other things they want you to do for this kind of situation.

Hope that helps.

Mike

Mark Miles · Answer

It’s super easy. I use offshore assistants to manage everything, for pennies on the dollar. Works amazingly well & I rarely have to get involved. All without having to pay a hefty PM fee

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

Collin Hays · Answer

The idea that one can completely automate a short term rental with internet is a misnomer to begin with.  Saying a thousand times that it is possible doesn't change the fact that it isn't.

I haven't found a software package yet that...

- clears the road of snow leading up to your cabin

- removes a 50 year old tree that fell in your driveway last night and the guests can't depart.

- removes a snake from under the sofa

- comes to remove the trash when it's piling up

- helps guests find your cabin when it is 1am and they are completely lost

You are going to need to have the proverbial "boots on the ground" at your STR, unless you live nearby.  It's all the same, whether it is individual contractors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, cleaning, etc.) or a property manager.

Andrew Freed · Answer

@Chris Ivy - That is a tough ask. You could always create a google number (its free) for the business, manage it when you are available and have the number forward to someone else who can cover in your absence such as a friend or business associate. If they do cover for you, all you need to do is create SOPs for what they should do in certain situations if anything arises, e.g. if its a plumbing issue, call these 3 plumbers. That is probably how I would approach this dilemma.

Glenna Wood · Answer

Tough situation in today's world. I worked for years in DoD locations where personal cell use and email access was restricted. Just use a PM and pony up the extra fee as an additional expense.

John Underwood · Answer

I think you'll need someone you trust to be able to reply on your behalf.

How to many short term rental when without internet?

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