How great is it to have a second home in a vacation spot that you can rent out in your absence?! Even if you hadn't originally planned for that property to be rented to strangers, it is a great option for someone who may find less and less time to be in that home, keeping the place lively and less vulnerable to thieves and vandals. And let's face it, some extra income to offset the payments is a definite bonus too! Here are some tips for cleaning and maintenance that you might not have thought of, and that can really make a difference in how the renting experience plays out for you. Whether you hire a housekeeper, work with a cleaning crew, or want to burn a few calories of your own, here are a few suggestions that can make all the difference in the world between spotless and not-so-good.
Odd Laws. A good starting point is to research local health department codes, particularly if your rental property is in another state or county, to find out what quirky rules may be in effect in that area. There may be guidelines on linen sanitization requirements, pool or spa maintenance, or some other restrictions that you should know about. If you start off with all the facts, you will be able to better plan and maintain a checklist for your home that is easy to follow.
Nooks and Crannies. Dirty little details can really take the shine off an otherwise-sparkling room. Imagine renting a beautiful beach house with a brand-new HDTV flatscreen, and picking up a grubby remote control that has been pawed by little sticky fingers! Ugh! Make sure that when your home is being given the once-over, that it also gets the once-under. Under the bed. Under the toilet seat. Under the mattress. Under the sofa cushions. Wipe down knobs and handles, and any other places likely to have been exposed to food and area debris. This practice will keep the place top-notch.
Nix the Dry Cleaner. How practical is "dry clean only?" Not very, especially when you have to turn around a linen change and don't have two or three days to wait for a comforter to be fluffed at the cleaners. Ditto for "hand wash only," "dry flat," or "do not bleach." Read the washing instructions before purchasing your linens and opt for machine-washable at any cost! If you are picking up a duvet cover for a down comforter, try to resist the 100% pure linen one, even if it is the perfect compliment to the room. Just think about who might have to slave over a hot ironing board endlessly, only to have the fruits of labor squished at the first sit on the bed. Remember the acronym, K.I.S.S., for Keep It Simple Sweetie!
Double-up. Keeping a second set of all linens, towels, tablecloths, and any other washables you are including in the rental is key. Aside from saving yourself or your cleaning team from crunch-cleaning between back-to-back rentals, by having duplicate sets of washables you will actually preserve the life of the material by virtue of fewer washings. The fibers will hold up longer and withstand the abuse of hot water and bleaching products, thus keeping a fresher and more attractive appearance for a longer life.
Slip it good. Imagine your beautiful overstuffed sectional facing the picture window in the Grand Room. How about the velvet upholstered dining chairs? Even the most careful of guests can have an "oops!" and that little stain can really tarnish the overall look and feel of the place, especially after months of continuous wear-and-tear. The solution? The preventative slipcover is a proactive step in preserving the life of your furnishings, and can be washed as needed without special upholstery care. You don't even have to go to the full extent of having them custom-made anymore. Bed, Bath, and Beyond has all sorts of styles and colors for every shape and size of chair, loveseat, and couch. All you have to do is tie and tuck, and PRESTO! You have an attractive piece of furniture with its own machine-washable protective layer.
Short but sweet. If you find that there is just not enough time for sufficient maintenance between rentals, you are probably doing very well with your property and must make an adjustment. There is no shame in shortening the rental week. Heck, even in religious text there is a day of rest involved! That said, perhaps your rental week can be a six-day one, allowing a full day for complete cleaning and airing out, linen changes and "fluffing." Perhaps you will notice a pattern once the rental property gains traction, and you will see which days of the week are less popular, so you can then set your cleaning "blackout" days based on that trend. However you decide to work it out, remember that cleanliness is the part that can make you or break you in the rental business, so be honest with yourself about what you need to keep the place up to snuff.
Check it off. Whether you are using a cleaning service, and individual, or your own elbow grease, a standardized checklist is crucial to begin with. Once that list is in tact, you may find that the nuances of your place require your adding to the checklist. For example, if sand constantly accumulates in a certain spot on the walkway, you must add this to the list, as it will certainly not appear on a standard cleaning "to do" list. Perhaps you have a charming-yet-quirky radiator that drips from time-to-time and you will need to be sure that the crew knows exactly how to prevent warping of the floorboards by checking it upon the vacancy. Work with your crew or cleaning person to maximize the efficiency of cleaning efforts by creating a clear list for all to follow.
All roads lead to Rome. Remember that no two people have the same visual definition of "clean." With that in mind, it might be best to set the benchmark from the very beginning, since there is no way to field complaints to the cleaning team you have hired. No matter whose oversight an "icky" offense may be, it all points back at YOU, the property owner. Allow yourself a reasonable period of time to micro-manage the cleaning, until you are comfortable and trust the job that is being done perfectly. Be sure that whoever is maintaining the property is willing and able to do so in a way that reflects your standard of cleanliness and quality. After all, it is your home and you are hosting these guests, even though you will not be present for their stay.
Turning your vacation home into a rental property may seem like quite an undertaking, but it can be done with minimal headaches if you stay organized. Dotting your I's and crossing your T's can lead to a profitable and maybe even fun endeavor. If the place is spotless and welcoming, you will surely be establishing repeat business. Heck, in no time at all you could be so booked, you'll be turning them away!