Maintaining your holiday let with Travelnest
Once your property is listed on over 30 booking sites through Travelnest, keeping it well-maintained is essential. A property that is ready to welcome guests not only improves guest experience but also protects your investment.
Why is regular maintenance important?
Regular maintenance helps you:
Keep guests safe
Spot potential hazards before they become a problem.
Ensure guest comfort
A well-maintained property leads to positive reviews and repeat bookings.
Prevent bigger issues
Fixing small problems early avoids costly repairs later.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to:
- Safety risks like faulty wiring or appliances
- Discomfort for guests due to leaks or broken systems
- Higher repair costs when minor issues escalate
- Negative reviews, fewer bookings, and reduced visibility
Tips for regular maintenance
Here’s how to keep your property in top shape:
Create a maintenance checklist
A checklist ensures you cover all areas of your property, from the boiler to the garden.
Property exterior
- Roof and gutters: Look for leaks, loose tiles, or blockages
- Walls and paint: Check for cracks or peeling
- Windows and doors: Ensure they are secure and working properly
- Garden and landscaping: Trim overgrown plants and trees
- Fencing: Look for loose or rotting panels
Property interior
- Furniture: Check for damage or wear
- Appliances: Ensure the fridge, oven, washing machine, and heating system work correctly
- Plumbing: Inspect sinks, toilets, and showers for leaks or blockages
- Electrical: Test switches, outlets, and lights
- Fire and safety equipment: Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers
Guest amenities
- Bedding and towels: Keep them clean and in good condition
- Kitchen supplies: Check crockery, cutlery, and utensils
- Bathroom supplies: Ensure toilet paper, soap, and shampoo are stocked
- Welcome pack: Include property details, local information, Wi-Fi, and essential contacts
Cleaning best practices
Deep clean your property after every guest.
- Sanitising the fridge and freezer
- Descaling the kettle
- Laundering mattress and pillow protectors
How to create a health and safety measure checklist
Fire safety
- Install smoke detectors on every floor and in sleeping areas and test them regularly.
- Keep fire extinguishers available and serviced regularly
- Display a clear fire escape plan
- Store flammable materials safely
Electrical safety
- Schedule regular inspections by certified professionals
- Ensure all electrical appliances are installed safely
- Check circuit breakers for damage
Security
- Install sturdy locks on doors and windows
- Ensure outdoor areas are well-lit to deter intruders
Health measures
- Keep the property well-ventilated
- Check for mould or damp conditions
- Maintain a regular cleaning routine
General safety
- Keep a stocked first aid kit
- Display emergency contact numbers clearly
- Remove slip and trip hazards
- Ensure child safety with gates, outlet covers, and secure windows
- Display all required safety signage
Regular checks to schedule
- Boiler inspections
- Deep clean inspections
- Fire risk assessments
Professional help
Hiring a professional maintenance company can save time and provide peace of mind. Ideally, they can conduct regular checks, resolve issues quickly, and offer 24/7 emergency support.
A well-maintained property leads to happier guests and more bookings. By following these best practices, you’ll be on your way to running a successful holiday rental business.