The autonomous arrival of the traveller, we have mentioned it in several articles, is the most suitable solution for optimized logistics management, to offer time flexibility to travelers. And to make life easier in case of multiple management of apartments. However, there are still many misconceptions or beliefs about this issue. Why? Quite simply, because in France, this is gradually becoming part of the mores of a society that is very attached to its internationally recognized hotel values. And what we know little or nothing about gives rise to many fears.
In this second episode of our miniseries on the autonomous arrival of the traveller, we decided to tackle the difficult issue of prostitution. An illegal activity feared by hosts and concierges because closing their eyes would be akin to complicity. At worst, to pimping within the meaning of the Act, the act of “to derive benefits from the prostitution activity of others or that promotes acts of prostitution”. Thus, it is legitimate to question the possible risk thatThe autonomous arrival of the traveller in the context of short-term rental prostitution.
The fervent defenders of face-to-face care will tell you that they are little or not deceived about it: a prostitute can be recognized quite easily, hence the advantage of welcoming her in person. So be it. Not all of us have the qualities to profile, knowing that while the attitude may alert, this person will certainly try to blend in with the crowd in order to be able to rent your home safely. And let's not forget that hasty judgments about a person's clothing can amount to insult or even discrimination. Moreover, if prostitution is interested in short-term rentals, it is not without reason. Indeed, this activity seeks discretion in order to be able to achieve its primary objective: profitability. OIQIA shares with you its tips to avoid the trap of short-term rental prostitution, in a context ofautonomous arrival of the traveller.
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Prostitution, like any economic activity, seeks above all to be profitable. Without being a specialist in this field, one can imagine that, in addition to the street, the search for a suitable and heated place is particularly appropriate. For customer satisfaction. In terms of accommodation, the hotel has historically taken the lead, especially the hotel agreeing to adapt to these new needs by renting by the hour. That said, With the advent of short-term rentals and the various lockdowns we have just experienced, the situation has changed. Indeed, it can be much more profitable to rent an apartment on Airbnb for the night or the week (discount is of course negotiated) than a hotel.
If the hotel and the rental platform both require identity documents, the hotel remains a place that is easily controlled by the competent authorities. This is only rarely the case for a short-term rental. However, to be profitable, you must be able to exercise. Finally, the question of discretion cannot be avoided. Because illegal activity seeks above all not to catch the eye.
Hotels that rent by the hour clearly turn a blind eye to the activities that happen within their walls. That said, social mores have also changed. Dating sites such as Gleeden (for married people) have encouraged short getaways by the hour in hotels or short-term rentals. And that is by no means illegal. But at first glance, how can you tell the difference with prostitution? Not easy. In general, prostitution is akin to a search for client discretion for multiple reasons specific to the client. A hotel or a host who welcomes you represents a potential judgment and a need to justify yourself. It is rare to be perfectly comfortable when you are afraid of being caught or when you feel guilty about what you do (we are talking about the attitude of the accompanying client). Thus, it is very likely that the autonomous arrival of the traveller is a facilitating solution for this type of activity which is intended to be profitable and discreet. It's harmful but that's the way it is. Even short-term rentals will have a hard time with the oldest profession in the world.
Prostitution is primarily looking for inexpensive places (€35/50 per night). In a given city, where the potential customers seem interesting (prostitution, like any economic activity, meets the same rules), a place that is both easy to access and economical will be identified. Of course, we exclude from our illustration call girls who economically target another type of property and are difficult to recognize. In addition, it is also very likely that autonomous arrival is also targeted. For the reasons mentioned above. No justification, no judgment. No risk of cancellation without a refund “at the customer's discretion”. Because discretion is assured. The key box is the ideal solution for prostitution: it leaves no trace of entrances and exits from the home. Visible from the outside, the accommodation can, after identifying the terrain, be selected within the rental platform. Like that, there is no doubt about the autonomous arrival and the tranquility necessary to engage in one's activity. We will see later that the connected lock, for its part, seems to us an adequate solution in terms ofautonomous arrival of the traveller, to detect this type of problem. Thus, short-term rentals allowed prostitution to adapt to its new needs. THEAutonomous arrival of the traveller (the key box) is of course a solution favored by this activity. But let's not kid ourselves, it's not the only one. Any cheap and well-placed short-term rental is a target for prostitution. And as every problem has a solution, we are going to share with you our tips to avoid this plague as much as possible.
The expression “not seen not taken” makes perfect sense here. It is likely that you have already rented your property to a prostitute without realizing it. Or maybe the realization was late, at the exit, when a few things caught your attention. The important thing to avoid being suspected of pimping is to put in place any means to avoid this pitfall. Some measures to be put in place are proactive, others reactive.
Communicating your ban on prostitution is important. Don't take it for granted. Only the writings remain. Make it clear in your announcement, in your welcome booklet, etc. If you have any doubts, contact the person in question diplomatically. Be honest about your doubts, respectful but... firm. Explain that you do not condone this activity and if you admit it, ask him to leave the premises manu militari. It's hard to file a complaint about the intent of an illegal activity, but you can always do something to leave a trail. You never know.
Another way to avoid prostitution in your home is to file a police report. Mandatory for foreigners, it is unlikely that a foreign prostitute would want to fill it out. If you want to know more about this font sheet and get a template, just click here.
As we have seen, the key box raises a real problem in autonomous arrival of the traveller. That of having no control once your guest enters the accommodation. It is true that a camera could be placed on the front porch of the entrance but be careful, you must inform the traveller beforehand. Another simpler solution is the smart lock. Indeed, this tool makes it possible to control the entrances and exits of the home. It is obvious that multiple requests from the front door could suggest prostitution activity. It is therefore necessary in the event of a finding to communicate without delay with the traveller. Diplomacy is required, it will be said, because as we have seen, prostitution is a paid relationship. Not to be confused with other types of getaways, which are legally allowed.
This is one of the reasons why OIQIA decided to work with the Nuki smart lock. Indeed, it is important for us to have control over access to housing. This allows you to be reactive in case of problems.
One of the needs of this prostitution activity is warmth in the home. It will quickly reach a temperature of around 30 degrees. Thus, it may be useful to integrate a connected tool into your heating in order to be able to control the temperature and block it. This will not prevent your traveller from possibly buying an auxiliary heater, but at least you have tried. And in ecological terms, it is a good thing to control the heating.
So, if you notice that the temperature in your home is high, you can, with the right tools, react.
There are certainly other ways to counteract prostitution in your home.
In fine, short-term rentals, and more precisely theautonomous arrival of the traveller, attract prostitution, that's a fact. And in particular, key boxes. But many solutions exist to thwart it and to act in case of proven suspicion. If, despite this, you notice deterioration in your home, do not hesitate to use the famous “caution”. Finally, file a complaint for the deterioration of your property, in parallel, in order to accumulate evidence. Even if the short-term rental business can attract illegal activities, let's not forget that this remains marginal and that all the prevention in the world will not prevent inconvenience.
See you soon for the next episode of mini-series on the autonomous arrival of the traveller...
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