If you are renting out your home, or a portion of it, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the chances of having to make a claim.

1. Make sure that the person with whom you make the arrangements to rent your home will be one of the people staying in your home.
2. Ask for references for everyone who will be staying in your home, and check those references.
3. If possible, be there when the renters arrive, and make arrangements to have someone you know “check in” every few days.
4. Leave a telephone number where the renters can reach you in case they have problems, and be sure to post emergency numbers for police, fire, ambulance and insurance next to the telephone.
5. Never rent your home to someone who intends to house an unreasonable number of people in your home.
6. Before you leave:
   
   

   °	make sure you have an up-to-date home inventory
   °	make sure you fix loose steps or railings, and clear icy walkways
   °	remove or lock up any hazardous materials, including medication
   °	remove or lock up any items of value that are not part of the rental contract (jewellery, silver etc.)

   
   
7. If you are using a rental agency to rent out your home, make sure the agency is reputable and has insurance coverage for their operations.