Problems with renting apartments

The owners who have business in tourism and rent their  private apartments often have to deal with some problems like fake owners that offer their apartments and take their profit. How they do it?

Internet - opportunity and threat

Internet and global access to information, has made a huge step forward to offer accommodation facilities to visitors, and eased the visitors search and finding the optimal location and reasonable price for accommodation. But on the Internet is lurking a danger.

Some people offer other people's capacities as their own, often taking money in advance. This is pure online crime and very dangerous scam in which directly are harmed users, guests, and renters, and indirectly services, owners agency, portals and web sites, ie. specialized services that loose credibility and trust. We all know that credibility and trust are very important in industry of tourism. Those frauds can be happens in famous global services such as Booking.com, Airnb, HolidayLettings, Tripadvisor, House trip, as well as the local portal. Online frauds are faithful companion of the virtual world, and particularly are vulnerable sites which don’t have accurate information’s, and do not ensure and check them more thoroughly.

Virtual Advertising

Internet is so spread out that almost all of us bought, sold, commented, assessed something on line. Those people who want to make frauds on the Internet have considerable leeway and some proven ways to attempt fraud. First they opens a public e-mail accounts with false information, then registers on specialized sites for advertising with that e-mail, and at the third step, advertise other people's property, as their own. No too much math, just superb insolence and criminal behavior that is very difficult to trace.

You can imagine the feeling of the owners when saw how their own properties are offers without authorization from some strangers. The only thing in this case is left is to immediately report abuse to the police and authorities, as this is often the only way to come to the cheaters and prevent further abuses.

The web portals and agencies stated that is impossible to check every offer they receive for advertising. However, larger and more professional agencies have more developed procedures of checking the advertisers, and frauds are much rarer. Smaller sites, portals do not have resources and times for checks, which can be very tempting for hackers.

How to avoid this kind of problems?

–        The first suggestion is that the owners of the internet sites and portal have to search for prove and evidence (copies of categorization, account numbers or other data), and have to develop a system of protection. In this way, visitors and potential users could see the official data on the advertiser.

–        Some services for the booking of accommodation, such as Airbnb, who are aware of the frauds on the Internet, ask from the guest to pay the entire amount of the reservation in advance, and the corresponding money sent to the owner only after feedback from the customer. This mechanism is almost ideal protection for all participants in the chain. The guests are protected from false information’s, if apartment was not as he had seen on the web, may seek and obtain a refund.

–        Those who wish to use the services of web advisers and portal should check the experiences of others with that site. These sites allow commenting and posting ratings and reviews from others guests and travelers, it is worthwhile to read the same and find out what you be expected. Owners can use GoogleAlerts to monitor the advertising of their own accommodation through this service.

–        The recommendation is worth gold. As in many other areas, as well as in the business of renting apartments, the recommendation is something that many people like to hear and to get it, in order to reduce uncertainty and risk. Involvement of proven  agency for renting apartments will save time, nerves  and money.

Why reputation on the Internet is important for renting apartments?

The first step in the journey begins with choosing destination. After that, something the majority of tourists devotes most of his time and attention - finding accommodation. One of the most important things in deciding is category of hotels or apartments. However, with the development of the Internet and global networks, perhaps even greater importance have impressions of guests who have already stayed in that accommodation. Today is very easy to comment, either positive or negative, and it remains written on the net and always available.

Guest impressions

People love to hear others' travel experiences, to see pictures, hear the impressions and recommendations. Not long ago, mostly other people, acquaintance, friends, or relatives did tell these experiences and stories. Today the situation is vastly different. People uses Internet, there are lot of portals, forums, blogs which are dealing with themes of traveling and tourism. They encourage people to share their impressions, to assess a destination, agency, hotels restaurants or apartments. And people use such opportunities with pleasure. They praise what is good, or warn on the negative side. For each destination, you will find recommendations for accommodation or restaurant that you should not skip, and a warning of what should be bypassed in a wide arc.

Such comments are, of course, quite subjective, but many agree that the personal experience is still more objective than the prospect of travel agencies. In this content, which users create online, owners of accommodation cannot directly influence. They have to focus in obtaining comfortable, clean and well-appointed apartment, which guest will praise and go back there again.

Take the initiative

What people involved in tourism can do for themselves and their business, is to actively participate in the creation of viral content. Every restaurant, hotel, apartment that wants to be competitive on the market must provide:

–        good internet presentation (web site)

–        online reservation system

–        active participation in social networks - facebook, instagram, twitter

–        rapid responses to inquiries and comments of guests

They have to try to make good photographs of their premises, because good pictures attract attention, likes and comments. It is important to interact with as many possible visitors on social networks, to answer their questions, comments and criticism. The only thing you must never do is to delete the comments you do not like. Instead, try to repair the service or promotion that guest was not satisfied. Be up to date, reply to emails, you show that you care.

What should not be done?

Embellish reality, uses Photoshop for photos, excessive use of superlative epithets. This approach quickly and easily could be negatively affected, because when people once realize that what is in the shop window is not even close to what you get in the store, shall cease to come. The tourism industry can not rule that any advertising is good, on the contrary.

Importance of internet community and reputation

Online community brings advantage, benefits and opportunities In one place, there are a lot of comments and feedback's, each of which can serve as a good business advice: what satisfied guest and what not, what is good in your offer, what attracts them, and which segment of business should be change or improve. With properly listening of the wishes and needs of guests, owners can always be one-step ahead of the competition.

The importance of online reputation in tourism is recognized by World Tourism Organization, who is considering introduction of this element for categorization of tourist services. Therefore we ought to follow trends and keep pace with the times and new features that brings the development of science and technology.

Categorization of private apartments in Belgrade

Definition of apartment

Apartment is a part of flat or house in which the tourists can stay, sleep, eat or independently cook their food. There are various apartments according size and quality so some kind of categorization and classifications is necessary.

Procedure of categorization

Apartments can have from one to four stars, depending on the number of points obtained in the evaluation according to the standards prescribed by the competent authorities.

For categorization this elements are important:

• the external appearance

More points are dedicated to apartments build with high-quality materials. Renovated buildings have more value than old buildings.

• parking lots and garages

Parking in Belgrade, can be a very big problem. Apartments with 4 and 5 star must have parking place at the building in which the apartment is located. Other categories of accommodation do not have to have a secured parking for guests. However, in Belgrade you will find a large number of apartments that offer this possibility, whether it's a parking place in front of or possibility of parking in a nearby garage.

To have garage is very important for private apartment

• Access to apartments

Access to the apartment entrance and must have secured outdoor lighting. In addition, for two or more stars, entrance to the accommodation unit must be from a separate corridor or hallway.

• guests receiving

Person who speaks at least one foreign language should receive guests, and it is very important to be very nice, kind and friendly person. “Guests are always right” should be motto.

• Size and equipment

Size

The minimum area that flat must have in order to be categorized as an apartment is 26 m². From 19 m² to 25 m² is classified as studio.

Equipment

Equipment and feature of apartments are regulated by some standards and requirements: number of beds and pillows, number of outlets, techniques (air conditioning, TV, Internet), to details such as a sewing kit and a printed notification of the facilities and services which are available to guests.

In the kitchen every apartment should have: sinks with hot water, fridge, stove, extractor fan, kitchen cabinets, dishes and pans, cups, plates and other accessories, dining table and chairs according to the number of beds, dustbins, tablecloth, napkins ...

In the bathroom must be a tub or shower cabin with curtain. Apartments with two or more stars have to provide additional hair-dryer, shampoo and bath, extra towels and toiletries.

Apartments who want to get three or four star, would have to provide: change of linen upon request, first aid kit, iron, accommodation for pets

• Quality of furniture and equipment in the flat

There are three quality categories:

Quality of furniture in the apartment can significantly contribute to its value

–        standard with one to three stars - have standard equipment, for apartments

–        first class  4 stars - apartment is equipped with furniture of small series and aligned with the interior

–        exclusive 5 stars - have luxurious furniture which brings additional points in the evaluation of apartments

Apartments in Belgrade generally are luxuriously furnished, and there is an obvious effort by their owners to offer good service to the visitors in order to be satisfied and have positive impressions. Of course the price depends of classification, if apartment is on higher category and has more stars, the price will be higher

How to attract business tourists?

How to attract business tourists?

Today’s world of business is asking lot of traveling, business people have to travel long distances and to go to other countries and cities in order to meet their business partners and associates. The common characteristics of this group of traveler are:

• they are looking for accommodation mostly for a day, maybe for 3-5 days,
• they have higher budgets, and they are less concerned about costs
• travels alone or with colleagues in the company
• part of their work performed in spare time

For people involved in tourism it is important to recognize business tourists and attracts them. Airports, hotels, car rental agencies, restaurants adapt and extend its offer to business people.

Hotels have gone farthest. They have areas so-called "lounge bars" aimed for gathering and socializing of businessmen. Hotels with more stars have one or more meeting rooms, conference rooms equipped with the necessary equipment, Broadband fast internet and telephone or fax lines are on their disposal. Business tourists can choose whether they prefer to work in a hotel rooms or in the areas of special purpose.

Apartments for business people

Someone who saw their chance to attract this well paid guest are the owners of private apartments. These apartments are a solution for all requirements andneeds of businesspersons.

• their renting is very flexible - for one to several nights, even several hours
• apartments have access to the Internet and telephone. Some of them have computers, laptops, fax, scanner, printer and photocopier on disposal.
• in apartments can be created and  organized a space for working and conducting business. Apartments are quiet, intimate, offers a pleasant atmosphere unhindered by crowds and noise, also there can be organized meetings in friendly and even familial environment.
• Reservations and payment are very simple - company that sends the employee abroad can booked and paid by Internet or by some financial services as Western Union or Paypal
• in the apartments can be arranged meals for one or more people. If the business people do not want to cook, the owner can hire catering service or restaurant.
• parking places - Most of apartments provide parking space for their guests.

When the work is completed this visitors often want to go out and explore the city. For these tourists, apartment accommodation is a great solution. Unlike a hotel, here they have a large space, and everyone can undisturbed to attend to their work or entertainment.

THE ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES IN BELGRADE

Belgrade is a respectable tourist destination

Belgrade is visiting by many tourist and visitors. In 2014, 1,200,000 tourists both foreign and domestic visited the capital of Serbia and this year that number will be higher. Traditionally Serbia and Belgrade mostly are visited by Slovenians, Croatian, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Arab countries. There are plenty of reasons to visit Belgrade, from sightseeing and enjoying in excellent food and drink, great fun, and so on.

Tourist workers have to find adequate accommodation for these visitors. What can Belgrade offers?

The accommodation facilities in Belgrade

The accommodation capacity of the city of Belgrade consist of a number of

• hotels,
• hostels,
• private apartments
• camps

Private apartments

The huge popularity in recent times has private apartments. According to the data of Tourist Organization of Belgrade, the city has about 500 apartments for a short or long vacation, but this figure is difficult to verify, probably there are more. They can be rented for a longer and a shorter period. They are comfortable and tastefully furnished apartments who offered all possible comfort and peace. The good thing is that guest can avoid crowds in the hostels and hotels, and the time of renting is very flexible, from several hours to several days. Private apartments are cheaper, offers better comfort, safety and intimacy; guest should feel as they are at home. They can cook, wash their clothes, they can chose location, (private apartments are situated all over the city) and save money for transportation cost. Booking and payments can be made on-line.

Hotels

According to the latest data of the Tourist Organization, in Belgrade  exist around 61 hotels. Hotels a ranged by categories, from 1 up to 5 stars. Some will think that it is more than sufficient, but experts in the field believe that there is room for more. In particular, there is a lack of luxury hotels with more stars. In recent years are build a few luxury hotels like Crowne Plaza, Falkensteiner, Hotel Allure Caramel, Hotel Atera, Radison Blu hotel Holidey Inn, Zepter Apart Hotel. Those hotels poses a high level of standards and luxury for visitors.

Hostels

Those with little less deep pocket have access to hostels. There are around 90 hostels but opens new almost every week. Hostels are less comfortable and less luxurious, but they are cheaper. Hostels are visited by young backpacker who travels and explore new places, students, visitors of concerts and other cultural events. They can sleep for just 5 euro’s, rest a little and continue their trip. Also a lot of new friendship can be made on this places.

Hostel room - Belgrade

Camps

Belgrade does not have enough camps that the city of this size should have. The reason for this is weak domestic demand, foreigners who are most used to camps, can not fulfill capacities that are considered sufficient to make it operate with a profit.

What to expect in the future?

Interest in Belgrade as a tourist destination is expected to grows each year so that these capacities for accommodation that we mentioned will certainly not be sufficient, so that the growing need require new investments to new facilities for all categories. Because of its advantages, as well as the significantly lower required investments, we expect that private apartments will grow with the biggest rate and success.

TRANSPORT MEANS IN BELGRADE

TRANSPORT MEANS IN BELGRADE

Belgrade is a big city, and his citizens have huge distances to overcome every day. They travel to work, to go school or college, for shopping, to meet with the friends etc. From one end to the other distances can be more than 15 kilometers. Numerous tourists who wants to visits all sights and sites that are scattered around the city, also needs transport. They look for the most comfortable and fastest transport from their apartments where they are stayed, to remote places in the city.

What kinds of transportation means are available?

Own car

Most comfortable way for commuting is with own vehicle. Drivers are not depending on the timetable of public transport, have great autonomy of decision making and organizing their time. Weaknesses of this method are traffic jams (Belgrade’s streets are not big enough for receiving so many vehicles), lack of parking spaces and traffic culture of drivers. Therefore, you need a lot of nerves and patience. Most of the tourists do not come here by car so it needs to cope with other kinds of transport.

Public transport in Belgrade - lines

Public transport

This is the cheapest way to travel through the city (especially as the majority of citizens do not pay at all their tickets). Public transport used by about half a million passengers every day, and city have around 1200 vehicles, you can estimate whether this is enough. 

This situation can be seen for best during the summer months, when most of the people are on holiday and absent from the city, but transport cannot be better. However, when all will return during fall and winter begins collapse, crowds on buses and trams, delays, nervousness... tourists have option to see Belgrade at open double-decker bus that is used for organized sightseeing.

Taxi

The taxi has its advantages, but it has also major drawbacks. The most evident: they are too expensive, and most of the people cannot afford their services on a daily basis. Big blow to the reputation of taxi drivers are so-called "illegal" taxi drivers. The ride with them can cost you cheap but it could be several times more expensive, it all depends on how well you know the city and how much you are good at bargaining.

Rent a car

Car rental agencies have significantly reduced their prices and are now more or less. The advantages are that you can choose a good and a new car that meets your current needs, car can be booked online, etc. But you have to look for parking and to get through the Belgrade crowd, like everyone else,

Bikes

This is the healthiest and most natural way to travel through the city. Depending on the physical strength of rider can be cross more or less kilometers. On the other side, Belgrade is not a "bike friendly" city, there is a

Riding a bike in one of Belgrade's park

very few safe bike lanes, drivers are not used to cyclists and riding a bike can be very dangerous. Besides these drawbacks, is evident that every year more and more people choose cycling as their choice for traveling, and tourists who did not come with their bikes, at their disposal are shops that rent bikes.

Why to rent apartment in Belgrade?

Renting apartments, flats and other real estate property in Belgrade has always been relatively lucrative job and a source of additional income. Belgrade is one of the top 10 European destinations; business, economic and academic center of Serbia and region, lot of tourist, students, young people looking for work, tourists, business people and other visitors are arriving every day, so there is huge demand for accommodation capacities.  There are several hotels, a lot is being built or plan to built, but new category of accommodation capacity is emerging - private apartments for short stay.

Owners of empty flats instead of holding them empty and make unnecessary costs, decide to rent them. They are investing money to equip and to enable them for offering quality accommodation.

The risks and costs of the owners

The real estate market in Belgrade in recent times experience declining prices, both in sales and in renting. On the other side utility prices and cost for maintenance have rising. Owners cannot keep their flats empty because the cost are more and more expensive, they have difficulty to sell - prices are too low, it is hard to find good tenant on long run who won’t destroy apartment and be on time with the rent. The most expensive apartment is the empty apartment.

Therefore, in recent years many people decide to change model of renting. The owners do not look for tenants in the long term, rather than a flat rented as an apartment for short stay - a day, a week or a month. This form of accommodation is becoming increasingly popular, especially between domestic and foreign tourist and business people. They come in Belgrade for short stay to accomplish some business or visit relatives or business partners, visit faculty, school, to accomplish some duty in the ministry, have medical examination, visit some cultural or sport manifestation, etc. This sort of visitors is willing to pay for good, peaceful and comfort accommodation in the center of Belgrade.

Convert ordinary flats in an apartment for renting

A.    First step for owners is to make renovation and decoration and adopted their flat to apartment for renting.

To begin with, it should be invest in equipment:

–       fitted kitchen with oven, refrigerator, small electrical appliances, dishes and cutlery, to be able to prepare food their self

–       fitted toilets with modern and new bathtubs and showers, washing machine and clothes drier

–       buy good furniture, beds, sofas, cabinets, etc

–       buy linens and towels,

–       new flat TV with cable or satellite channels

–       computer with fast broadband internet and Wi-Fi connection

–       air conditioning for summer

–       heating for the winter

–       parking place can be a big plus

–       provide guests with hair dryer and iron, toaster or microwave oven

B.    Second step - advertise and promotions of property in order to attract clients. Internet, Google +, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social networks can help. In the beginning, it may be best to contact companies that are experienced in internet marketing.

C.     Third step After each group of guests, owners should take care of the apartment and prepare for the next group. The apartments must be cleaned, linen be changed, the trash throw out, broken things replaced, etc. The guest gives their grades and reviews so reputation is very important

Prices of renting

If apartment is on a good location, the price is unlikely to be less than 40 Euros per day. If the flat is full with guests an average of 20 days per month, it is easy to calculate - two average Serbian salaries. Keep in mind that Belgrade is a city that abounds in events (concerts, spot matches, fairs), as well as in growing number of tourists who come here during the New Year, Easter, and other  holidays. Then rates are going up, so calculation is even more favorable.

Our advice for real estate owners

Take advantage of your property in the best way. Activate it, let it work for you, be with entrepreneurial spirit - may it turn into a great business idea.

What is Airbnb?

INTRODUCTION

Airbnb (Air, Bed & Breakfast) is a portal or online platform,  which connects owners of some property which they want to rent, and people who are looking place for stay. In other words, Airbnb connects people who are searching for accommodation and people who want to rent to these strangers  their spare living spaces for some amount of money.

Airbnb is not for hotels, hostels or other commercial companies, but for private apartments for short or longer stay or single rooms, houses, boats, yachts, the offer is so wide that goes from castle to the ordinary couch. This is a very efficient way to rent the apartments for a longer or shorter period, both in major cities and in smaller popular seasonal destinations. Rental period goes from one, two evenings, weekends or for several days, to a whole year.

Usually owners rent their flat when goes to trip, or if there is a surplus of rooms but lack of money, some even bought the apartment for renting on this service.

BEGINNINGS

The idea comes from Brian Chesky and his two friends Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk from San Fnraciska, who sought a way to rent their apartments when they are absent. They came to idea to create, then a small website, - Airbnb. The beginnings were very modest, but the idea was brilliant. Today Airbnb exists in 35,000 cities in 192 countries and has 350,000 renters and they are now billionaires.

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

Registration on Airbnb-in is completely free and everybody can do that. Potential client should make profile that with personal information, as well as the photo, very similar to profile on Facebook.

Owners make their own profil that contains a textual description and image of apartment. in the ad is integrated location on Google Map and Google Street View. In addition there are added ratings and reviews of those who had previously stayed on that place. This is very important because the comment and rate are the best and most relevant information. There are pictures of the owner, his contact details and all information related to this flat.

The apartments can be searched by several parameters:

• type of property - apartments, rooms, houses and so on.
• housekeeper info
• location
• capacity of apartments, ie how many guests can be stayed
• by date of check in and check out,
• at the range of prices,
• by equipment of object (furniture, internet, TV, etc.).

After these steps, client sends the request and when the owner confirms the reservation, desired space is booked after potential guest pay to Airbnb via the Internet, payment card or through PayPal. Airbnb keeps the money until the moment when the guest appears. In this way, owner is safe if the client cancels reservation, and customer is assured in case accommodation is not as described. If the customer does not appear, the money will still be removed from his account (or some percent), and the right of return is possible only if cancellation is made on time. Service of Airbnb is 10 percent of each transaction. You can book you apartment by yourself in direct contact with owner, but then you are at risk to lose security that Airbnb.

BENEFITS

For owners:

• Economic gains. This is good opportunity to earn some money. Instead you whirring empty apartment or house so you can publish them and add to your budget.
• Chance to introduce other people and cultures. This is a good chance to meet people from all over the world, which you will never meet in everyday’s life. Some people like to socialize and offer their hospitality to people from distant and unknown countries just to introduce new experiences

For guests

• Lower prices in most cases cheaper than in classic hotels and other facilities
• Better location hotels are located in tourist areas, which are more distant from the places worth for visiting. To introduce some place sometimes is better to be placed somewhere closed to the locals, not tourists,
• Friendships’ with the owners - this is priceless. The hosts are "ordinary people", they usually do not approach to visitors cold and professional, but are willing to share with their guests local places and experiences.
• flexibility of booking - sometimes hotels are too bulky, with all these reservations, "bookings", and all hierarchy. If you make reservation via Airbnb's you will be spare of abusing and complications because everything can be done over internet.

DISADVANTAGES

• Safety and Security. Inconveniences are certainly possible. Each owner and guest must have their own profile on Airbnb just for security reasons. Care is necessary on both sides, it is recommended to read comments and ratings. Some of the guests steala or damage belongings in apartment. Airbnb can not completely guarantee that this cannot happen.
• Untrue description of property As with any ad, it does not take for granted.  
• Competition. Hotels and other establishments are sensitive to Airbnb, and are actively lobbying to limit its operations.
• Country - direct transactions between private individuals involves bypassing tourist taxes and the state does not like to be excluded from the market and to remain free of its cakes, so that in some states passed laws to restrict  Airbnb business.

AIRBNB IN SERBIA

In Serbia, there are plenty of individuals who have empty houses, flats and apartments that can be rented and brings some profit to owners. Most of them are in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kopaonik, Zlatibor and other places. Airbnb is present but not on at such a level as in others countries. There are local portals that have been working for a long time, they have enviable reputation and they are very strong competition which can not be easily denied. 

Why to Stay in an Apartment?

Visiting Serbia is always a good idea. Natural beauty, clean air, tasty food... Either you decide to see country side, or it's capitol - Belgrade - you can count on a holiday to remember.

Belgrade offers many things to see, a lot of places for picnic, sightseeing, restaurants with Serbian specialties... But, first of all, you have to find a place to stay.

Accommodation in Belgrade

In Belgrade, you can choose between:

1. hotels
2. hostels
3. apartments

It depends on your travel budget, but also on your way of life, and a purpose of your trip.

Hotels offer comfort, neat, air-conditioned rooms. Cleaning is on a daily basis, and you can count on TV, WiFi and minibar. Also, friendly stuff with a knowledge of English and probably another foreign language.

In the other hand, you are limited on a small room, and you have to eat in a hotel or some other restaurant.

 

Hostels are known as a kind of accommodation that suits best to the young people. You can never know who will be your roommates. If you are looking for adventure, new friendship, or traveling with a lot of friends, you could consider hostel. But, if you are looking for a peaceful holiday to enjoy, it would be vise to skip it.

Belgrade apartments

Apartments offer you the opportunity to plan a perfect holiday. You will get comfort, safety and intimacy, just like in your own home. This is a big plus if you are on a family trip.

Private apartments in Belgrade have an equipped kitchen and all necessary appliances, so you can prepare your meals, coffee, and other refreshments.

Also, you can count on

• equipped kitchen, with basic devices
• free WiFi or high speed cable net
• cable TV
• air conditioner

If you are traveling by car, or planning to rent a car in Belgrade, be sure to find apartment with parking lot.

Depending on purpose of your trip, there is a large offer of apartments in every part of the city - center, New Belgrade, Kalemegdan, Dorcol...

You can find an apartment that perfectly fits you. They can be single room, or with one, two or even three bedrooms. Single room apartment is suitable for two persons, and one-bedroom apartment for four or five people. If you share the renting costs, and with some internet research, renting can cost you less then 15 eur per person.

Of course, there are also some disadvantages - you have to clean apartment and to make a bed. But, also, you can enjoy your coffee on a balcony, prepare healthy meal from vegetables that you bought on a local green market... 

You can live just like a Belgradian for a few days, and it could be a great experience and wonderful memory!