There are a lot of details that come with hosting a short-term rental. One that isn’t talked about a whole lot is deeded access. Basically, deeded access is the right for your guests to use certain amenities. Be it a driveway, a path to the beach, or the beach area itself. When working with shared spaces like these, it’s important to have a complete and thorough understanding of what deeded access. This blog post will explain what exactly deeded access is and how you can best use it to your advantage when hosting guests.
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What is deeded access?
In short, deeded access is an arrangement where a property owner has usage rights to allow their guests to use certain amenities or parts of the property. A particularly common example is private beach access. This is typically documented and clearly states that any of the short-term rental guests can use the private beach, much like any permanent resident of the condo or apartment building, neighborhood, etc. As these items have some legality around them, you want the specifics of what the guest can and cannot use to be extremely clear and well-communicated.
Why should you care about deeded access?
Deeded access has the potential to add a lot of value to your property.
1. It allows for cooler amenities
Having access to something like a private beach is pretty darn cool. Or maybe its a fishing dock exclusively for guests, or hidden hiking trails. Whatever it is, it makes your proeprty stand out from other rentals in the area. Show it off!
2. You can clarify what areas are and are not for guest use
Deeded access provides clarity on what areas of the property are for guest use. For example, if your deed grants access to a shared pool but not the adjacent tennis courts, you’ll be able to relay accurate information to guests, avoiding any confusion during their stay.
3. Prevents legal disputes
Having clearly communicated deeded acccess helps avoid problems before they even start. Clearly outline where and when guests can use certain amenities or access points. This type of clear understanding will help guests, hosts, and locals live in harmony.
4. It increases your property value and overall appeal
Typically, properties with deeded access amenities and perk are worth more. The higher the proeprty value, the higher the resale value. Speaking plainly, it’s a smart investment.
Tips for handling deeded access
Managing deeded access rights and other hosting responsibilities can be time-consuming. However, software solutions can alleviate the burden and help you manage your rental more effectively. Here are a few ways host tools can make a difference for short-term rental hosts.
1. Keep communuication clear
Host Tools allows you to send clear check-in instructions to guests, including details about deeded access.
2. Digital key and lockbox systems
For properties where deeded access might require keys to gated areas or parking lots, tools like smart locks (e.g., August, Yale, or Schlage systems) or lockboxes can provide entry codes to guests remotely. You can even set specific time windows for code access, enhancing security.
3. Property management platforms
Comprehensive property management platforms, such as Host Tools, streamline bookings and payment management, and allow for customization of check-in instructions, including details surrounding deeded access.
Best practices
Aside from Host Tools, following these best practices can further enhance your management approach and protect your property rights.
- Be sure to fully and thoroughly understand your deed. Reach out to a real estate attorney if neccessary to clarify some of the complicated language.
- If your property is part of an HOA, keep the lines of communication open. A simple note and check-in with your HOA goes a long way in keeping the peace.
- When you send your pre-stay automated messages, include specific information about where guests are and are not allowed to be. If you can, add photos, maps, and step-by-step instructions to make everything as clear as day for guests.
Final thoughts
As you can see, deeded access is a whole lot more than just some legal jargon. It’s something hosts should pay attention to, and utilize to increase their bookings. Whether its offering beach access or a simple place to park, understanding your property’s deeded access can help lead to more 5-star reviews.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
