Why This Solo Property Manager Chose Automation Over Administration
Saskia van der Bolt explains how automation saves time for solo property managers
“As a one-woman business, there’s always too much to do. Automation is key.”
Saskia van der Bolt moved from London to a small Italian village in 2000 and has spent over 20 years managing vacation rentals in Umbria, after falling in love with the region while visiting in the 90s. As a trained lawyer turned property manager, she understands both the legal complexities and operational challenges of running a rental business in Italy.
“Being a property manager in Italy isn’t easy. There’s a lot of bureaucracy and taxes. It’s complicated to grow a business.”
The deposit dilemma
As with most hosts and property managers, Saskia saw a drop in bookings during COVID, but the business survived — mainly thanks to direct bookings.
“We had a lot of repeat business from guests who trusted us to offer a safe place to stay.”
But as Saskia’s business expanded beyond her core group of repeat guests, she faced increasing bureaucratic challenges around damage deposits.
Homeowners insisted on deposits to protect their properties, but many guests didn’t want to pay deposits up front, creating bureaucratic headaches for her one-person operation. This challenge led Saskia to Truvi.
“As a one-woman business, there is always too much to do. Automation is key.”
Finding the right solution
Saskia implemented Truvi’s Guest Screening across several properties, which automatically verifies guest details and screens against internal watchlists without requiring any guest interaction. This helps her identify fake names, disposable emails, and burner phones before guests arrive. She also offers guests flexibility in how they handle damage protection.
“We use guest screening in many of the properties, and I offer guests a choice between a non-refundable damage waiver or a damage deposit. I leave it up to them.”
She plans to upgrade to Truvi’s comprehensive Damage Protection, which provides up to $1 million in damages.
No more chasing guests for money
“The biggest benefit is not having to chase after damage payments. [Truvi] takes away the bureaucratic hassle, saves time, and calms hosts.”
The automation has eliminated the most time-consuming aspect of damage management — chasing guests for payments after incidents occur.
“For me, the biggest benefit is not having to chase after damage payments. [Truvi] takes away the bureaucratic hassle, saves time, and calms hosts who worry about damage to their properties. The added security is a big selling point for homeowners. New hosts often worry that guests will ruin their homes. Although these fears are often unfounded, it could help to persuade homeowners to work with me.”
And if serious damage occurs, Truvi handles everything: “It’s another form of automation.”
Getting back to what matters
With damage protection automated, Saskia can dedicate her energy to what drives repeat business — creating exceptional guest experiences and maintaining strong homeowner relationships.
“Always be available and ensure the booking process is as smooth as possible. With guests, be as kind as possible from the very first contact to when they leave. Even if things go wrong, if you have the right attitude, they’ll come back.”
By automating the bureaucratic aspects of damage protection, Saskia can focus on guest communication, property maintenance, and business development rather than administrative hassles.
Ready to automate damage protection like Saskia? See pricing and get started today.
