How to Make Your Short-Term Rental Remote Work-Friendly
Add a dedicated workspace to attract today’s digital nomads. Photo: Kari Shea.
One of the most popular trends that will continue well into 2022 is the rise of remote work. Throughout the pandemic, we turned to working from home as the new gold standard across the country. With this newfound freedom also comes the choice of where to work — from bustling cities, to peaceful countryside, to tropical beaches. Every destination around the world can easily be transformed into an office with a laptop and wifi access.
As a short-term rental host, you can easily capitalize on this trend with a few tweaks to your space. You may need to add a few key items to make your rental more remote work-friendly, but if you put in a little elbow grease you can certainly charge more and expand your guest list.
Here are our top five tips for making your space into the perfect remote-friendly office for your guests.
Provide High-Speed Internet
While this is kind of a given in today’s day and age, if you don’t currently offer high-speed internet it’s time to upgrade! Those who are working from home need consistent, reliable and fast internet in order to properly get their work done. Another thing to consider is to ensure there is no limit to your internet usage — especially with all the Zoom meetings that need to take place.
Include a Dedicated Work Space
There is no better perk for a remote worker than having a dedicated corner of the house to work in. It doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy (but if it is, definitely mention it!). Simply include a desk either in the main living space, loft or bedroom where there may be a bit of privacy for the guest. Keep in mind placing the desk in a spot with a clean background, as Zoom continues to reign supreme for working remotely.
Apply Discounts For Long-Term Rental Stays
Unlike short-term renters just looking to escape for the weekend, most remote workers are searching for vacation rentals offering longer stays. Consider offering your long-term guests a discount for booking out the entire place for the month. This promises guaranteed income for you and a bonus price for the guest — a win-win! Since most remote workers tend to stay in one spot for long, you may want to consider even steeper discounts if they book for three to six months in advance.
Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
While this isn’t always a given in each space, it will certainly help you stand out in the remote-worker rental market. If you currently have old, outdated furniture, you may want to invest or upgrade to ergonomic furniture. Some items to consider:
An ergonomic office chair
A laptop stand
A standing desk
An adjustable foot rest
An external monitor
A living plant for mental wellbeing
Update Your Listing
While it may seem obvious, don’t forget to update any of your listings across short-term rental platforms or on direct booking sites. You’ll want to be sure to highlight your new remote work features, as well as provide updated photos of the dedicated work area. Need help writing the perfect listing? Read our complete guide on tips and tricks for drawing in new guests with your winning listing description.
It doesn’t take much to update your space to make it the perfect home away from home for a remote worker. With a few simple touches, you can guarantee longer-term guests and more stable rental income for yourself. Add a desk, wifi and simple homey touches and you’ll be off to conquering the remote-worker rental market in no time.