Do This Before Staying in an Airbnb (Most People Don’t!)

Published on December 20, 2023
Duration: 7:00

Jason Hanson, a former CIA officer, outlines essential security checks for Airbnb stays. Key advice includes assessing the neighborhood's safety, verifying external security features like cameras, and inspecting all doors and locks. He stresses the importance of checking window locks, sharing a personal anecdote about a robbery that occurred due to an unlocked window.

Quick Summary

Before staying in an Airbnb, assess the neighborhood's safety and check external security like cameras. Inspect all doors and locks, verify electronic lock codes, and ensure all windows are securely locked. Never open the door without verifying identity and use shades for privacy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Airbnb Security
  2. 00:20Assessing Neighborhood Safety
  3. 01:22Checking External Security Features
  4. 02:15Door and Lock Security Inspection
  5. 03:00Privacy and Peephole Checks
  6. 04:00Window Security & Robbery Story
  7. 05:36Final Security Walkthrough

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first security step Jason Hanson recommends before staying in an Airbnb?

The first step is to assess the neighborhood's safety. Drive around the area to ensure it feels secure. Extremely low prices can sometimes indicate a less safe location, and neighborhoods can change drastically block by block.

How can you check the security of an Airbnb's electronic lock?

Inspect the electronic lock for functionality. If the host uses the last four digits of your phone number as the code, it suggests they likely rotate codes for each guest, which is a safer practice.

What common mistake led to a robbery at an Airbnb mentioned in the video?

The robbery occurred because the guests at a neighboring Airbnb left a window unlocked. This highlights the critical importance of checking every single window and door lock to ensure the property is fully secured.

Why is it important to check window shades in an Airbnb?

Window shades are important for maintaining privacy. Ensuring they are properly drawn prevents people outside from seeing into the rental property, which can deter potential threats or unwanted attention.

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