A well-maintained vacation rental leads to better guest experiences and reviews. Here’s how to keep your property in top shape.

A well-maintained vacation rental is key to providing guests with a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience. Property upkeep not only protects your investment but also ensures positive reviews, repeat bookings, and long-term success. Whether it’s regular cleaning, minor repairs, or larger upgrades, maintaining your rental to high standards is essential for standing out in the competitive vacation rental market.

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In this episode, I’ll explore how to create a regular maintenance schedule, keep your property in top condition, and manage relationships with service providers and contractors. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to ensure your property is always guest-ready.

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Create a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to property maintenance. A regular schedule helps you stay ahead of potential problems, ensuring that everything is working properly before guests arrive. Let’s look at the key areas to focus on:

Seasonal Maintenance

Seasonal changes can take a toll on your property, so plan for maintenance tasks that keep everything in top shape year-round. For example, check your heating and cooling systems before the extreme temperatures hit. Clean gutters and inspect the roof before rainy seasons, and service the pool or outdoor furniture ahead of summer.

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Pro Tip: Schedule a deep cleaning for your rental during the off-season to refresh carpets, clean hard-to-reach areas, and take care of any minor repairs that have accumulated over time.

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Monthly Checks

Some tasks need to be done on a monthly basis to keep your rental in good condition. For example:

– Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

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– Inspect appliances like the dishwasher, refrigerator, and washer/dryer to ensure they are working properly.

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– Check for leaks in the bathroom or kitchen and make sure plumbing is in good order.

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By keeping on top of these checks, you’ll prevent larger problems from catching you off guard.

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Handle Repairs Quickly & Efficiently

No matter how diligent you are with maintenance, things can still go wrong. Appliances break, plumbing leaks, or the heating stops working. When these issues arise, how you handle them makes all the difference.

Respond Quickly

If a guest reports a maintenance issue, respond immediately—even if you can’t fix it right away. Let them know you’ve received their message and are working on a solution. Even if the problem can’t be resolved instantly, showing that you’re on top of it helps maintain a positive relationship with the guest.

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Work With Reliable Service Providers

Having a list of trusted service providers, like plumbers, electricians, and handymen, is critical. Establishing good relationships with local professionals ensures that help is available when you need it. Research companies with good reviews, ask for recommendations from fellow hosts, or connect with local property managers who can provide insights.

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Pro Tip: Try to build a relationship with service providers by offering consistent work during both high and low seasons. A handyman who knows your property is more likely to prioritise you in emergencies.

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Keep Guests Informed

If a repair needs to happen during a guest’s stay, communicate the situation clearly. Let them know when the repair will take place, how long it will take, and any inconveniences they may experience. If the issue significantly impacts their stay, consider offering a small gesture, like a partial refund or a free night during their next stay, to smooth things over.

Managing Relationships With Service Providers

Working with service providers and contractors is a big part of keeping your rental in top shape. Here’s how to ensure those relationships remain productive and stress-free:

Build A Trusted Network

It’s essential to have reliable service providers you can call on when needed. This includes cleaners, landscapers, handymen, and contractors. Over time, you’ll build a network of professionals you trust to keep your property in great condition, whether it’s a quick fix or routine maintenance.

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Set Clear Expectations

When working with contractors, it’s important to set clear expectations from the start. Provide them with a detailed list of tasks and deadlines, and make sure you’re on the same page regarding pricing and timelines. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures the work gets done to your standards.

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Schedule Regular Check-Ins

Don’t wait for something to break before reaching out to your contractors. Schedule regular check-ins to ensure everything is working as it should be. For example, if you have a pool, you might want to schedule a monthly service to make sure it stays clean and in good working order.

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Plan For Future Upgrades

While regular maintenance keeps your property running smoothly, it’s important to plan for long-term upgrades as well. Over time, furniture gets worn, appliances age, and design trends change. Making strategic updates will keep your property fresh and appealing to guests.

Replace Worn Furniture

Furniture is one of the first things to show wear and tear, especially if your rental sees high turnover. Every few years, assess the condition of your furniture and replace anything that looks dated or worn. A fresh couch or new dining set can make a huge difference in how your property is perceived.

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Update Appliances

Older appliances not only look outdated but can also cause issues with reliability and energy efficiency. Upgrading to modern appliances may come with an upfront cost, but it can save you money in the long run through fewer repairs and better energy usage.

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Renovate Key Spaces

Guests often pay the most attention to kitchens and bathrooms, so focusing upgrades here can have the biggest impact. If your kitchen looks dated, consider upgrading the countertops or appliances. In the bathroom, a new shower or vanity can give the space a modern feel and enhance the overall guest experience.

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Pro Tip: Schedule major renovations during the off-season to avoid losing bookings during peak times. You can also use this time to take new photos and update your listing to reflect the improvements.

If you’re still scratching your head on how to nail this whole vacation rental game, I’ve got something special for you! Dive deeper into our free PDF, ‘Unpacking Your Property – The Top 25 Secrets to Successful Vacation Properties’. Trust me, this is the cheat sheet you didn’t know you needed!

What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to maintaining your vacation rental?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Maintaining your vacation rental to high standards isn’t just about keeping it clean—it’s about ensuring everything works properly and making proactive updates. By sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, handling repairs efficiently, and keeping strong relationships with service providers, you’ll provide a better guest experience and protect your investment.

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When guests know they’re staying in a well-maintained, clean, and updated property, they’re more likely to leave positive reviews and return for future stays. Remember, a little effort now can save you time, money, and headaches down the line.