Some useful tips for rental property owners, little things that will enhance your guests holiday experience. It is a whole lot easier to keep a client than attract a new one, so it pays to make your renters either want to come back next year, or at the least recommend you to others.

Your rental property should be well equipped without being cluttered. Sometimes less is more. A matching set of inexpensive plates is better than a cupboard full of mismatched ones. One or two sofas in good condition is better than a living room full of wonky cast offs! But also be aware of providing things like enough plugs, a mirror near a plug socket where ladies will dry their hair, if you have a BBQ provide some tongs, an iron and ironing board will be well received. Most of this is stating the obvious, but when equipping a holiday home things can get overlooked.  

  • Declutter. Have a clear out each season. Tatty magazines and torn paperbacks are a big no no. Renters leave them behind all the time, and I have no doubt for a while they are a bonus for your next guests, but once they get old and tatty get rid!
  • Kitchen cupboards. Again declutter. We take instructions from each home owner, but personally I prefer to clear out the fridge and cupboards after each rental, leaving just the storecupboard basics (salt, pepper, oil etc) You may think you're doing your renters a favour, but not many people actually use what's left in the cupboards and by mid August your cupboards will be full to bursting. Think of the guests arriving with a boot full of food and nowhere to put it.
  • Starter packs. For each new rental leave at the minimum a starter pack - some toilet roll, a couple of dishwasher/washing machine tablets, some washing up liquid and a sponge, one or two bin bags. The best way to do this is to buy a supply at the start of the year and leave in your lockable cupboard. We will put out these items each time and replace when necessary.
  • Welcome packs. Go one step further and give your guests a nice welcome with some tea, coffee, milk etc. And a bunch of fresh flowers will be a touch that won't be forgotten. See our welcome pack page 
  • Information folder. Do you have one? When did you last update it? If it is full of scribbles and amendments it's time for a new one. These folders should contain useful information such as emergency contact numbers, where to locate the water tap and electricity box, how to operate any appliances, rubbish collection days, where to find shops and services, end of stay procedures etc as well as the nice stuff such as recommended restaurants and days out. See our page on info folders/photo books
  • Guest book. People like writing in these, and they give really good feedback to the homeowner, perhaps highlighting things that need addressing, as well as hints and tips for other guests.