How to Prepare Your Short Term Rental

​When entering the short term rental business, there are many things to consider.  The ever growing number vacation rental sites such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Homeaway prove that more travelers than ever are opting to skip the hotel and use the alternative option of staying in a vacation rental.  As the vacation property market has become more sophisticated, it follows that travelers are now after more than just a bed or basic essentials. From weekend breaks to longer out of town escapes, renting a vacation property has become the preferred choice for those after the complete “home away from home” experience. So, before signing up to any of these vacation sites, take note of these simple tips to make sure your space is ready and able to compete with "hotel quality."

REMOVE YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS

This is about more than ensuring your home is completely guest ready. People renting through sites want to unpack their bags as soon as they arrive and really feel at home. You’ll need to provide your guests with plenty of space and make sure your own personal items are stored away. This doesn’t mean you have to hide everything. Guests expect to be able to enjoy your home amenities (everything from a Keurig coffee maker to a washer/ dryer).


KEEP IT CLEAN

​When it comes to cleanliness, there can be nothing overlooked. Guests nowadays expect vacation rentals to be spotless and on par in cleanliness with a hotel. This can be a challenge for many reasons. For one, a home is typically much larger than a hotel room and so there is more ground to cover. Another thing to consider are keeping all outdoor areas well maintained. We recommend having a detailed checklist prepared and taking the time to go through each room in detail with your cleaners to let them know what is expected.

COMMUNICATION

Communicating regularly with guests before and during their stay is the best way to make sure everybody is on the same page. For example, if you have a 'no party policy', make this clear for them. Read the guest reviews carefully and if you’re unsure about something, feel free to ask your guests before confirming the reservation. Opening your home to short-term vacation rentals is a great way to make some extra money but not only that! It's a great opportunity to have some international friends! ​

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