Holiday let maintenance best practices

Maintaining your holiday let with Travelnest

Once your property is listed on over 30 booking sites through Travelnest, keeping it well-maintained is essential. A property that is ready to welcome guests not only improves guest experience but also protects your investment.

Why is regular maintenance important?

Regular maintenance helps you:

Keep guests safe

Spot potential hazards before they become a problem.

Ensure guest comfort

A well-maintained property leads to positive reviews and repeat bookings.

Prevent bigger issues

Fixing small problems early avoids costly repairs later.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to:

• Safety risks like faulty wiring or appliances
• Discomfort for guests due to leaks or broken systems
• Higher repair costs when minor issues escalate
• Negative reviews, fewer bookings, and reduced visibility

Tips for regular maintenance

Here’s how to keep your property in top shape:

Create a maintenance checklist

A checklist ensures you cover all areas of your property, from the boiler to the garden.

Property exterior

• Roof and gutters: Look for leaks, loose tiles, or blockages
• Walls and paint: Check for cracks or peeling
• Windows and doors: Ensure they are secure and working properly
• Garden and landscaping: Trim overgrown plants and trees
• Fencing: Look for loose or rotting panels

Property interior

• Furniture: Check for damage or wear
• Appliances: Ensure the fridge, oven, washing machine, and heating system work correctly
• Plumbing: Inspect sinks, toilets, and showers for leaks or blockages
• Electrical: Test switches, outlets, and lights
• Fire and safety equipment: Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers

Guest amenities

• Bedding and towels: Keep them clean and in good condition
• Kitchen supplies: Check crockery, cutlery, and utensils
• Bathroom supplies: Ensure toilet paper, soap, and shampoo are stocked
• Welcome pack: Include property details, local information, Wi-Fi, and essential contacts

Cleaning best practices

Deep clean your property after every guest.

• Sanitising the fridge and freezer
• Descaling the kettle
• Laundering mattress and pillow protectors

How to create a health and safety measure checklist

Fire safety

• Install smoke detectors on every floor and in sleeping areas and test them regularly. 
• Keep fire extinguishers available and serviced regularly
• Display a clear fire escape plan
• Store flammable materials safely

Electrical safety

• Schedule regular inspections by certified professionals
• Ensure all electrical appliances are installed safely
• Check circuit breakers for damage

Security

• Install sturdy locks on doors and windows
• Ensure outdoor areas are well-lit to deter intruders

Health measures

• Keep the property well-ventilated
• Check for mould or damp conditions
• Maintain a regular cleaning routine

General safety

• Keep a stocked first aid kit
• Display emergency contact numbers clearly
• Remove slip and trip hazards
• Ensure child safety with gates, outlet covers, and secure windows
• Display all required safety signage

Regular checks to schedule

• Boiler inspections
• Deep clean inspections
• Fire risk assessments

Professional help

Hiring a professional maintenance company can save time and provide peace of mind. Ideally, they can conduct regular checks, resolve issues quickly, and offer 24/7 emergency support.

A well-maintained property leads to happier guests and more bookings. By following these best practices, you’ll be on your way to running a successful holiday rental business.