Big Bear Lake 2017 New Regulation requirements for 24/7 agents check-in and response

[Michael1178]

Big Bear Lake is in the process of implementing new requirements for people hosting short-term rentals.  These requirements are making it increasingly difficult and expensive for Hosts to continue to work through AirBnB...thus pushing them toward using the vacation rental companies.  I have tried to summarize what I think are the new key regulations and questions and concerns I have about them.  Wondering if anyone has ideas/hacks on how to comply with new regulations while still participating in AirBnB.   From my initial research, moving away from AirBnB will both reduce gross revenue (bookings) and obviouslhy increase costs due to management fees.  Thanx!

This is what I think are the (new) requirements for Big Bear short term rentals:

• Have a check-in agent (or Host) who is available 24/7 to meet people at the rental property. This person must pass a written test of their responsibilities and execute an affidavit acknowledging responsibilities and associated fines and live within 15 miles of Big Bear Lake.
• Check-in now includes:
  • Verifying the number of people & cars does not exceed the limit
  • Verify person/credit card with who shows up (difficult on AirBnB since hosts do not know the last name of their guests)
  • Get copy of credit card receipt, and maybe a copy of their ID?
  • Have the renters sign a rental agreement contract
• Hosts must have someone who can respond to problems 24/7 within an hour. This person must live within 15 miles of Big Bear, pass a written exam, and sign an affidavit accepting these responsibilities
• Turn in individual contracts (with each renter) and credit card receipt/photo to Big Bear (maybe on a quarterly or semi-annual basis). I guess to prove your receipts and max tax collection
• Prove we have snow removal service (not a big deal)
• Have to have an annual re-inspection of rental properties…and you have to stop renting until your annual renewal is done. (not a big deal)

My questions/concerns:

• How to comply with verifying the ID of the person at check-in with who made the reservation. The problem is that Hosts never know the full names of their AirBnB guests (AirBnB removed last names a year ago to avoid host discrimination)
• How to comply with collecting credit card charge info if using AirBnB since AirBnB processes the payments? Can hosts just provide our AirBnB transaction report which shows what day we collected $’s?  We can print out a report for each month, or any period we select.
• How to comply with requirement to have them sign a rental agreement/contract, since that is really managed by AirBnB as our 3rd party “agent.” I guess we could come up with a contract, but not sure that is even cool with AirBnB
• I do not necessarily even know the renter’s real name from AirBnB, AirBnB has that info. So, how do I verify who is really renting the house?

[Nancy353]

You do need to register as a business and pay quarterly taxes on your gross short-term rental earnings unless you are using a manager who has a business license.  Having a 24/7 emergency call person is part of the licensing requirement and I think the people have to take and pass a course given by the City of BBL. As for personal check ins, few people that I know of do them, INCLUDING licensed managers and Airbnb co-hosts. You can pay them a percentage but they will most likely install a lockbox or keypad lock on your property and not go there in person. 

[Matt291]

I see a lot of people who are looking for the ability to comply with the new city regulations and or need a full time managment company. I have around 2000 reviews and am a expert in the Big Bear rental market. I have an office in lower moonridge as well. My team and I provide cleanings, listing management and restocking supplies for owners. I am hosting 24 homes at the moment and only have room to host 6 more since want to keep my management company to 30 properties only, so I can provide the best service for each owner.  

Shoot me a message on here if you are interested in talking more. I would be happy to assist. 

Best,
Matt

[John2715]

Hey Matt-

Would you mind sending me your contact information?

Thank you,

John

[Matt291]

I will try to private message you. IF anyone else needs assistance they can look up my company name online and find me. Airbnb blocks me from putting my email on here. 😕 Even though I am here hosting on their platform and helping others to host. 

Best,
Matt 

DoorMat Vacation Rentals

[Matt3259]

Hi,  I would like to chat with you about Big Bear properties. Please let me know how can I contact you. I cant find a way to message you. Thanks! 

[Marla40]

We just bought a vacation home in big bear and are looking for someone to help manage it without going through a large company. Anyone have any advise ? I haven’t listed it yet but just about to get it on the vacation rentail ready 

[Julian361]

Hi! If you're looking for a check-in agent or 24/7 compliance agent, please take a look at our website! We are certified for the Big Bear area! Our services are perfect if you do not want to be under a property management company and just need a check-in agent, etc.!

**

- Julian

**[E-mail address & phone number hidden due to safety reasons - Community Center Guidelines]

[Sasha114]

How do I go about finding a CO-Host in big bear to deal with these new ridiculous personal check in rules?

[Big-Bear-Boarding--There0]

Hello. We offer management services and provide the in person check in at our office. Happy to chat with you about our services. 

The easiest way to find us is I.G. Bigbearboarding 

[Julian361]

Hi! If anyone is looking for a check-in agent or 24/7 compliance agent, please take a look at our website! We are certified for the Big Bear area! Our services are perfect if you do not want to be under a property management company and just need a check-in agent, etc.!

**[E-mail address & phone number hidden due to safety reasons - Community Center Guidelines]

- Julian

[Tony1202]

Hi,

how do I get a hold of you to learn more?

cheers,

Tony

[Matt291]

I am able to assist. My company DoorMat Vacation Rentals has an office in Big Bear and we can check the guest in for you. Search my business name online or you can to top of this page, click on the mail button, then "new message" and put Matt291 as the person to send message to and PM me. 

Best,
Matt 

DoorMat Vacation Rental CEO

[Nancy353]

You can use the Airbnb site to look for co-hosts in the area. There is a function for that. I used it and you should get a few responses. Then you negotiate what they will do for you and at what price. Just be aware that if they insist on your putting in a lockbox, they don't intend to do the personal check ins. 

[Michael3165]

Hello Nancy,

I was hoping you might be able to provide some insight!  About how many days per month (or season) would a 2 to 3 bedroom cabin (not too far from the slopes) rent out? I’m trying to determine if this would be worthwhile investment for my family. Thank you kindly in advance. 

[Big-Bear-Boarding--There0]

Hi John. We’ve been around for a while. Happy to give you an assessment if you shoot us an address. The easiest way to find us is I.G. Bigbearboarding