What to Do When the Power Goes Out in a Rental (Owner + Guest Plan)

When the Power Goes Out: The 3 Priorities

When the lights go out, we focus on three things in order:

1. Safety first (guests + property)
2. Prevent damage (AC, fridge, water leaks, alarms)
3. Fast communication (clear updates to guest + owner)

The Guest Plan (What Guests Should Do Immediately)

If you’re a guest and the power goes out:

1. Check if it’s just the rental

• Look outside: Are neighboring homes or common areas also out?
• Check the breaker box only if you’re comfortable doing so (don’t force anything).

2. Use safety basics

• Keep flashlights handy (avoid candles if possible).
• Minimize opening the fridge/freezer to keep food cold longer.
• If it’s hot, hydrate and keep blinds closed.

3. Message the host right away
   Send a quick note with:

• Time the outage started
• Whether neighbors/common areas are out
• Any urgent issues (medical devices, alarms sounding, smell of smoke, water leak)

The Owner/Host Plan (What We Do as Property Managers)

As soon as we’re notified:

Step 1: Confirm the outage

We determine whether it’s:

• Wide-area outage (utility issue)
• Building/HOA outage (common electrical)
• Unit-only issue (breaker, GFCI, appliance fault)

Step 2: Communicate fast (guest + owner)

We send:

• A calm acknowledgement to the guest (“We’re on it.”)
• A quick owner update with the situation + next action

Step 3: Protect the property

During outages, the biggest risks are heat/humidity, food spoilage, leaks, and security.

We check or instruct the guest on:

• AC status (and restart strategy when power returns)
• Water leaks (especially near HVAC closets and under sinks)
• Security systems / smart locks (battery backup status)
• Refrigerator/freezer guidance (keep closed)

Step 4: Coordinate the fix (utility, HOA, or vendor)

• If it’s utility: we track outage updates and ETA.
• If it’s HOA/building: we contact onsite management/security.
• If it’s unit-only: we dispatch an electrician or maintenance vendor.

Step 5: Guest care + review protection

If the outage is extended, we proactively offer solutions depending on length + severity:

• Portable fans (when appropriate)
• Ice delivery / cooler guidance
• Alternate lodging discussion (platform rules apply)
• Documentation for platform support if needed

How to Handle Common Scenarios (Quick Guide)

If the power is out for 15–60 minutes

• Confirm outage type
• Keep guest updated
• No major action unless medical/safety issue

If the power is out for 2–6 hours

• Focus on comfort + humidity control
• Check for safety concerns
• Start planning contingencies

If the power is out overnight or longer

• Document everything
• Coordinate with platform support (Airbnb/VRBO)
• Discuss partial refunds/relocation (case-by-case)
• Protect the home from humidity and spoilage

Prevention: How We Reduce Outage Drama Before It Happens

A well-prepared home makes outages less stressful:

• Flashlights + extra batteries stored in a labeled spot
• Printed “What to Do” card inside the unit
• Smart lock battery checks on schedule
• Surge protection for key electronics
• Vendor list ready to dispatch quickly
• Clear guest communication templates

Final Tip: Calm Communication = Better Outcomes

Guests don’t expect perfection—but they do expect a plan. When you respond quickly, communicate clearly, and take visible action, you protect:

• the guest experience
• the property
• the owner’s income and reputation

If you want a management team that handles situations like this smoothly (without you getting 20 frantic messages), VMS is here.

Need help managing your rental or vacation home?
Call us to learn how we protect your property and your reviews.