Short-term rental property is a great way to increase your income, but the competition in this area increases with each passing year. In order to attract guests and get positive reviews, it is extremely important to prepare your property in the best possible way. In this article, we'll look at the steps to turn your home into an inviting place for guests, providing comfort and amenities that will make their stay unforgettable.
Basic cleaning and maintenance
Good property preparation starts with thorough cleaning and maintenance. This is the first and most important step that will leave an impression and increase positive reviews.
Cleaning from top to bottom
Start by thoroughly cleaning all rooms. Clean the dust on all surfaces you can think of including in inconspicuous places such as upper shelves, light fixtures and picture frames. clean the windows to ensure the maximum amount of light in the premises. This is one of the first things guests notice. Thoroughly clean the bathroom and kitchen – these are key areas where hygiene is especially important.
Home repairs and improvements
Before you start taking in tenants, make sure everything in your property is functioning properly – fix broken handles, broken sockets and squeaky doors. If possible, freshen up the walls if there are worn or dirty areas. Check the plumbing - there should be no leaks or problems with water pressure.
Repairs and repairs of appliances
Appliances such as refrigerator, oven, microwave, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher must be cleaned and you must be sure that they work flawlessly. Also make sure that all lamps and light fixtures have working bulbs.
Proper maintenance will not only impress your guests, but also give you peace of mind that your property is ready for every next booking.
Interior and decoration
When it comes to short-term rentals, interior design and decoration play a key role in creating a pleasant atmosphere that attracts and retains guests.
Creating a cozy atmosphere
The choice of colors and materials can make a huge difference in the way tenants perceive your property. If you have the opportunity to change the interior, bet on neutral and calming tones such as beige, light gray or pastel shades that create a feeling of spaciousness and light. Choose materials that are easy to maintain and clean, but at the same time give comfort - wood, cotton and linen are good choices.
Comfort and style
Furniture should be not only beautiful, but also functional. Choose compact furniture that do not clutter the space. For example, the sofa should be comfortable to sit on, but also have a sleeping function. Invest in furniture such as multi-purpose tables or beds with additional storage compartments. Make sure there is enough seating and amenities such as coffee tables, reading lamps and bedside tables.
Decoration
Décor adds personality to a property and creates a sense of home, and small details can make a big impression. Choose paintings or photos that create a pleasant atmosphere. A good option is to reflect local culture or natural landmarks. Add greenery with easy-care houseplants.
Amenities and comfort for tenants
Well-chosen amenities will not only make your guests' stay more enjoyable, but will also increase the chances of positive feedback and return. Here are some important aspects to consider:
Comfortable beds and linens
Provide comfortable mattresses that are stable. The poor quality of the bed can spoil the overall impression of the guests. Choose bedding made from cotton or other breathable fabrics. Provide different types of pillows – hard and soft – to meet different preferences. Keep extra blankets or comforters available.
Full kitchen equipment
If you offer a kitchen, it must be fully equipped. This includes the already mentioned refrigerator, oven, microwave. However, also provide enough plates, glasses, pots, pans and utensils. Leave a small supply of tea, coffee, sugar, salt and oil to create convenience for guests from day one.
Basic toiletries
Cleanliness in the bathroom is essential, so make sure you have high-quality clean towels – for hands, face and body – for each guest. Also provide essentials such as soap, shampoo, shower gel and toilet paper in slightly larger quantities. Little amenities like toothpaste and a brush can make a good impression.
Don't forget the other conveniences they create that contribute to your customers' experience – information about Wi-Fi (preferably fast and stable) and a smart TV platform for streaming. Another touch of your home that will make an impression is a welcome basket with local products or small gifts for guests.
Professional photo shoot
Well-taken photos are one of the most important weapons for attracting tenants. Quality images can increase bookings and make your property stand out in the competitive short-term rental market. A few key points can help you get the most out of your photo shoot:
- hire a professional photographer – investing in a professional will provide you with high quality photos. They have the necessary equipment and experience to achieve a perfect shot.
- use wide-angle lenses – they will help capture more of the space and its real dimensions.
- focus on details - in addition to the general shots of the rooms, take a few photos of the details - decorative elements, unique furniture or amenities.
- color correction – adjust colors to achieve vivid and realistic tones.
Instructions and information for guests
A well-prepared guide for tenants
Prepare a detailed guide for your guests that includes basic information about the property. Clearly describe the rules—for example, whether smoking is allowed, pet policies, check-in and check-out hours, and cleaning requirements. Provide a phone number and email for emergencies or questions. Describe how key appliances are used in the property.
Tips for staying in the area
Offer tips and information to help your guests navigate better - prepare a list of interesting places to visit, such as tourist attractions, museums, parks and beaches. Recommend popular restaurants and cafes in the area. Provide information about nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals.
Check-out instructions
Give clear instructions about leaving the property - whether guests need to take out the trash, wash the dishes, or complete other tasks before leaving. Specify how and where they must leave the keys when they leave. Encourage guests to leave a review about their stay. This is a great way to get feedback and improve your services.
If you prefer a greener and more convenient option, create an online guide that guests can access via smartphone.
Conclusion
Here we have published the most important elements of preparing a home for successful letting short term rental. As you can see there is a lot to do, and many landlords don't have the time for such detailed preparation and property management. That's what we're here for - regardless of the period for which you rent your property, Flat Manager will take all the care associated with its management, providing you with the highest possible profitability, peace of mind and security.
