BnB Season in Canada: How to Keep Your Home Safe While You Rent It Out
Summer is peak season for short-term rentals in Canada. Whether you’re renting out your downtown condo in Toronto, your lakeside cottage in Muskoka, or even just a basement suite in Vancouver, more and more homeowners are turning to Airbnb and Vrbo to earn extra income. But with great guests come great responsibilities, and security should be at the top of the list.
While many blogs focus on protecting your home from renters, we’re taking a smarter approach. This blog is all about empowering you to protect your home and your guests, using simple tools that won’t compromise their experience.
Smart Locks: Guest Access Without the Headache
Gone are the days of hiding a key under the mat. A smart lock is one of the easiest and most secure ways to manage guest check-in.
With a system from Alarm Guard, you can:
- Generate temporary codes that expire after checkout
- Avoid lost keys or unauthorized re-entry
- Lock and unlock doors remotely via your phone
Guests appreciate a seamless check-in, and you’ll have full control over who enters and when, even if you’re miles away.
Pro tip: Choose locks with time-restricted PINs and trackable entry logs for added peace of mind.
Cameras: What’s Allowed (and What’s Not) in Canada
It’s tempting to install indoor cameras for added protection, but in Canada, privacy laws are strict when it comes to guest monitoring.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Outdoor cameras are allowed, as long as they don’t point directly into private areas (like a neighbour’s yard).
- Indoor cameras are not permitted in guest spaces, even if disclosed.
- You must disclose all surveillance devices in your rental listing, including video doorbells or motion sensors.
With Alarm Guard’s outdoor camera systems:
- You’ll get motion alerts when someone enters or exits
- You can verify guest arrivals remotely
- You’ll still respect your guest’s privacy
It’s a smart balance between security and hospitality.
Real-Time Alerts: Stay Informed Without Hovering
Once your guests are in, a well-monitored system can help you stay relaxed, not paranoid.
With 24/7 professional monitoring and smart alerts, you’ll know if:
- A door is left open for too long
- There’s unexpected motion outside at night
- A smoke or flood sensor is triggered
Plus, if there’s a real emergency, Alarm Guard’s monitoring team can dispatch help even if you’re on vacation yourself. This is especially helpful if:
- You manage your property remotely
- You’re renting out a secondary home or cottage
- You’re hosting back-to-back stays with little time to check in personally
Protecting Valuables Without Being Overbearing
Renting out your home doesn’t mean trusting strangers with your most valuable possessions. Here’s how to protect them discreetly:
- Use a locked storage closet or cabinet for personal items
- Install smart sensors on the doors to these rooms
- Keep important documents, jewelry, or tech off-site during rentals
This approach helps you avoid awkward instructions or “do not enter” signs while still keeping your space secure.
Secure Hosting Is Smart Hosting
A good guest experience starts with a sense of trust on both sides. When you install the right security system, you’re not just protecting your home, you’re also setting your guests up for a safe and seamless stay.
And when emergencies do happen (a door left open, a water leak, or suspicious activity outside), your smart system and professional monitoring have your back, so you don’t have to panic or rush back home.
Host Securely This Summer
Whether you’re a first-time Airbnb host or a seasoned superhost, Alarm Guard can help you protect your property and your peace of mind. Call us today at 1-866-282-3331 or visit our website alarmguardsecurity.ca
