Quick Tip on Guest Instructions!

[Kenny Smith]

As our short term rental portfolio has continued to grow (3 so far), we've learned so many things along the way.  Quick Tip, whatever can go wrong, typically will at some point!  All we can do as property owners is do our best to mitigate those issues.

Case in point, we have 2 older single family homes we Airbnb (1957 and 1960).  The master drain line is galvanized steel.  Over time, these pipes can start to corrode, which can be restrict water flow, and eventually leading to possible backups.  Both of our homes, did just that.  Although there was no MAJOR damage, it certainly caused issues.  According to our plumber, it was likely caused from people flushing items down our toilet that shouldn't have been, such as "flushable wipes".  These wipes can be a big problem..older plumbing cannot handle things like this.

Since then, we have really made things crystal clear for our guests.  We simply have a sign above each toilet of things they should not be flushing down the toilet, and what type of problems it can cause.  We also have smaller stackable washers that can also cause issues if overloaded.

Simple things like a sign telling the guests can show that you as the host is professional, wants to take care of their home, and it can certainly help mitigate issues down the road.  Even though this seems like a simple thing a guest should know, some folks need that reminder.  Since then, knock on wood, we've had no further issues!  Sometimes it's simple things like this that can save you a whole lot of headache, and possibly money. 

[John Underwood]

When I remodel an older home I gut the galvanized pipes as I don't want this to be an issue later. I want my places as bullet proof as possible. All my older houses are LTR's. I only buy STR'S that are newer and would be a place I would vacation.