Maintaining your rental property is crucial for earning positive reviews from your guests. A well-maintained home will be more comfortable and inviting for guests, and they will likely notice its upkeep.
Maintaining your property doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, and basic steps for proper maintenance can make a big difference. You can also consider seasonal tasks like changing the filters in your air conditioning unit or checking the roof for damage after a storm.
Taking care of your property ensures your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. This can lead to more positive reviews and repeat business. Our guide below covers some of the best ways to maintain your rental property.
Understand your core target audience
The first step in providing an enjoyable experience for your guests is understanding who they are and what they’re looking for in a vacation rental. This will help you focus your efforts on the areas that matter most to them.
Knowing your target audience also allows you to accommodate their needs better. For example, if you’re catering to families, you may want to have a few kid-friendly items handy, like toys or games. On the other hand, if you’re targeting business travelers, features like a well-equipped home office or fast Wi-Fi may be more important.
Moreover, understanding your target audience will help you determine the right pricing for your rental. Families may be willing to pay a little more for extra space and amenities, while business travelers may be more price-sensitive since they often use corporate rate programs.
When you connect to your target audience’s needs, they wouldn’t mind leaving a great review, which will help attract more guests.
Keep the property clean and clutter-free
According to research by the Institute of Hospitality, cleanliness is the most crucial factor in customer satisfaction. This is especially true for vacation rentals, where guests pay for a comfortable and relaxing experience.
Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has made cleanliness even more critical for vacation rental properties. Guests are now looking for assurances that their rental is clean and safe.
There are a few key things you can do to keep your property clean and clutter-free:
- Clean the property regularly. This includes vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and cleaning the bathrooms.
- Declutter the space. Remove any items that are not essential to the guest experience. This will make the space feel larger and more welcoming.
- Consider hiring a professional cleaning service. This can be especially helpful if you have a large property or expect a high volume of guests.
When your property is clean and welcoming, guests will be more likely to enjoy their stay and leave positive reviews.
Fix broken items and make necessary repairs
Every hotel manager knows that no property is perfect and that things will inevitably break down or need repair from time to time. What sets great managers apart is their proactive approach to fixing problems before they become serious.
As a vacation rental manager, it’s important to fix broken items and make necessary repairs as soon as possible. This shows guests that you’re attentive and care about their experience.
For example, if a light bulb is burned out, replace it immediately. If there’s a leaky faucet, fix it before it causes water damage. Addressing these issues quickly can prevent minor problems from becoming big ones.
Of course, not all repairs can be made immediately. In these cases, it’s essential to be honest with guests and let them know when you will fix the issue.
By addressing these issues quickly and efficiently, you can show your guests that their experience is a top priority.
Inspect the property regularly
Inspecting your property regularly ensures that you address potential problems before they become more significant. This will help keep your guests happy and coming back for more.
Here are a few things to keep an eye on during your inspections:
- Check for any damage to the property, inside and out. This includes things like holes in walls, cracked tiles, etc.
- Make sure all appliances are in good working order.
- Test all plumbing fixtures to ensure they are working correctly.
- Check for any signs of pests or other problems.
- Take a look at the landscaping and ensure it is well-maintained.
- Inspect the pool and spa, if you have them, to ensure they are clean and in good working order.
Inspecting your property regularly ensures that any potential problems are caught early and dealt with quickly. This will help you earn those all-important 5-star reviews from your guests.
Implement a preventative maintenance plan
A preventative maintenance plan is a proactive approach to maintaining your property. It involves regularly scheduled inspections and repairs to keep things in good working order, which can help you avoid larger problems down the road.
You should tailor your preventative maintenance plan to your specific property and needs. The main reason for having one is to help you avoid potentially costly repairs in the future. For example, an active project management office (PMO) can help you keep track of tasks, budgets, and schedules, which are crucial when organizing a preventative maintenance plan.
Preventative maintenance can also help improve your property’s value over time. By keeping things in good condition, you’ll be able to charge more for rent and attract a higher quality of guests.
If you don’t have a preventative maintenance plan, now is the time to create one. Doing so can save you money, it can help earn those 5-star reviews from your guests, and provide an overall positive impact on your bottom line.
Conclusion
Maintaining a property can be challenging, but it’s essential to earn favorable reviews from guests and maintain a successful business.
By implementing the tips above, you can ensure your property is always in good condition. This will help you avoid larger problems down the road and keep your guests happy.
Author
Bryan Christiansen is the founder and CEO of Limble CMMS. Limble is a modern, easy-to-use mobile CMMS software that takes the stress and chaos out of maintenance by helping managers organize, automate, and streamline their maintenance operations.
