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?

[Jason526]

I just recently purchased a home in Big Bear Lake to use has a vacation home and AirBnb rental. I am trying to navigate all these ridiculous requirements and so far it seems I only have two things holding me back and that is the in person check in and 24/7 contact within 15miles. I am not sure how to comply with this just yet and after viewing some of the properties that are ran by one of the large local management companies....I am very hesitant to use them as they do not properly care for the properties t hey manage. Matt...is this something you help with up there?

[Jan399]

talked to a management company up at big bear and they charge 27% from your gross income...and it is one of the cheaper ones.

[Jason526]

I refuse to use those companies, I looked at some of the properties they manage as I was looking for a house to purchase and It was clear their was no pride in their work. The house was not clean and they were expecting guests 2 hrs after I walked the house. Also .... aside from the ridiculous price structure of usually 25/75 they also keep all additional fees assessed. Pet fees, cleaning fees, late check out, etc.... they are all about maximizing their $$ not maximizing the experience for the guest. Oh they also use their own linens which are likely garbage and whatever was the cheapest. 

[Jan399]

are there any code compliances differences (rental restrictions) between City of Big Bear v.s Big Bear City? Anyone knows?

[Jason526]

I am brand new to hosting and the red tape in big bear but I have learned that there are some pretty drastic differences between the two. Big bear lake is it’s own city with far more restrictions and requirements for rentals than big bear city which is unincorporated San Bernardino County. Deciding between the two is tough, easier to get going as a host in big bear city but the best locations are in big bear lake. 

[Michelle1325]

Hi Jason, 
Was wondering if you were ever able to find a resolution to your listing?
Thanks!
Michelle

[Nancy353]

My understanding is in Big Bear City, you can legally have an occupancy of 1 person for every 100 square feet. In Big Bear Lake it's 1 person for every 200 square feet.

[Chris1388]

Hello! 

I am available to co host in Big Bear. I have started a small concierge/property management business. I am looking to take on more homes. I provide cleaning, check in, communication, concierge services for your guests, home staging etc.My rates are reasonable.

I am also a licensed Realtor working locally in Big Bear. Please contact me through Airbnb if you are interested in my services.

[Belinda135]

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@Chris1388 wrote:

Hello! 

I am available to co host in Big Bear. I have started a small concierge/property management business. I am looking to take on more homes. I provide cleaning, check in, communication, concierge services for your guests, home staging etc.My rates are reasonable.

I am also a licensed Realtor working locally in Big Bear. Please contact me through Airbnb if you are interested in my services.

---

Hello, can you please contact me so we can further discuss details. We purchased a home in BBC and are “shopping” around for a co-host. 

Thank you,

Belinda

[Anna1815]

Hello! Can you please send over your info? I would love more details about your services.

Thank you!

[Matt291]

Looks like Chris is no longer in business. I would be happy to assist you. I have 24 listings I manage in Big Bear and 2000 reviews as a superhost. Send me a private message. 

[Jennifer1714]

Hi. How do I private message you to talk. 

[Jennifer1714]

Matt,

I clearly can not find a way to email you. Can you email me somehow. I know i cant put my email on here because it blocks me but let see if i can do it in code. I would love to talk to you about co hosting. My email is four J's     and then music right after that and than at yahoo.     ya.    hoo. Let see if this works

Jennifer

[Sasha114]

We're you able to get in touch with Matt  

Im interested in getting in touch with him about help as well. ....

[Heather1119]

Hi Matt, I would love to speak with you about how co-hosting works. I just put an offer on a moon Ridge home on Angels Camp Road. As the new owner I have lots of big plans for the place LOL I would love to find out what you offer and see if we can get something lined up. I am new to this platform so I can't find where I go to message you so if you could message me that would be terrific.