Important Considerations
When you are thinking of offering your property as holiday accommodation, there are several essential issues to consider. As an owner, you should realise that once you offer your property as holiday accommodation, it is presented online with photos and descriptions. Your property is no longer just a private residence, but a product that is publicly displayed on the market. This also means that third parties can openly express their opinions about the property through online reviews. It is known that positive reviews can generate more bookings, while negative reviews can cause lasting damage by attracting holidaymakers.
Essential points to bear in mind
- Local laws and regulations: Check local laws and regulations regarding vacation rentals. Some cities and municipalities require specific regulations and permits for short-term rentals. Make sure you comply with all requirements to avoid legal problems.
- Taxes: Be aware that you may have to pay tax on the income you earn from your holiday rental. This may vary depending on your location. Consult a tax advisor to find out your tax obligations.
- Insurance: It is essential to adjust your existing home insurance or purchase specific insurance for holiday rentals. This is necessary to ensure adequate cover against possible damage to your property and to meet liabilities in the event of accidents or damage caused by guests.
- Security and amenities: Ensure the safety of your guests by installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other safety devices. Also provide basic amenities such as clean bed linen, towels and cooking utensils.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Schedule regular cleanings between guests and ensure that your property is professionally maintained. Guests expect a clean and comfortable environment.
- Pricing and marketing: Research the prices of similar holiday homes in your area and adjust your rates accordingly, ensuring that your rates are professional and competitive. Invest in attractive photos and effective marketing to promote your property to potential guests. It is vital to advertise your holiday home on international portals such as Booking.com, Airbnb, VRBO and other relevant platforms to increase your reach and attract a wider audience.
- Communication with guests: Communication with guests is of utmost importance, not only during the booking process, but also during their stay and even afterwards. Make sure you have the ability to contact them easily in case of any questions, problems or emergencies.
- Rental conditions: Clarity in the rental conditions is essential, which includes specifying check-in and check-out times, stating the house rules and presenting the cancellation policy in detail. It is crucial that guests agree to these conditions before booking to avoid confusion and disagreements later on.
- Keys and locks: It is imperative that locks and keys are in perfect condition and that system locks are used that allow the entire property to be opened with only 1, 2 or 3 keys maximum. It is of utmost importance to ensure that areas that guests should not have access to, such as private lockers, pool pump rooms and any other locked areas, are kept separate with keys that are different from those held by guests. However, it is vital that maintenance staff have access to these areas at all times. Here, the security of both guests and property is paramount.
- Key handover: Smooth key handover is crucial for the comfort of your guests, both on arrival and departure. Clear communication with guests is essential, especially as delays can occur on arrival. Even if the key handover takes place late at night, it should be efficient and well organised.
- Protect your property: Considering the installation of a safe in the accommodation offers guests greater peace of mind when leaving personal belongings in the property during their absence. An effective alarm system is an important measure to secure the property, especially if it is rented to holidaymakers. It is essential that this system is easy for guests to operate.
- Consideration of neighbours: Inform your neighbours of your plans to rent out your home as a holiday home and kindly ask for their understanding and cooperation. If you yourself are not present when the property is rented, it is advisable to provide your neighbours with the contact details (telephone number and e-mail address) of the key-holder or maintenance staff. Ask your neighbours to use these contacts in case of inconvenience or unforeseen problems. This proactive approach avoids unnecessary and unexpected problems at the site, which can usually be easily solved with the help of designated contacts. It also helps to maintain a good relationship with your neighbours during the rental process.
- Legality and safety: Make sure your home meets all safety regulations, with extra attention to fire safety, stair safety and other essential aspects. It is crucial that your home meets prescribed quality standards. Check sharp edges and loose-fitting garden tiles, for example, and ensure protection at open height differences that could pose a risk to younger children.
It is also important that doors open and close without problems, and that all furniture is in excellent condition. Consider having your property inspected by a licensed electrician prior to renting to identify any defects, such as loose wires or faulty sockets. Also, check that taps and showers are functioning properly to ensure the comfort and safety of your guests. This thorough preparation will help ensure a safe and enjoyable stay experience for your tenants.
Key areas of attention for housing quality:
- Technical aspects: Make sure that all technical aspects of the house are in perfect working order, such as electrical and plumbing installations.
- Equipment: Make sure that the appliances in the dwelling are relatively new and complete.
- Paint: Check the state of the paintwork both inside and outside the house and make sure it is in perfect condition.
- Furniture: Modern furniture tends to attract more guests, so consider furniture with a contemporary look.
- Cooking utensils: Make sure there are enough cooking utensils and crockery available for the number of guests that can be accommodated in the dwelling.
- Beds and bedding: Invest in high quality beds, mattresses and bedding that are in perfect condition, as this is essential for the comfort of guests.
- Cleaning supplies: Although cleaning is usually done by professional staff, it is useful to allow guests to keep the dwelling clean by providing basic cleaning supplies, such as a hoover, bucket, mop, broom and cleaning products.
- Instructions for household appliances: Ensure that there are clear instructions for the use of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, televisions, internet, ovens, microwaves, etc.
- Garden furniture: If you have a garden, it is important to provide enough garden furniture, such as sun loungers and chairs, for the number of people that can be accommodated in the dwelling. The quality of this furniture is also crucial.
By taking these aspects into account and ensuring that your holiday home is well equipped and maintained, you can increase guest satisfaction and encourage positive reviews, which can contribute to attracting more bookings and a successful holiday rental experience.
Aguilarent helps you to succeed in the holiday rental market.
The above points are the essence of a successful holiday home rental. At Aguilarent, we specialise in the organisation and effective maintenance of these crucial aspects. We understand that holiday letting is not just about advertising the property, but that the ongoing care of the accommodation and its organisation are equally important.
Our aim is to free owners from the complexity associated with holiday lettings. We take responsibility for the management and care of the property, allowing owners to focus on other aspects of their lives while we ensure that their property is professionally managed and rented.