Learn how to transform chaos into cash with smart setup upgrades and clear expectations for long-term guests.

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Ever had a guest ask to stay just one more week… then another… and suddenly it’s been three months? Hosting long-term guests isn’t just an extended weekend—it’s a whole different ballgame. And if you’re not prepared, it can eat your margins, drain your energy, and leave your space looking like a frat house after homecoming.

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But here’s the thing: if you set up right, long-term guests can be your most reliable, low-maintenance income source.

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Rethink Your Furniture (It’s Gotta Last)

Hosting long-term means your furniture’s not just for show anymore—it’s for living. And living hard.

• That cute white couch from Wayfair? Yeah, it won’t make it past week three.

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• Flimsy coffee tables? Wobble into trash by month two.

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Tip: Invest in furniture that’s both stylish and durable. Look for performance fabrics, easy-to-clean materials, and furniture with storage built-in.

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💡 Quick Question: Did you know microfiber sofas resist stains better than leather? True story. What’s your go-to guest-proof material?

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Want more tips like this? Tune into the Vacation Rental Resolutions podcast where we break down real-life rental wins and horror stories—every week.

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Upgrade to Guest-Proof Cleaning Routines

Long stays = more mess. It’s science.

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That weekly wipe-down isn’t going to cut it when guests have their toothbrushes in your holder and their ketchup in your fridge for 30 days straight.

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Here’s your move:

• Schedule monthly deep cleans (not just turnovers).

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• Use check-in checklists and mid-stay check-ins.

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• Provide basic cleaning supplies for guests: broom, vacuum, and yes—even toilet brush.

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🧽 Pro Tip: Leave a friendly note saying, “We like to keep the place tidy for you—feel free to use anything under the sink!” Subtle. Friendly. Effective.

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👉 Want to see how I do my mid-stay guest checks without sounding like a parent? Check out our YouTube channel.

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Create a “Real-Life Ready” Space

Short-term guests forgive a few quirks. Long-term guests? Not so much.

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Here’s what they’ll actually use:

• A decent workspace (bonus points for a monitor)

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• Enough hangers (seriously)

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• A laundry basket (you’d be surprised how many forget this)

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📌 Add blackout curtains, a full-length mirror, and somewhere to stash their stuff. These things scream “I thought about your stay”—and help you stand out on 30+ day search filters.

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🤔 Curious fact: Airbnb search for “long-term stays” jumped over 20% last year. Are you showing up in those results?

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Maintenance: Go Proactive or Go Broke

That leaky faucet or wobbly chair you’ve been ignoring? A long-term guest will notice. And they’ll message you. Repeatedly.

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Fix it now or prepare for a 4-star review that starts with, “We loved the place, but…”

✅ Schedule regular property walk-throughs.

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✅ Leave basic tools if you’re open to guests fixing tiny issues (like replacing batteries or light bulbs).

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Update Your House Rules for Long-Term Guests

Your weekend guests won’t mind a laundry limit or recycling reminder. Long-term guests need more clarity.

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Include sections like:

• Quiet hours

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• Cleaning expectations

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• Utility usage (yes, that hot tub timer matters now)

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• How to request maintenance

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📝 Bonus: Use a digital guest agreement platform like HelloSign or DocuSign. It protects you without making the guest feel like they’re signing a mortgage.

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🎯 Mentioning the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental “ course here makes sense: It walks through setting house rules, terms, and templates you can plug-and-play. Don’t wing it—get the structure.

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Before you list your rental, flood your inbox, or forget to budget…

Grab the “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart” download.
It’s your fast track to five-star hosting—with your sanity intact.

Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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How Do You Handle Long-Term Guests?

What’s been your biggest win—or disaster? Comment below. I’d love to hear your stories.

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Here Are Your Key Takeaways:

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In Conclusion

Hosting long-term guests can feel like a shift from vacation mode to landlord lite—but it doesn’t have to be a grind. With the right setup, it becomes predictable profit with half the hustle. And honestly, isn’t that what we’re all after?

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This episode was inspired by lessons from the Launch Your First Vacation Rental course. If you’re looking to turn your vacation rental into a smooth-running, review-earning machine, check it out here:
https://courses.keystonehospitalitydevelopment.com/course/mastering-vacation-rentals-build-manage-and-grow-a-profitable-business-full-course/

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Want to keep the learning going? You also might like “How To Exceed Guest Expectations At Your Vacation Rental” episode 66.

https://vacationrentalresolutions.com/2025/03/how-to-exceed-guest-expectations-at-your-vacation-rental-066

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