Getting ready for the season

Maintenance tips for running a holiday let

Now we're officially into spring and the sunny days of summer don't seem quite as far away, it's a good time to make sure your property is ready for the busy period.

Hopefully, the larger maintenance tasks will have been undertaken during the winter, leaving the smaller and more regular jobs to tackle.

Keeping on top of general wear-and-tear and any accidental minor damage is also very important as they ensure that your holiday let continues to impress your guests and keeps costs down. The adage, ‘a little bit, often’ is a perfect way to look at it because this stops the to-do list getting too long and small tasks getting beyond easy control.

Play equipment, swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas are all attractive features to guests, so it's worth the little extra maintenance to attract more bookings. Check regularly that they are in fully working order and in compliance with your supplier regulations, manufacturer guidelines and current Health and Safety advice too. The Pink Book of legislation for tourist accommodation can help. Also, check any special requirements with your insurer.

Here’s a helpful list of tips to consider that will help your property excel and allow your guests have a fun, carefree and undisrupted visit.

Around the house

Spend some time getting to know the place again, look at it with a fresh pair of eyes imagining you have just arrived for your holiday, are you happy with what you see?

Check your inventory and replace any missing, chipped or cracked items. Inspect bedding and soft furnishings for tears in the fabric to stitch up or replace. Remove loose covers and curtains and clean them. Check that light fittings and bulbs are all working. Take a small pot of paint around to eradicate any small scuffs and marks on walls and doors too.

In the garden

Regular upkeep of the grounds of your holiday property is a high priority. The exterior is the first part of your house that guests encounter when arriving in the day time, so a pre-season spruce up is advised. Mow the lawns regularly, cut back any plants that are prone to overgrow in the summer time and replace lost gravel from driveways.

Check that all outside lights are in working order and that out-buildings are clear of ground dirt or excessive cobwebs, too. Now the weather is drier, give any wooden furniture or decking a coat of wood protection. Replace BBQs or buy two so they can be rotated for bookings giving extra time to give them a good clean. It’s easy to forget that a dependable bench or table is gradually deteriorating, you can slow the decline with a bit of TLC.

Your water works

Check the boiler to see that enough hot water is getting generated when required and that your radiators and storage heaters are fully operational. Testing the water pressure throughout the building is also worthwhile. Make sure that all WCs flush effectively and pour water down less-active drains to ensure that the moisture within hasn’t evaporated creating an accidental open drain (for instance a downstairs shower or a bidet).

If you have a remote property that is not connected to the sewer, make sure that the septic tank is emptied. Private spring or bore water must be tested by your local council so make sure this is up to date and the quality is approved before your guests arrive.

Going that extra mile

So, your guests like the look of your photos and have booked a stay – how can you ensure they return in the future? Make sure you include everything they could possibly need to feel completely at home in your cottage. This could range from a kitchen fully stocked with additional appliances to supplying towels, toiletries, a welcome supply of tea and coffee and locally sourced goodies, condiments and liquid soap as standard.

Quick regulatory checklist

• Check your holiday home insurance, including public liability insurance
• Have gas appliances checked and display the certificate
• Private water supplies need testing along with the filtration system
• Renew PAT tests to make sure electrical items are safe
• Make sure fire risk assessments have been carried out and complies with current laws, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• If in doubt, consult an expert

At holidaycottages.co.uk, our holiday home owners are paired with a dedicated local Homeowner Account Manager, an expert in holiday let management. They can answer any questions, from money matters to advice on bedroom arrangement, and if they don't know the answer, they'll find out or direct you to someone who does. It's all part of our outstanding service - find out more today.