How to Photograph Your Accessible Short-Term Rental Property

There is a huge market of travelers in the United States, many of which have disabilities. And with 60 being the new 40, an aging population of active retirees is growing.

In the area of accessible short-term rentals, your photographs and descriptions can make a huge difference in your property being booked. However, so many images are taken from the waist up and descriptions are often shallow. Potential guests, especially those who have mobility issues, need to be able to determine if they will be able to access your short-term rental. To position your property in the best light possible, you should pay particular attention to highlighting your property’s accessibility. Renters need to evaluate whether it’s a property that will suit their needs.

It’s important, therefore, to have photos showing not only what’s in front of you but also what’s on the ground and the flow through a property. Additionally, for potential renters who are blind, have low vision, or who learn best by reading, you should make sure your descriptions are accurately written to confirm that you have accessible features.

Parking, Approach, and Entry

Your photographs and descriptions should start from the parking area, walkway, and entry into the property. A non-hard surface driveway and parking area, such as gravel, dirt, grass, or stones/rocks can be difficult for people that use a walker or wheelchair, so show that you have hard surface parking or not. Show that you have any necessary curb cuts, ramps, a low or zero threshold entry point, and 36” doorways. If your rental is in a multi-level building, show photos of the elevator and its access. If there are any steps or other mobility obstructions, make those known.

Living Area

Moving to the interior, your photos should show each room from floor to ceiling. In the living area, show your open floor plan, flooring type, your soft-edged furniture, and the flow from room to room. Show amenities such as a lift chair if you have one. It is important for a wheelchair user to know there is space to participate in family gatherings, so show images that reflect the spatial placement of furniture to wheelchair access.

Kitchen

In an accessible short- term rental, it is important that your potential renter can see how they can participate in and use the kitchen. Show your accessible kitchen features such as accessible height electrical outlets, a front control stove, counter-height microwave, roll-under sink, island and dining table. Images such as these are all important.

Bedrooms

Show the wide hallway and doorways to the bedrooms. Indicate how wide the doorway is and if there is a threshold for which the renter should be aware. Show features such as the bed height, if the bed is adjustable, if you have a Hoyer lift, or if there are grab rails. Show that bedrooms have enough space between walls and furniture for wheelchair access and transfer to furniture and bed.

Bathroom

When it comes to the bathroom, it’s very important to show the doorway, threshold, floor, and fixtures especially noting such amenities such as a roll-under sink, low or tilting mirror, comfort-height toilet, grab bars, shower chair and whether you have a tub, walk-in or roll-in shower.

Patio, Deck, or Balcony

Moving to the exterior of the property, if your rental has a patio, deck or balcony, show the access and flow to that area. You should also note the dimensions to give the renter an idea of the space. Like the interior of the home, it is important to show how a renter would access the property/space. A beautifully decorated space is not beneficial if your renter cannot access the space.

Other Amenities

If your short-term rental has other accessibility features, make those known in your property’s description (i.e., accessible washer and dryer, black out curtains, vibrating alarms, keyless lock system, door levers as opposed to doorknobs, security lighting, security alarms, etc.).

With today’s excellent smartphone technology and filter apps, you don’t have to be a professional photographer to take good photos. But if you are not adept at taking good photos, you should consider investing in professional photography. You need to also ensure your photos and descriptions are current. It can be difficult and disappointing for a renter or family traveling with a member who has special needs to arrive at your destination only to find it’s different than what was described.

Putting effort into your photos and descriptions to highlight accessibility should increase its booking potential tremendously.

by David Flake, Becoming rentABLE