Providing accommodation for frontline NHS staff

In early March Airbnb launched their Frontline Stays initiative in which hosts kindly offer up their homes to NHS staff and other frontline workers free of charge. This has gained increasing popularity as it allows otherwise unused properties to be put to good use with now over 1500 homes in the UK listed in this way. Property management companies such as Under the Doormat have undertaken similar schemes to all key workers who are unable to self-isolate at home and so are looking for short-term accommodation. For those unable to offer their accommodation for free, many hosts are offering discounted prices for NHS staff and other frontline workers to keep their prices affordable. This blog will give some tips on attracting these types of guests as some level of occupancy certainly provides many benefits to hosts during these difficult times.

Amenities for a longer stay

Many frontline workers will be looking for a place to stay for a month or more, so for those hosts who are used to having shorter-stay guests, a few simple adaptations of their airbnb can be a great way to maximise its comfort and convenience. It is important to provide a few essentials such as an iron, WiFi and some basic food supplies, NHS staff will not be wanting to buy salt and pepper every time they enter a new accommodation! In addition, workers could be too busy to pick food supplies up from a nearby supermarket so having some back-up meals such as pasta can go a long way and may just save someone’s evening! Things such as a TV with Netflix or an Amazon Fire stick are great ways for guests to relax in the evening and help in creating a home to look forward to returning to in the evenings.

Social Distance

Social distancing rules are clearly fundamental in slowing the spread of the disease and are perhaps even more important for NHS staff who have such a higher risk of infection. Ensuring that staff are able to abide by the 2 meter rule by not accepting multiple bookings for apartments that are split into separate rooms is a must. For the safety of the guest, and the host, explore self check-in solutions such as those offered by KeyNest, guests will care a lot less about being shown around the apartment if there is a risk of contamination!

Cleanliness

Having a spotless apartment is certainly one the most important criteria for key workers. Ensuring the place is thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom reduces the risk of cross contamination between guests and allows staff to fully relax at the end of the day. In the frontline stays programme Airbnb are getting hosts to agree to follow an extensive cleaning and disinfecting checklist before and after each stay which is something hosts must be aware of when accepting bookings from frontline staff. Also, check that your bathrooms are equipped with some antibacterial soap and/ or wipes and spray - this will be much appreciated by the guests who will be very used to remembering to wash their hands!

KeyNest is the easiest way to provide Airbnb access to guests and cleaners without meeting them in person. Choose from one of 4000 local points, drop off your keys and your guests can pick them up whenever is convenient.