Access to garage with tools

[Kathryn179]

Hi all!

I am getting ready for our first hosting experience this weekend. We are renting out our personal home and going to stay with my mom for the weekend. Our dilemma is if we want to keep out interior garage door unlocked (door that connects to the kitchen). We have a lot of tools and bikes in the garage. The only reason we are even questioning keeping it unlocked, is because the circuit breaker is in the garage. While we will be in town, it would be a major pain to have to go to the house to flip the switch if they popped one.

Anyone have experience or advice on this?

Thanks!!

[Steve143]

Hello @Kathryn179,

Why are you concerned about the circuit breaker? Does it have a history of tripping?

If not then I would lock the garage door as the balance is between the very unlikely event of the breaker tripping against the very likely event of the guests using the bikes etc. which you haven't included in the amenities offered to them.

Steve.

[Kathryn179]

Thanks @Steve143! It does not have a history of tripping (only if someone is drying their hair in the downstairs half bath, which is unlikely, and the microwave is running). But we really haven’t had any issues. Thanks for the advice. We will be locking it up.

[Gordon0]

Hey @Kathryn179

Tell us, does this first guest of yours come with lots of great reviews? If yes, leave unlocked, if not...

[Kathryn179]

@Gordon0 She does have one good review. We will be locking it up. I was also reading that Airbnb is our platform and it is our job to ensure guest safety - We just have too much out there that someone could do some real damage with. Thanks for the help!

[Susie5]

Hi @Kathryn179, I'd lock it but hide a key somewhere (or get a lockbox) on the off chance that they trip the breaker. Then you can tell them via text where to find the key, or send them the code for the lockbox and allow them to enter the garage to reset the breaker.   

I have a backup keybox with a spare key in case guests lose their key and I'm not at home to let them in - I can just text them the password and directions for finding it (it's attached to a fence at the back of the lot). I've never had to use it, but it's there in case I do.

I wouldn't let guests have access to tools and bikes without supervision etc., but you've already decided that! 🙂

[Rebecca181]

@Kathryn179 Also, unless you have insurance for your property that will cover short term rental activity, including in the event guest rode bike and got injured / injured somebody else, you will definitely not want to provide access to the garage where the bikes are. If you have read some of the posts here, you really cannot count on the Host Protection Guarantee, at least, not based on many hosts' experiences, as documented in this forum, and elsewhere. Many residential insurance 'riders' for short term rentals will not cover things like guest riding bicycles, guest bringing dogs or support animals, etc, so do be aware of that as well.

[Kathy33]

Kathryn 1st lock your door 2nd fix your microwave. Your microwave should be on its own circuit. Your kitchen is next to your garage so it would be a easy fix. Good luck

[Sarah977]

@Kathryn179  I wouldn't want guests messing about with my electrical panel, anyway.