Maintenance Issues & Solutions
Wednesday 5th February, 2020 by Host & Stay
Owning a holiday home can be a hugely successful and lucrative business. But it goes without saying that it can also be difficult and time-consuming at the same time. Managing bookings, payments, changeovers, guest communications and reviews can seem never-ending. Throw maintenance issues into the mix and it can all get too much.
It’s worth noting that maintenance problems will arise. Sorting home repairs every now and again is completely normal. However, as a property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your property is well looked after and secure.
By using preventative measures, you’re one step ahead. Neglecting issues and ultimately not taking care of your property will lead to complaints, negative reviews and hefty maintenance bills.
In today’s blog post, we’re highlighting some of the most common short term holiday let maintenance problems and how they can be easily resolved.
Cleanliness
Ensuring your property is clean after every check out will not only increase positive feedback and reviews, it will also help you to highlight any areas which may need attention – such as no hot water or a leaking tap.
It’s important to have a cleaning schedule which is followed precisely during every changeover. By doing this, you’ll ensure that the clean is done to the highest standard and every area is checked.
Pay close attention to the kitchen. After all – it’s one of the main reasons why a guest would book your holiday home over a hotel room. Use the changeover time to check everything is working as it should be. That way you’re not going to get any nasty surprises later along the line when a guest checks in to find something is broken.
Compliance
Stay on top of your compliance. Doing this will reduce the risk of major maintenance issues at your property and most importantly, keep your guests safe.
Electrical and fire safety are crucial. Check your Gas Safety Check certificate and Electrical Installation Condition report are in date. You should also check whether your holiday let has had PAT testing carried out in the last year too.
Have you carried out an annual Fire Risk Assessment? Does your property have carbon monoxide detectors and if not, does it need them? Do you have a wall-mounted fire blanket and fire extinguishers?
When is the last time your property had a Legionella risk assessment? Is there an emergency first aid kit?
This list may seem exhaustive but by taking care of compliance, you’re putting in place necessary preventative measures and keeping your guests safe.
At Host North Yorkshire, we can manage all of your compliance for you. Our team can organise all assessments and certificates needed, and also keep on top of expiry dates to ensure you’re always covered.
Keep Your Property Secure
Keeping your property secure should be one of your top priorities.
It’s worth recognising whether you need security cameras or alarms. You may want to invest in high-quality locks for the door to your holiday home. If your property is in a very rural setting, it may also be worth adding a security light.
As your holiday let can be empty for periods of time, you could look at installing smart lighting. Lights with timers can be a huge help as they can give the appearance that the property is occupied when it is actually empty. Smart lights can be programmed to turn off or on during specific hours, which can also help reduce your electricity bill.
Look Outside
If your property has a front garden or yard, make sure it is well maintained as this will be the first thing your guests see. Trust us – first impressions always count!
From a maintenance perspective, ensuring the exterior of your property is regularly monitored is key.
Clean the gutters and downspouts to avoid blockages, flooding and damp. This is especially important in autumn and winter when heavy rainfall, as well as snow and hail, can cause havoc with drains. If a downpipe is blocked with rainwater, it can freeze in the winter and crack.
So, there you have it! Make sure your holiday let is clean, secure and well-maintained to keep it in the best shape. By taking the preventative measures we’ve discussed, you’ll reduce the risk of major issues at your property and you’ll keep your guests satisfied.
Are you looking for a stress-free, hands-free hosting experience? Call us on 01287 658171 or email info@hostnorthyorkshire.com to find out more about our fully managed service. Get started today and start earning more!