Making safety a priority for your short-term rental is essential to ensuring that your property, your guests, and your community are protected. Staying on top of security helps ensure your property is safe between bookings — and as many states and cities crack down on vacation rentals, properties that take proper precautions are more likely to maintain the ability to operate long-term.
1. Nest: Smart Doorbell and Camera
The Nest Camera is your personal security system and smart doorbell. It offers 24-hour live stream video in full 1080p HD over Wi-Fi, mobile alerts when activity is detected, 30-second motion clips sent directly to your phone, and two-way audio — all manageable remotely.
2. Ring: Camera & Door Locks
Ring home security systems offer cameras, motion lights, and door locks. Set unique codes for each guest, monitor your door as guests arrive, and view full HD 1080p video from anywhere in the world. Ring works as a motion detector for intruders and connects easily via the Ring app.
3. Arlo: Security Cameras
Arlo cameras install without wires, swivel 180 degrees, and deliver HD HDR video. With an Arlo Secure plan, you'll know immediately when people, vehicles, or packages arrive at your property.
4. Swann: Doorbell Camera
The Swann wireless doorbell connects in minutes and provides HD video of anyone at your door. Three volume levels ensure you always hear when someone arrives, and Swann's ecosystem includes motion sensors and security cameras too.
5. Dormakaba: Electronic Door Locks
Dormakaba's E-Plex series offers stand-alone access through to enterprise-scale systems spanning multiple facilities and thousands of doors. Reliable, scalable, and built for commercial and hospitality use.
6. RemoteLock: Door Locks
RemoteLock lets you lock every door, garage, elevator, and window from all your properties with one click. Compatible with the largest selection of hardware, plans start from $3–$9/month depending on lock count.
7. Eufy: Keyless Entry
Eufy lets guests open doors with a fingerprint and automatically locks when they leave. No tricky codes, no lost keys — just a secure, stylish addition to any front porch.
8. Honeywell: Smart Thermostat
The Honeywell smart thermostat is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and comes with remote humidity, proximity, and temperature sensors to ensure a healthy home environment between and during guest stays.
9. NoiseAware: Sound Sensor
NoiseAware monitors indoor and outdoor noise levels, alerting you when they surpass your set threshold. Installation takes 5–10 minutes, and individualized thresholds per property let you manage multiple rentals with confidence.
10. Vivint: Tilt Sensor & Video Surveillance
The Vivint video surveillance system provides pan-and-tilt live footage of your property so you can monitor all angles before problems occur.
The best protection is vacation rental insurance. While these tools help you monitor and alleviate issues before they happen, they don't cover every situation. The best way to protect your investment is by purchasing vacation rental insurance from VIFO — covering equipment breakdown, service line coverage, earthquake coverage, loss of income, bed bug enhancement, and property manager commission.