As soon as you begin advertising your holiday let through Travelnest on over 30 booking sites, it's essential to maintain your property well and ensure it's ready to welcome guests.

Here are our top recommendations for regular maintenance checks. These will help prevent significant issues during unexpected times, avoid booking cancellations, and negative reviews. Remember, first impressions matter and a well-maintained holiday home will attract more guests, encourage repeat stays, and generate more income over time.

Why is regular maintenance important?

• Guest safety: Your number one priority should be the safety of your guests. Regular checks and maintenance help identify potential hazards before they become problematic.

• Guest comfort: A well-maintained property ensures that your guests have a comfortable stay. This can lead to positive reviews and repeat bookings.
  

• Preventative measures: Regular maintenance allows you to catch minor issues before they escalate into major problems. This can save you significant time and money in the long run.
  

Potential issues from lack of maintenance

If regular checks and maintenance are neglected, several issues can arise: 

• Safety risks such as faulty wiring or appliances, which could lead to accidents. 

• Discomfort for guests due to things like leaky faucets or broken HVAC systems.
• More costly repairs down the line, as minor issues can quickly turn into major problems.

• Negative reviews from dissatisfied guests, which will lead receiving less bookings and damage the visibility of your listing on booking sites searches.
  

Tips on conducting regular maintenance

Now that we've covered the why, let's get into the how. Here are some tips on conducting regular maintenance on your property: 

How to create a property maintenance checklist

Create a comprehensive checklist that covers all areas of your property, from the boiler to the lawn. 

Here are the key items you should include:

Property exterior

• Roof and gutters: Check for any leaks, loose tiles, or blocked gutters.
• Walls and paint: Look for signs of flaking paint or cracks in the walls.
• Windows and doors: Ensure they're secure and functioning properly. Check for any broken glass or damaged frames.
• Garden/landscaping: Check for overgrown plants or trees that need trimming.
• Fencing: Check for any rotting or loose panels.

Property interior

• Furniture: Inspect for damage or wear and tear.
• Appliances: Make sure all appliances are working correctly, including the fridge, oven, washing machine, and heating system.
• Plumbing: Check for leaks or blockages in sinks, toilets, and showers.
• Electrical: Test light switches, outlets, and ensure all bulbs are working.
• Fire and safety equipment: Check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in working order.

Guest amenities

• Bedding and towels: Check they're clean and in good condition.
• Kitchen supplies: Ensure there's an adequate supply of crockery, cutlery, and cooking utensils.
• Bathroom supplies: Check there's enough toilet paper, soap, and shampoo.
• Welcome pack: Make sure it's up-to-date with information about the property, local area, Wi-Fi password, and other important details.

Cleaning best practices

Deep cleaning is essential after each guest's stay. This includes sanitising the refrigerator, defrosting the freezer, descaling the kettle4, and laundering mattress and pillow protectors. For a step-by-step guide on how to follow the cleaning protocol, please check out this handbook created by one of our partners, Airbnb available in multiple languages.

How to create a health and safety measures checklist

Fire safety

• Smoke detectors: Ensure smoke detectors are installed on every floor and in sleeping areas, and test them regularly.
• Fire extinguishers: Have fire extinguishers readily available and ensure they are serviced regularly.
• Fire escape plan: Develop and clearly display a fire escape plan.
• Flammable materials: Store flammable materials safely and away from heat sources.

Electrical safety

• Regular inspections: Schedule regular electrical inspections by certified professionals.
• Safe installations: Ensure all electrical appliances are installed safely and correctly.
• Circuit breakers: Check the circuit breakers regularly for signs of wear or damage.

Security measures

• Locks: Install sturdy locks on all doors and windows.
• Lighting: Ensure there is adequate outdoor lighting to deter potential intruders.

Health measures

• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation throughout the property to maintain air quality.
• Mold and Dampness: Regularly check for signs of mold or dampness, which can pose health risks.
• Cleaning: Implement regular, thorough cleaning routines, especially during times of health crises such as a pandemic. 

General safety

• First aid kit: Always keep a stocked first aid kit on the property.
• Emergency numbers: Display emergency contact numbers prominently.
• Slip and trip hazards: Regularly check and eliminate potential slip and fall hazards.
• Child safety: If children may be present, ensure safety measures like stair gates, outlet covers, and secure window locks are in place.
• Signage: Ensure all necessary safety signs are visible and legible.

Regular checks

• Boiler checks

• Deep clean inspections

• Fire risk assessment

Professional help

Consider hiring a professional maintenance company to conduct regular property checks—it could save you significant time. Ideally, they should also be able to assist with any issues that arise and offer 24/7 services in case of emergencies.

Remember, a well-maintained property leads to happier guests and potentially more bookings. By implementing these best practices, you'll be well on your way to running a successful holiday let operation.