If you think fair housing laws don’t apply to your vacation rental, you’d be wrong.
In Florida, short-term rental properties and businesses must comply with state and federal fair housing laws. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, and religion. Violations of these laws can result in fines and even potential liens placed on the property.
Not a risk you want to take.
When we talk about fair housing laws, what we’re mostly talking about in 2024 and 2025 is providing accommodations for people with disabilities. This area of fair housing has been getting more and more attention lately. Accessible parking spaces are required. Service animals must be allowed. The list goes on.
So how can you create a rental home that’s accessible and welcoming to all guests, regardless of their ability or disability?
It’s more than a legal requirement. It’s a moral one.
For vacation rental property owners, creating a space that caters to a diverse range of guests has never been more important. With the growing demand for accessible vacation rentals, offering inclusive accommodations can significantly enhance your property’s appeal and profitability while building your reputation as a thoughtful and inclusive host.
As professional property managers, we take extra care in this space because we want everyone to enjoy the fantastic spaces we rent out. Here’s an overview of why accessibility is important and how you can be sure to include more features for all of your guests when you rent out a vacation home.
Why Accessibility Matters in Vacation Rentals
Accessibility features are not just about compliance; they’re about providing comfort, ease, and dignity to all of your guests. You want to be a welcoming and inviting host. You cannot be that host if you don’t provide an alternative way to navigate some tricky steps in the backyard.
Here’s why these accommodations are essential for your property:
- Capture a Growing Market
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. lives with a physical disability. By equipping your vacation rental with accessibility features, you’re opening your doors to a largely underserved market. We don’t like to think about people hesitating to travel because they’re worried their needs won’t be met. Be the property owner who meets those needs. You’ll attract a larger pool of vacationing tenants to your property.
- Enhance Guest Experiences
Accessibility features such as ramps, widened doorways, step-free entries, and grab bars can make a world of difference for guests with mobility challenges. Simple additions like light switches at reachable heights or handheld showerheads can transform a stay from challenging to delightful.
For you as a host, it’s an opportunity to offer an unforgettable experience. These may seem like small details to people who do not need them, but simply providing a seat in the shower can make a huge difference in someone’s stay.
Creating a great guest experience is what vacation renting is all about.
- Showcase Your Commitment to Inclusive Accommodations
There’s also the matter of reputation. Guests today are making more conscious choices when booking their stays. They want to support businesses and hosts who are thoughtful, inclusive, and socially responsible. By incorporating accessibility features, you’re saying, “Everyone is welcome here.” That has become a winning message in a time that often feels divisive and antagonistic. Make sure that your property is appealing to just about everyone as they scroll through listings looking for the vacation home that will make everyone comfortable.
- Boost Your Occupancy Rates Year-Round
Offering an accessible rental property is also good for business. As a vacation rental property owner, you want to keep your home or your condo or your cottage rented all year long. Inclusive accommodations can help you do that. You’ll attract not only people with disabilities but also their family members, friends, caregivers, and others who value accessibility.
Your property becomes a go-to choice for a wider range of guests, helping you achieve consistent bookings even during off-peak seasons.
- Increase Your Competitive Edge
We hate to acknowledge it, but not every vacation rental property host cares much about making accommodations or keeping their property accessible. When you do it, you’re standing out.
With so many vacation rentals vying for attention, properties that highlight their accessibility features remain competitive in a crowded market. Guests are likely to book with a host who has clearly taken steps to accommodate their needs.
Accessible Features to Consider Adding to Your Rental
So, what can you do? What should you do? What are you required to do?
If you’re not sure where to get started, we invite you to contact our experienced team at Anchor Down Real Estate & Rentals. We can help you make your property accessible to any guest who wants to stay there. Remember that upgraded accessibility doesn’t necessarily mean a full-scale renovation. Depending on your property, even small updates can have a big impact.
Highlight Accessibility in Your Listings
Listings are first impressions. While a large majority of prospective vacation guests will immediately scroll to the photos and take a look at what you’re offering, those guests who have specific needs for accommodations will likely read your description to see if you offer something that can help.
If your property offers accessibility features, don’t keep it a secret.
Highlight these features prominently in your online listings to attract guests who rely on them. Be clear and specific. For example, mention the step-free entry and the dedicated parking space. If you’re renting out a condo unit in a building, establish whether there are elevators. Include photos that showcase these features in action.
While we’re on the topic of photos, make sure you’re using Alt Text to describe any photos that you include in your listing. This allows people with visual impairments to understand what your photos and videos are sharing. When there’s a description to go with each photo, you’re giving more people an understanding of the property and its features.
Additionally, consider creating a dedicated section in your description to list all inclusive accommodations your property offers. Testimonials and reviews from satisfied guests who’ve benefited from these features are incredibly powerful and can persuade potential renters.
Start Today for a More Inclusive Tomorrow
The hospitality industry is evolving, and we think that’s great news because it means more guests, more business, and more people being willing and able to travel.
In Florida, where tourism is a major industry, we should be leading the way in making vacation rental homes more accessible. Our guests increasingly expect to see accessible vacation rentals on the market. By investing in accessibility, you’re not only future-proofing your property but also playing a part in making travel inclusive for everyone.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider consulting local accessibility guidelines or working with a professional to assess your property’s needs. We can provide the support you need, and we also know that every step you take towards inclusivity is not just an investment in your rental—it’s an investment in your guests’ comfort and happiness.
We’re here to be part of your solution. If you’d like to talk to us about your specific vacation property or the portfolio you currently have, we’d be happy to make some recommendations. Please contact us at Anchor Down Real Estate & Rentals.
