Property Rating System

Check out our Rating Process, Criteria and Scale

01 Rating Criteria

This document outlines Aletheia Ratings’ criteria and methodology used for rating short-term rental properties. It provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the quality, safety, and guest experience of rental properties, with a focus on transparency and consistency. The rating criteria are applicable globally and are designed to provide a standardized evaluation system for both property owners and renters. Some key features are:

  1. Rating Framework: These criteria establish the fundamental factors considered when evaluating a property, including location, accuracy of details and pictures, amenities, cleanliness, and guest feedback.
  2. Standardized Metrics: Detailed scoring metrics ensure consistency across different properties and regions, enabling reliable comparisons.
  3. Guest and Host Considerations: The methodology incorporates the perspectives of both guests and hosts, addressing aspects like guest satisfaction, property upkeep, and host responsiveness.
  4. Applicability: This framework is intended for use in new and existing property ratings and can be adapted for different market segments.
  5. Risk Mitigation: The criteria also take into account potential risks, including property safety and adherence to local regulations, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Property Rating - Master Criteria

02 Rating Definitions

Our short-term rental (STR) ratings provide forward-looking assessments of a property’s quality, safety, and guest experience. These ratings are derived through a rigorous evaluation of Key Rating Categories (KRCs), including Property Condition and Cleanliness, Comfort and Quality of Sleep, Operational Standards, and Amenities. The ratings serve as benchmarks for property performance, offering actionable insights to property owners and managers while instilling trust and confidence in prospective guests.

The ratings reflect a property’s ability to meet guest expectations in its market context and operational environment. Each evaluation considers the unique characteristics of the STR, with the Environment KRC serving as a lens to contextualize the property’s performance within its specific setting. This ensures that unique properties, such as remote retreats or eco-friendly accommodations, are fairly evaluated based on their intended guest experience and operational purpose.

STR ratings are intended to provide an objective measure of property quality. They are not predictions of financial returns or booking rates but are indicators of how well the property aligns with guest expectations. Properties that fail to meet fundamental safety requirements, adhere to local STR regulations, or resolve life-threatening issues automatically receive an DNP (Does Not Pass) designation, reflecting the importance of maintaining minimum standards.

While comprehensive, STR ratings have inherent limitations. They do not account for unforeseen events, such as natural disasters, regulatory changes, or operational disruptions, until such events are explicitly defined. Additionally, certain KRCs, such as Experience and Uniqueness, involve qualitative judgments that may vary based on guest preferences. The periodic review process, conducted 1-2 times per year, helps ensure ratings remain accurate and reflective of current conditions, addressing any updates in property status, guest feedback, or regulatory requirements.

Our methodology emphasizes transparency, fairness, and objectivity. Ratings are the collective work of a team of evaluators and adhere to established, published criteria. Any deviations from standard criteria are explicitly disclosed during the rating process to maintain accountability. Ratings are not facts but opinions based on rigorous assessments, providing valuable guidance for property owners, managers, and guests alike.

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03 Ratings Process

Our short-term rental (STR) rating process is a comprehensive, multi-step methodology designed to provide accurate, reliable, and actionable assessments of property quality, safety, and guest experience. The process involves data collection, structured evaluations, and ongoing monitoring to ensure ratings remain relevant and reflective of current conditions.

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Step 1: Initiate the Rating Process

The rating process begins when a property owner, manager, or operator requests a rating evaluation. Alternatively, the rating agency may initiate coverage on a property to broaden market insights or enhance industry standards.

  • A primary evaluator and back-up evaluator are assigned to manage the rating process.
  • A preliminary review is conducted to assess the property’s eligibility for evaluation.

Transparency and Accountability

Throughout the rating process, we emphasize objectivity, fairness, and consistency. All findings, adjustments, and criteria variations are thoroughly documented and disclosed to property owners to ensure clarity and trust in the process.

For more information about our rating methodology or to request a rating, please contact us.

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04 Ratings Scale

The rating scale provides a standardized and understandable classification of short-term rental properties. By assigning ratings ranging from AAA (highest quality) to C (near fail), this system offers clarity and consistency for both property owners and guests. Each rating reflects the overall performance of the property based on the weighted KRCs.

AAA
AA
A
BBB
BB
B
CCC
CC
C

Ratings Scale

Click on a rating to learn more.

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