STRz spotlight: Alertify co-founder Gareth Rhodes Q&A

US / South Africa: Gareth Rhodes, co-founder of all-in-one noise monitor Alertify, speaks to STRz about the company’s new WelcomeLink product, streamlining compliance with state regulations, and his reaction to Airbnb’s pledges to verify more listings worldwide and its global ban on the use of indoor security cameras at its listings.

• Please introduce yourself, Alertify, and the services you provide in the short-term rental / hospitality industry.

I’m Gareth, one of the co-founders of Alertify. Alertify is a pioneering company dedicated to enhancing compliance and operational efficiency in the short-term rental and hospitality industry. We offer advanced privacy-safe monitoring devices that track noise levels, air quality, temperature, and detect smoking in real time. Our services are designed to provide property managers, hosts, and hoteliers with the tools they need to ensure a safe, comfortable, and compliant environment for their guests.

• What gap are you seeking to fill in the market with Alertify – why is there demand for your product specifically?

Alertify addresses a critical need for proactive property monitoring and management in the short-term rental market. Traditional security measures often fall short in preventing and addressing issues such as noise complaints, smoking violations, and air quality concerns. Our technology fills this gap by providing real-time alerts and detailed reports, enabling hosts, hoteliers and property managers to intervene quickly and maintain a high standard of guest experience. The demand for our product is driven by the growing emphasis on guest safety, property preservation, regulatory compliance, and the need for efficient property management. We are constantly adapting to the needs of the market and adding additional features, for example, we recently launched a built-in guest verification system on the Alertify dashboard.

• Tell us about your WelcomeLink product – how are you attempting to transform the guest verification process for hosts, property managers and hoteliers respectively?

Alertify recently released WelcomeLink, an innovative guest verification solution, designed to streamline and enhance the check-in process. The purpose of WelcomeLink is to help mitigate the risk of hosting rule-breaking guests and reduce chances of its damaging impact on the property. By integrating seamlessly with property management systems, WelcomeLink automates the verification of guest identities ensuring that only verified guests gain access to properties. This not only reduces the risk of fraud but also simplifies the onboarding process for hosts, property managers, and hoteliers. With features like ID uploads, selfie capture and credit card verification, WelcomeLink provides a comprehensive and secure way to authenticate guests. What also makes WelcomeLink so useful is its ability to fully customise the check-in process, collect signatures on guest agreements, gather information from custom questions and use this as a means to offer add-on services and easily upsell amenities. This can ultimately improve operational efficiency and enhance guest satisfaction. As our commitment is to improve every host, hotelier and property manager’s operations, we have decided to give anyone free access to WelcomeLink’s standalone dashboard for an entire year! 

• How are you streamlining compliance with state regulations, as well as prioritising fraud prevention?

In some states, having a noise monitor as a short-term rental host has become compulsory. In non-smoking buildings, having a smoking monitor can ensure compliance. Alertify helps property managers and hosts comply with state regulations by offering tools that automatically monitor and report on critical metrics such as noise levels and air quality. Our devices provide real-time data and alerts to guests and hosts, allowing property owners to address potential violations proactively. Violation reports are easily downloadable 180+ days after the incident and can be printed out and used in settling disputes or holding back damage deposits. Additionally, WelcomeLink’s robust guest verification process helps prevent fraud by authenticating guest and credit card details. This dual approach ensures that properties are both compliant with regulations and protected against fraudulent activities.

• In what other ways do your monitors provide peace of mind for hosts / property owners e.g. noise detection, air quality etc?

Alertify’s monitors offer comprehensive peace of mind by continuously tracking and reporting on various environmental factors. Our noise detection feature helps prevent disruptive incidents and maintain a quiet environment, which is crucial for guest satisfaction. The air quality monitoring function ensures that the indoor environment remains healthy and comfortable. Temperature alerts can see to it that guests aren’t wasting electricity by running the air conditioning too high or too low. Alertify’s humidity monitor will warn hosts when the environment is conducive to mould growth which could be remedied by opening a window. Additionally, our smoking detection capability helps enforce non-smoking policies, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring compliance with property rules. These features collectively contribute to a safer, more pleasant stay for guests and a worry-free experience for property owners. Hosts have the option to have Alertify notify their guests directly when thresholds are exceeded. With over 85 per cent of violations stopping after the initial alert, it allows hosts to manage their properties hands-free and enjoy peace of mind.

• Are there any particular trends you’re observing in terms of guest behaviour right now?

We are observing an increased emphasis on health and safety among guests, driven largely by the recent global health crisis. Guests are now more conscious about air quality and the overall cleanliness of their accommodations. Additionally, there is a growing demand for personalisation as well as seamless and contactless check-in experiences which align with our WelcomeLink product. Guests also expect higher standards of privacy and security, which has influenced the development of our non-intrusive monitoring solutions.

• What was your reaction to Airbnb’s pledges to verify more listings worldwide and its global ban on the use of indoor security cameras at its listings? What will be the positive or negative consequences for the industry as a result?

Airbnb’s pledge to verify more listings and its ban on house parties and indoor security cameras are significant steps towards enhancing guest trust and privacy. We believe these measures will positively impact the industry by increasing transparency and ensuring that guests feel more secure and comfortable during their stay. However, these changes also highlight the need for alternative monitoring solutions that respect guest privacy while ensuring property security. This is where Alertify’s non-intrusive monitoring devices come into play, offering a balanced approach to maintaining safety without compromising privacy.

• What are the greatest opportunities, challenges or threats for your business and offerings?

The greatest opportunity for Alertify lies in the growing demand for smart home technologies and advanced property monitoring solutions in the short-term rental market. Our products are well-positioned to meet this demand by providing comprehensive monitoring and security features. However, challenges include navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and ensuring that our solutions remain compliant with new laws and guidelines. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological change requires continuous innovation and adaptation to stay ahead of competitors.

• What are the key priorities now moving forward for Alertify?

Our key priorities moving forward include expanding our product offerings to address more aspects of property monitoring and guest experience. We aim to enhance our integration capabilities with various property management systems and continue improving our technology to offer even more accurate and reliable monitoring solutions. For example, we are testing Alertify’s ability to detect gunshots. Additionally, we plan to focus on market expansion, reaching different sectors we haven’t come in contact with such as affordable housing, schools and public sectors in addition to reaching more property managers and hosts worldwide. Our current focus is on educating the industry about the benefits of our innovative solutions. Building strong partnerships and maintaining high standards of customer support are also central to our growth strategy.