If you rent your vacation home out on one of the many popular vacation rental sites, you may want to consider adding a few security features first. Added security features can keep both your home and your renters safe and secure. Consider the following ideas, and discuss them with a locksmith like Ability Lock & Key to determine which ones are right for your property.

Keypad Door Locks

Keypad door locks offer a great way to upgrade your vacation home's existing locks. They don't require a key, which means you won't have to worry about getting keys to your temporary tenants. You can also select locks that can be reprogrammed, so you can change the passcode at the end of each rental. Keypad locks can be installed on the handsets on your doors, on the deadbolts, or on both, depending on what makes the most sense for your home.

Exterior Security Cameras

Exterior security cameras can provide an added feeling of safety for your renters, and they can also provide you with the reassurance that your home is secure while you're away. Choose smart cameras that can be connected to your smartphone, tablet, or computer, so you can keep an eye on your property at all times. You won't want to install interior cameras for use when you have renters, as this can interfere with their privacy while renting from you.

Flood Sensors

Flood sensors are a good idea to have in your rental home even if you don't rent it out very often. They can alert you to potential floods in your home so you can act quickly to resolve the problems. Some sensors can be connected to your smartphone, so you can contact your renters at the first sign of a problem.

House Rule List

Some tenants will create house rule lists, which typically include information about what areas of the house are off-limits and whether or not you permit tobacco or alcohol use in the home. It's a good idea to add some security rules to the list as well. For example, do you want windows locked at night? Should your tenants lock both the deadbolt and bottom lock? The rule book should also include your contact information in the event that there is an emergency on the property, such as a flood, fire, or burglary.

Renting your vacation home out to happy travelers can be a great way to make some extra money, but take these steps to ensure your property is safe and secure for all your future tenants.