Things to Consider Before Renting Out Your Property Short Term
At Generating Media we’ve been on the receiving end over the years of guest’s phone calls that are generally ones that could have been easily been avoided with improved preparation. We promise you if you pay close attention to these little details and be pro-active rather than reactive your guests will be much happier.
Make sure you have detailed instructions clearly visible that walk the guests through how to operate the televisions and music system. If you do not, we guarantee you will get a phone call.
Internet Access - some owners want to have a password code. The guests will forget no matter how many times you tell them or write it down. Display the password somewhere easy to find right away.
Have plenty of batteries available for the remotes, smoke detectors, or anything else. Have plenty of backups!
Have flashlights available in the kitchen and all bedrooms. Make sure they work and have plenty of spare batteries.
Before guests arrive validate that all air-conditioners are in working order. Remote controls should be clearly visible.
Validate all showers, sinks, and toilets are in working order. Is the hot water heater working properly? If the water is being supplied by a cistern check the level.
Every bathroom should include its own plunger and cleaning brush. Post a sign to only put toilet paper in the toilet.
Test all lights to make sure the light bulbs are working. Have spare lightbulbs available. It is critical to check outdoor lighting on walkways, driveways, around the pool, and the most overlooked light is the one in the pool.
The clarity of the pool is extremely important. Guests do not want to see a cloudy or dirty pool. Leaves and any additional debris should be removed.
Outdoor furniture should be clean, with no stain marks on cushions, and of course safe to sit in. Make sure there is enough furniture to accommodate the number of guests.
The gas grill needs to be clean with cooking utensils available. Have a spare tank easy available.
If your villa is 4+ bedrooms we would recommend having two dishwashers. One dishwasher is not big enough to handle the number of dishes that will need to be clean each and every day. Also include two washing machines and dryers. Guests go through towels like crazy and you will quickly run out. If you have guests arriving and leaving on the same day the housekeeping staff will need the extra machines to turn the villa around quickly.
Kingsize beds are a must. Queens do not cut it.
Guests prefer one level living…having lots of stairs is a major turn off.
Install a small refrigerator and icemaker out by the pool. Make it easy for the guests to get refreshments and keeps the inside from wet feet.
No wire coat hangers. They will leave rust marks on the guests’ clothes. Wooden coat hangers are preferred and look better.
Fresh bed linens and towels - get rid of old tired ones - major turn-off
Outdoor showers are a great addition and help reduce the housekeeping for indoor showers
Plastic cups for use around the pool.
Install safes in all bedrooms. Having just one isn’t enough, especially if there are multiple family groups.
Follow the above steps and rules and we guarantee you will have happier guests and fewer phone calls!