Is Your Vacation Rental Ready For Winter Guests?

Owning a vacation rental, like an Airbnb or VRBO home, is a great way to
earn extra income. Much of the year, all these properties need is a way to
manage access and a cleaning service. When winter comes, however, it’s
important to add some extra care – both for the safety of your guests, but
also to keep the home in top condition.
Here is a quick checklist for anyone managing a vacation rental this winter:
· Inspect, Repair, and Maintain Heating Systems – Before
temperatures drop, hire a professional to inspect and adjust heating
systems. Replace filters to increase efficiency.
· Seal Drafts and Insulate – Short term tenants will want to stay warm
and don’t care about your heating bills. An afternoon spent
weatherstripping or caulking can save hundreds of dollars each month.
Also consider adding extra insulation to the attics, walls, or basements to
keep the warm air inside.
· Have Clear Expectations – Leave clear instructions for guests.
Discuss how to protect pipes from freezing, how to report issues if they
arise, and have an emergency contact available at all times. Explain how to
turn off water properly, if necessary, and any other precautions required.
· Hire A Snow Removal Company – If your property gets snow, make
sure the property is clear of snow and ice. Hire an ongoing service to check
on a regular basis and after snowfall to protect the guests from injury
caused by slipping.
Always make sure you have adequate liability insurance as well. Winter
can cause its own share of challenges for vacation rentals. Proper
preparation and maintenance will ensure your vacation rental is a
money-maker and not a money-pit this winter.