Maintaining Your Holiday Let with Travelnest

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

Why is Regular Maintenance Important?

Regular maintenance ensures that:

Guest Safety

Identifying potential hazards before they become a problem.

Guest Comfort

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

Preventative Measures

Addressing small issues early prevents costly repairs.

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, leading to fewer bookings and reduced visibility in search results.

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.

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: Ensure 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.

Guest Amenities

• Bedding and towels: Ensure they are clean and in good condition.
• Kitchen supplies: Check if there’s an adequate supply of crockery, cutlery, and cooking utensils.
• Bathroom supplies: Ensure there’s enough toilet paper, soap, and shampoo.
• Welcome pack: Keep it 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 sanitizing the refrigerator, defrosting the freezer, descaling the kettle, and laundering mattress and pillow protectors.

For a step-by-step guide on following a cleaning protocol, check out this handbook created by Airbnb.

How to Create a Health and Safety Measures Checklist

Fire Safety

• Smoke detectors: Install them on every floor and in sleeping areas. Test them regularly.
• Fire extinguishers: Have them available and serviced regularly.
• Fire escape plan: Develop and display a fire escape plan.
• Flammable materials: Store safely away from heat sources.

Electrical Safety

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

Security Measures

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

Health Measures

• Ventilation: Maintain proper ventilation throughout the property.
• Mold and dampness: Regularly check for signs of mold or damp conditions.
• Cleaning: Implement thorough and regular cleaning routines.

General Safety

• First aid kit: Keep a stocked first aid kit on the property.
• Emergency numbers: Display emergency contact numbers prominently.
• Slip and trip hazards: Regularly check for and eliminate potential hazards.
• Child safety: If children may be present, ensure 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 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 on your way to running a successful holiday let operation.