At Kong Management Group, we’ve always believed in the importance of our vacation homes and rental properties being impeccably clean, but the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has made our sanitation efforts more important than ever before. In short, we believe that our cleanliness equals your health. And, your safety and well-being are – and always have been – our top priority.
On March 27, 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis closed vacation home rentals, with some exceptions, in order to help curb the spread of the virus. However, the executive order did not apply to hotels, inns, resorts, longer-term rental properties, or short-term rentals for essential workers. During the shutdown, we felt that it was critical to support the community by making our properties available to those in need. So, we converted our vacation homes to provide either longer leases of 30+ days or temporary, emergency housing, in compliance with all state and federal safety guidelines. It’s important to us that we always provide quality, sanitary housing and continue to abide by our nondiscrimination policy, ensuring everyone has a safe place to stay.
In the second phase of the state’s reopening, vacation rentals (or rentals for less than 30 days) will resume business statewide, with the exception of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Vacation rentals will only be allowed to accept in-state reservations during this phase, which means that people travelling internationally or from a COVID-19 hot spot will not be allowed to rent a vacation home. There also must be adequate time between bookings to allow for the thorough cleaning and sanitation of the home, and our cleaning and sanitation procedures will be posted at each property. It’s our goal that our properties are clean and safe for everyone at all times.
(Edit: As of Friday, May 22, vacation rentals in Hillsborough County are permitted to resume regular operations. In accordance with the approved county plan, Kong Vacation Homes will be sharing CDC Resources, CDC Sanitation Guidance and Resources, and CDC Animal Guidance, in addition to guidance of any local restrictions that are in place during the guest’s stay. Guests also must practice social distancing, take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as handwashing and wiping down touched surfaces, and avoid gathering in groups greater than 10.)
While the state of Florida is in the process of reopening, Kong Management Group is working to enhance our sanitation processes and to ensure we are ready to follow the new rules for vacation rentals. While cleanliness was already our top priority, we have adopted the CDC’s cleaning and disinfection guidelines, including the use of cleaning projects on the EPA-registered disinfectant list. We are carefully sanitizing each home before and after occupancy, putting additional focus on the sanitation of high-touch areas. We also are making additional cleaning products available to you during your stay to use at your discretion. You might even find sanitation supplies in your gift basket when you arrive at your rental home!
The COVID-19 crisis has affected us all, but it has had a serious impact on the vacation home industry. As travel and vacation plans have been canceled in the spring and summer, reservations and revenues plummeted industry-wide. However, we believe the industry is resilient, and we know that our family-owned and operated business surely is. As long as you need a place to call home, we’ll be here for you.
Our reputation is built on our commitment to excellence, and this pandemic has not changed that. Through personal touches, attention to detail, and exemplary customer care, our team is committed to your safety and well-being. Contact us at 866-499-9026 or email us if you have any questions or would like more information on future rentals. We hope that you stay safe and that we will see you again soon!
