Remote Hosting 101: Why a Landline is a Must for Your Vacation Rental
Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.
Carol asks:
Hi, I was wondering if I need to have a landline phone in our property. We have a cabin that’s located in the woods about five miles from town.
It does have Wi Fi, but we don’t have a phone on the property. We’re, newly getting started, so would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
When it comes to hosting in a remote or rural location, guest safety and connectivity are critical.
Whether your property is miles from the nearest town or just outside strong cellular coverage, having reliable communication options for your guests is a must. In this post, we’ll break down the reasons why a landline is a smart investment for remote properties, as well as expert tips for enhancing safety in rural locations.
Why Every Remote STR Should Have a Landline
In today’s world, where most people rely on mobile phones, it’s easy to assume a landline is unnecessary. However, in remote locations where Wi-Fi and cellular signals may be unreliable, a landline provides a dependable lifeline for your guests—especially in emergencies. Here’s why:
- Guest Safety: If your guests experience a medical emergency or property issue, they need a way to call for help. A landline ensures they can connect with emergency services even if other communication channels fail.
- Property Protection: Emergencies like fire, severe weather, or flooding can escalate quickly. Equipping guests with a landline allows them to contact emergency responders in real-time, potentially protecting your property from greater damage.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your guests have a reliable way to get help, regardless of connectivity issues, will help you sleep better at night as a host.
Expert Advice: Partner with Local Emergency Services
During the episode, Sarah shared her experience of managing a remote property and learning from short-term rental safety expert, Justin Ford. One of the most valuable lessons? Proactively engaging with local emergency services.
Here’s what you can do to prepare your remote property for safety:
- Contact Your Local Fire Marshal: Invite the fire marshal to visit your property and assess access routes, water availability, and any potential hazards.
- Communicate Occupancy Limits: Let emergency services know how many guests your property accommodates to ensure they’re prepared for potential scenarios.
- Install Signage: Clearly label your property’s address for quick identification by first responders.
Tips for Setting Up a Landline
If you’re adding a landline to your property, consider these tips:
- Choose the Right Spot: Install the phone in a central, accessible location within the property.
- Keep It Simple: Provide a basic, corded landline that doesn’t rely on electricity.
- Post Emergency Information Nearby: Include the property’s address, local emergency numbers, and instructions for using the phone.
Safety as an Investment
While installing a landline may feel like an added expense, it’s ultimately an investment in your guests’ safety and your property’s protection. Emergencies are unpredictable, and having this essential safety measure in place could make all the difference.
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.
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