Wheelchair-Accessible Vacation Rentals: Comprehensive Guide for Hosts

If you're a property manager interested in wheelchair-accessible vacation rentals, you're in the right place. Did you know that 12.2% of US adults face mobility issues, with serious difficulties walking or climbing stairs? Making your rental ADA-compliant is not only thoughtful but can also help reach a wider audience and increase bookings.

Finding the perfect rental property is tricky for mobility-challenged visitors and their companies. With less than 1% of rentals offering wheelchair access, you can see why. As the hospitality industry slowly shifts to a more inclusive vision, at Houfy, we're here to shed light on how and why to equip your properties with wheelchair-access amenities. Let's dive in!

What is a Wheelchair-accessible Vacation Rental?

A wheelchair-accessible vacation rental is a home adjusted to meet the needs of people with disabilities. It usually includes an accessible bathroom, a roll-in shower, ramps, wider doorways, and special equipment that could make the lives of people with mobility issues that much easier.

What Are the Benefits of a Wheelchair-Accessible Vacation Rental?

Here are the most important benefits of offering wheelchair accessibility to your vacation homes:

• Widen your market reach: According to the World Health Organization, at least 15% of the population lives with some sort of disability. This is a significant market segment you shouldn't miss. By making your vacation rental wheelchair accessible, you're opening it up for rent to a larger market, ultimately increasing your bookings and profits.
• Stand out from the competition: With only a tiny percentage of properties being wheelchair accessible in the US and more than 23 states without accessible vacation rentals at all, this is your chance to stand out. This will not only give you a competitive advantage but will also cover the needs of a large population segment.
• Encourage repeat guests: By making your properties accessible to wheelchair users, you'll likely receive repeat bookings from the same customers. Especially if you offer a stellar stay, you'll have higher chances of guests booking with you repeatedly and securing a consistent income.
• Get more positive reviews: As a short-term rental host, this is your chance to build your reputation and generate glowing reviews. By demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility, you earn the respect of people more likely to support and refer your business.

Wheelchair-accessible accommodations

8 Tips to Wheelchair Accessible Accommodations

1. Ensure ADA Compliance

• Accessible entrances: Your property should have ramps or wide, level entryways without stairs. Ensure that doorways are at least 32 inches wide.
• Bathroom accessibility: Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub. Consider a roll-in shower with an integrated bench, and ensure the sink is accessible for wheelchair users.
• Clear pathways: Maintain a clear path in all common areas, including hallways, living rooms, and kitchens. Floors should be slip-resistant and free from obstacles.

2. Install Accessible Features

• Adjustable fixtures: Install faucets, light switches, and thermostats at accessible heights.
• Accessible furniture: Opt for furniture with sturdy armrests and adequate space around it for easy maneuverability.

3. Provide Essential Equipment

• Accessible kitchen tools: Ensure that kitchen counters and appliances are accessible. Consider including tools like easy-grip utensils or adjustable height counters.
• Accessible technology: Offer technology such as voice-controlled lighting or smart home systems to make it easier for guests to control their environment.

4. Promote Inclusivity in Design

• Open spaces: Design interiors with open spaces for easy wheelchair movement. Avoid heavy furniture arrangements that block pathways.
• Color contrast: Use contrasting colors between floors, walls, and furniture to assist guests with visual impairments.

Wheelchair access amenities

5. Communicate Clearly

• Accurate listings: Clearly describe the accessibility features of your property in your listing. Include photos of accessible amenities and detailed descriptions.
• Efficient marketing: Ensure you maintain active social media accounts and communicate your home's accessible features. You can also use hashtags such as #wheelchairaccessible to reach a wider audience.

6. Test Your Property

• Trial runs: Invite friends or family members with mobility challenges to stay at your property and provide honest feedback on the accessibility features.
• Guests' feedback: Encourage guests to leave honest reviews on their stay and use that information to make constant improvements. Identify areas of enhancement and ensure your property remains accessible.

7. Adapt to Guest Needs

• Customization options: Not all people have the same disabilities. Some have mobility issues, others have sensory disabilities or visual impairments, and others have hearing hardships. Adjust your rental to cover different needs, such as decorating with muted colors for the sensory disabled or avoiding sharp-edged furniture for blind people.

8. Ensure Proper Training for Staff

• Staff education: From cleaning teams to booking assistants, train your staff or yourself to assist guests with disabilities effectively. This includes understanding accessibility features, responding to specific requests, and providing excellent customer service.
• Emergency procedures: Educate your team on handling emergencies involving guests with mobility challenges, ensuring everyone is prepared to assist safely.

Accessible homes for the whole family

Make Your Short-term Rental ADA-compliant

Making your vacation rental wheelchair accessible is not just about compliance; it's about creating an inviting space for everyone. With some effort, you can make your rental properties stand out from the competition, promote inclusivity, and boost revenue. It's not just about smart business but also supporting an inclusive hospitality industry.

If you're ready to take the next step toward growing your brand, Houfy offers a direct-booking solution that allows you to book directly with guests without middlemen or service fees. Reach a wider audience of people with disabilities, cater to their needs, and increase your bookings without profit cuts from large OTAs. List your properties today and join a community of over 15,000 hosts!