A New Vacation Rental Owner’s Checklist to Impress Guests and Ensure Smooth Stays
April 5, 2023
As a new or first-time short-term rental property owner, you know how crucial it is to maintain your investment. Your guests play an essential role in keeping your property in good condition, but it’s up to you to ensure it’s ready for their arrival. That’s why we’ve compiled some helpful tips on preparing your vacation rental property for new guests. By following these suggestions, you’ll ensure that your property is in top shape before check-in and provide a memorable experience for your guests.
Guest-Ready in No Time: 7 Practical Ways to Prep Your Short-Term Rental Property
1. Clean the property from top to bottom.
Cleaning is an essential starting point for any property. It gives you a blank canvas to work with and makes it easier to identify any areas that need updates or special attention. Among other things, this includes sweeping and mopping floors, dusting surfaces, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, and vacuuming carpets. You don’t need harsh chemicals to clean effectively—natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda work as great natural cleaners.
If you run into stubborn stains or other problems with your carpet, you may want to consider hiring a general cleaning service to do a deep clean before your first guests check in.
2. Check for any damage and make necessary repairs.
Every property changes between stays, and it’s essential to evaluate any repairs you may need to make before welcoming new guests. This could be anything from fixing a leaky faucet to repainting walls or replacing carpeting. You’ll want to take care of any repair items before your next check-in so they don’t escalate.
Other repairs property owners often have to make between renters include:
- Replacing light bulbs
- Fixing holes in walls
- Cleaning gutters
- Fertilizing the lawn/landscaping
- Ensuring the HVAC system is in good working order
3. Replace old or outdated fixtures.
You might be surprised at the difference a new fixture can make to a home’s appeal. Assess light fixtures, doorknobs, drawer handles, and cabinet hardware, and replace anything that seems outdated. This quick and inexpensive fix will spruce up furniture and add a more current look to any room. Guests will also appreciate the attention to detail!
4. Inspect the HVAC system.
Regularly evaluating your property’s HVAC system is especially important if you live in an area with hot summers or cold winters. Renters appreciate knowing that their unit is in good working condition and that they won’t have to deal with any unexpected repairs right away. If you’re worried about servicing costs, remember that regular service is much cheaper than paying for a major repair or replacing the system!
5. Revamp your property’s curb appeal.
First impressions matter, and it’s crucial that guests have a positive experience from the moment they set eyes on your rental property. Sprucing up your property’s curb appeal is an excellent way to ensure that happens.
There are many simple ways to boost your property’s curb appeal, and many of them are inexpensive or even free. Here are a few ideas:
- Paint your front door a bright, cheery color.
- Add a flower bed or garden next to the entrance.
- Clean up the landscaping and remove any debris or overgrown plants.
- Install a new porch light or doormat.
- Replace the old mailbox with a new, decorative one.
- Hang some festive holiday decorations in the yard or on the porch.
- Set out a bowl of fresh fruit or flowers near the entrance.
Marco Place by Open Air Homes
6. Create business cards.
For vacation rental owners, it’s important to provide guests with a seamless and convenient experience. Have business cards on hand to share your contact information and promote your brand. Ensuring that your guests are able to reach you or your management team at any time of day provides guests with a sense of well-being and security in your home. They’re also a great way to be remembered by potential renters and contractors. You can quickly create customized business cards using ready-made templates on services like Canva or Adobe Stock.
7. Hire a property manager.
As an investment property owner, time is your most valuable asset. That’s why savvy short-term rental owners partner with Open Air Homes for full-service property management. Our team handles the day-to-day details, freeing up your time and energy for more important tasks.
But we offer more than just convenience–our expert management team is equipped with the latest resources and advice to help maximize your rental income. Whether you’re looking to increase bookings, optimize pricing, or take new marketing photos, we’re here to help.
Partner With Us today and experience the luxury of stress-free property management.
