Module 2: Selecting Design Features and Amenities that Inspire Excellent Guest Reviews and Increased Profits

A key strength of the STR industry is the unique experience a guest can have in each STR. From the physical structure details to the decor, location, theme, and hosting, individual differences allow guests to choose the right fit for their lodging needs. Additionally, the design and services can influence the type of guests who will visit an STR. This module examines the distinctive opportunities and challenges in STR design and management.

Module 2 has two video lectures that students must watch. The first one explains concepts from Chapter 8 in the e-textbook, Vacation Rental Management 411, as well as information from other chapters, as it relates to implementing policies and safety protocols for your STR. The second video lecture focuses on Chapters 9 and 10, which explore opportunities and challenges in providing STR amenities and services.

In completing this module, you should be able to better:

• Recognize design elements that create a safer, more comfortable, and maintenance-friendly STR environment.
• Discuss the importance of verifying building code and permit requirements for STR construction, history, and renovations.
• Identify more suitable furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE) features for an STR lodging environment.
• Summarize the process for planning capital improvements.
• Identify community procedures, resources, and communication channels for emergency and disaster preparedness.
• Describe the role of energy management systems and tracking.
• Introduce the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act as they apply and do not apply to STRs.
• Describe devices and systems that aid in guest monitoring while securing guest privacy.
• Discuss how challenges related to STR security and safety can be prevented.
• Recognize resources available within FEMA, OSHA, and local health, fire, and building agencies.
• Review culinary-related guest amenities, opportunities, permit requirements, and challenges.
• Summarize proper food storage, preparation, and sanitation procedures.
• Amenities and guest requests that may or may not be required to be honored (according to applicable laws, rules, and regulations).

Please note:  We receive many questions about guest requests to bring animals with them to an STR. An STR host can prohibit guests from bringing pets to their STR within certain circumstances (there is a lot of misinformation about this that deserves more thorough consideration and research). In our research and experiences, the laws (such as the references to service animals in the ADA or FHA) that may apply to long-term rental tenants, hotel stays, and public buildings or multi-unit structures do NOT apply to most STRs. If there is a good reason for the STR owner not to allow a Service Animal or Support Animal/Pet into their STR home, they can usually deny the request. For example, the reason may be a severe allergy to animals (which is a disability of an STR owner that must be considered over a guest request), or it may be a potential injury or harm involving a pet belonging to the STR owner or a neighbor. Or it could be a local law or an HOA rule. When the STR owner cannot reasonably accommodate a request, they can offer an alternative "reasonable accommodation," such as providing the inquirer with a list of other options (e.g., links to nearby STRs or hotels that provide animal-friendly lodging). It is essential to research the applicable laws and circumstances for your unique STR before creating a pet policy (or accepting a mandate or bullying from a potential guest or reservation platform).