Preparing Your Home for Short Term Rentals

Published: January 12, 2016

Sites like VRBO and AirBnB make it easier than ever for people to rent out their homes for short periods of time to earn a little extra money. Whether you’ve got a furnished property you’re not living in or you just have a spare bedroom you never use, these sites are a great alternative to renting your space long term or putting your property on the market. But there’s still a good amount of work you need to do before listing your property for guests to stay in.

Here are our tips for preparing your home for short term renters:

Clean Your Home
Essentially, you’re turning your home into a short-term bed and breakfast, and people expect the same amount of cleanliness as they would at a hotel. You’ll want to clean before and after your guests check in and out. You’ll also want to minimize the amount of clutter around your home. This includes cleaning clothes out of closets and dressers, leaving the bare minimum of artwork up on the walls, and removing valuables and personal items that could get stolen. If you don’t have enough room elsewhere in your home to relocate the items, consider renting storage space to help keep your space clean and ready for renters.

Keep Everything in Tip Top Shape
Make sure your home is hazard-free and that all appliances and that all lightbulbs are working and that smoke detectors have fresh batteries and have been tested recently. Research common liability issues for renters and make sure you do everything necessary ahead of time to keep your guests safe and happy during their stay.

Stock Your Cabinets
Many people choose to stay in a house (rather than a hotel) because they are able to enjoy many of the conveniences of home, like a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and because they get to experience what it would be like to live in the city they’re visiting. Stock your kitchen cabinets with basic cooking utensils, pots & pans, and pantry essentials (like oils and spices). Consider having a coffee machine available as well. In the bathrooms, stock them with items people are likely to forget (like shampoo, toothpaste, and soap). Be sure to have extra clean sheets and blankets available. Consider everything you use when you stay at a hotel and try to go above and beyond for your guests in order to receive a good review.

Outline Details and Responsibilities
The more information your guests have about what’s expected of them, the better. If you live in an area that has specific rules about quiet times, or other community rules, be sure to communicate that to your guests. Always leave your contact information so that guests can get in touch with you in case of issues or emergencies.

Looking for places to store your belongings while you rent out your home? Contact UNITS today for a free quote.