Tips, Suggestions and Recommendations for
Successful Renting
Topics Covered:
Property Information Manual
Pets and Pet Allergies
Beds and Bedding
Kitchen Cleanliness
Bathroom Cleanliness
General Cleanliness
Personal Items
Gardening / Watering
Outdoor Tidiness
Plumbing Issues
Outdoor Furniture
Indoor Furniture
Cleaning Expectations
BBQ’s
Property Information Sheet
Decorating
Entertainment
Property Construction / Repairs
Neighbourhood Construction
Road Access / Driveway Access
Watercraft
Hot Tubs
Internet Connectivity
Telephone
Garbage Disposal / Recycling
Welcoming Your Guests
Winterizing Your Cottage
Listing Your Property, click here.
Property Information Manual:
Create a manual [which is kept up-to-date] to place in a very obvious place on the cottage premises clearly explaining to your guests how things work – including [but not limited to] the following:
- cleaning and garbage/recycling instructions;
- how much paper product is supplied per week [toilet paper / paper towel / facial tissue];
- watering of plants / garden;
- if guests are to expect maintenance staff, gardeners, etc., during their stay
- any safety hazards on and around the property;
- barbecue instructions;
- lighting – info on where switches are located for specific lights – if it is not obvious already;
- entertainment equipment instructions
- who to contact with concerns / emergencies
- water restrictions / guidelines, particularly if your property is on a well;
- is water safe for drinking;
- boating information / regulations for your area;
- include check-in and check-out procedures and times / make your expectations clear;
- indicate clearly where cleaning supplies and equipment are stored;
- swimming tips - Is the water shallow? Diving, or no diving? Do guests need water shoes;
- Other helpful tips: nearby grocery stores; must-see attractions; good restaurants or movie theatres, etc..
Pets and Pet Allergies:
If your property is “not pet friendly”, yet there have been pets in the past – in fairness to those guests who suffer with pet allergies, a disclaimer on your listing indicating that pets have visited your property in the past, is essential.
If your property “is pet friendly” - how many are renters allowed to bring? And, what kind? How big? Are pictures required for your approval?
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Beds and Bedding:
We go on vacation to get a good rest! Ensure the beds are clean, comfortable and adequately supplied with clean bedding.
Mattress covers are strongly recommended as are pillow protectors. Stains on mattresses and pillows are a huge turnoff to all of us….and are not acceptable.
Blankets and pillows are mandatory, but sheets and towels are not. However, your property will appeal to a larger audience if sheets and towels are provided, especially to those guests from overseas or driving with children, etc.
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Kitchen Cleanliness:
Old ‘non-stick’ pots and pans that have scratches and are no longer safe for use, must be replaced with something safe for cooking. The Kitchen is the heart of a home, therefore cleanliness is essential; ensure appliances, drawers, cupboards and all garbage receptacles are clean inside and out – no exceptions.
Provide enough cleaning supplies and garbage bags so that guests can manage keeping the property clean during their stay.
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Bathroom Cleanliness:
As with Kitchens, Bathroom cleanliness is just as serious. Ensure that shower curtains are fresh and free of soap residue and the grout or caulking surrounding the tub / shower is mildew free. All fixtures must be in good working order and make your guests feel comfortable. If a bathmat is provided, ensure this is washed between rentals and the floors, mirrors and walls are clean. It is not mandatory that paper products are plentiful enough for an entire stay, but there should be enough to get guests through the first 2-3 days at least.
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General Cleanliness:
Cobwebs are a problem in all areas, please ensure that as many as possible are eliminated between rentals. Other easily overlooked areas that need attention are: under and between couch and chair cushions / under furniture and beds and areas where garbage receptacles are located. Please ensure these areas are addressed - these things are easily noticed by guests when they are dirty.
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Personal Items:
Please store your personal items somewhere secure so guests do not feel that they are intruding on your personal space during their stay. Expect that whatever is left in the open or easily accessed, may be used unless otherwise labeled.
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Gardening / Watering:
Plants and flowers are a homey touch and add ambiance to your property – Please take the time to add some colour to your property, even if it is just a couple of simple containers of plants at the front door or on the back deck. Invite guests to water and deadhead the summer flowers and feel free to remind them that these exist for their enjoyment.
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Outdoor Tidiness:
Keep property swept / blown and free of debris / garbage to avoid any hazards and keep the appearance welcoming at all times. A big part of vacationing is to escape our own household mess…. We don’t want to look at or deal with someone else’s! If your property appears unkempt, it will feel unwelcoming and guests will not want to return.
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Plumbing Issues:
Ensure that the faucets and pipes are not leaking, and the plumbing in general is all in good working order. Leaky faucets / toilets and broken taps are an aggravation for anyone who wants to relax! Some of these leaks also lead to mould, creating respiratory / health concerns.
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Outdoor Furniture:
If your outdoor furniture is old and weathered, then it is time to replace, repair or repaint. When the weather is good, where do we want to spend our time…. Outdoors – and we want to be comfortable doing it.
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Indoor Furniture:
If your indoor furniture is getting tired, consider slip covers for your couches / chairs – less money than replacing these pieces and they can be washed / changed.
Eclectic is ok, but don’t make it look like all the furniture rejects that nobody wanted have landed at the cottage….
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Cleaning Expectations:
If your property has an ‘on your honour cleaning expectation’, this must be clearly stated on your listing and in your Information Sheet, to avoid that surprise when guests arrive for their ‘vacation’. Very clear instructions and cleaning supplies to be provided.
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BBQ’s:
Guests are looking forward to Grilling on vacation! Ensure the bbq is clean and full of fuel – keep a spare full tank or two on the property and indicate to guests where to find them. It is time to replace the bbq if it has seen one too many hamburger patties or steaks and the grill is no longer cleanable or the lid is rusting, etc. If you wouldn’t eat something off the bbq, then your guests are not likely to want to either.
Some maintenance tips:
- Remove all the cooking grids, grates and burners and use a sturdy bristle brush to remove the build-up of grease on the inside of the oven. Using a barbecue cleaner scrub the inside and outside of the oven and then rinse with water. Never use oven cleaner on your barbecue, it is corrosive and can damage the other components.
- Inspect the burners making sure there are no holes rusted through any of the components. If there are, it's time for a replacement. Clean out any clogged ports using a toothpick, being careful not to damage the ports. Next, clean out the tubes with an appropriate brush. It's very important to keep these tubes clean, Spiders love to make nest in these tubes, creating blockages that can cause serious damage.
- Examine the heat source and remove any grease build-up - make sure there are no holes rusted through. If you have briquettes make sure they aren't crumbling and the pores aren't clogged with grease.
- Check the cooking grids and make sure no welds are broken and brush off any stuck on residue. If you have cast iron cooking grids, season them with oil to help keep food from sticking and help prevent rust.
- Inspect the gas hose to make sure it's free of cracks or leaks. This can easily be done by preparing a soapy solution and applying it to the connections at the tank and valve. Turn the tank on slowly and watch for bubbles to form, which indicates that there is a leak. Try tightening the connections and re-test. If persistent leaking or blistering is detected, the gas assembly should be replaced.
- Finally, check the condition of your control knobs, thermometer, and handles. Replacing small items like this can refresh your grill and make it look new again.
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Property Information Sheet:
[this information is only provided to guests only once they have fully paid for their reservation]:
Information that must be included:
- Clear, accurate driving directions, include landmarks and full property address with postal code;
- Access information – very clear directions on where the key will be located or whom the guest should contact to get the key from – or code to lockbox or key pad lock.
- All contact names and numbers that guests will need in the event of a concern or emergency during their stay. Someone with the authority to make decisions about your property must be listed.
- Any last minute information guests should know about your property to make their stay as pleasant as possible.
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Decorating:
- Everyone's tastes and styles are different, so use your own flare to make your property as comfortable to you as you choose, however, avoid cluttering and too many knick knacks that require dusting.
- Fresh flowers are always a wonderful and welcoming touch and make people's spirits bright.
- Creature comforts like, throw pillows and lap blankets make us all feel cozy.
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Entertainment:
- Cable and Satellite TV are not mandatory, but people enjoy watching movies, reading books and playing board games / cards and puzzles. Music also helps create a relaxing atmosphere, ambiance and more fun memories. If you have stereo equipment at the property, please ensure that all is in working order and not overly complicated for the 'non-technical' vacationers - remember that some braincells do not make it on the vacation....
- For the rainy days, your guests are likely to not venture too far out.... Offer suggestions of places to go / things to do if the weather is inclement - have games / books / puzzles and movies available for such days.
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Property Construction / Repairs:
Any construction or repairs taking place on your property, must be done when guests are not occupying the property. If this is not possible, then impact on a guest’s stay, must be absolutely minimized and / or compensated. Power tools do not make acceptable alarm clocks – we’re sure you would agree! Any mess or debris as a result, must be dealt with swiftly so as guests are not effected in any way. When you are paying full price, equal value is expected.
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Neighbourhood Construction:
If there is any scheduled construction to take place near enough to your property to effect the quality of your guests stay, Great Spots must be advised immediately and a disclaimer added to your listing. If construction is announced after a guest confirms a reservation, that guest must be notified so they can decide if they can tolerate construction during their vacation.
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Road Access / Driveway Access:
Please clearly indicate on your listing whether the roads that lead to your property or your driveway are gravel or require the use of 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicles.
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Watercraft:
If you include watercraft of any description, ensure detailed instructions are in your “Property Manual” so guests are clear on safety and your expectations.
Motorized watercraft is strongly discouraged and not recommended to be included in your rentals.
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Hot Tubs:
Hot Tubs are a popular item for guests. If you have one, ensure that it is kept sanitary to avoid any potential health hazards. Clear instructions for guests on the operation of the hot tub, should be visibly posted. Regular maintenance is essential.
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Internet Connectivity:
More and more, guests are requesting internet connectivity for the ‘working vacationer’. This is becoming a deal breaker more often now for the properties that don’t have it. Therefore, you may wish to consider adding it to increase the audience for your property – but this is not essential.
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Telephone:
For safety reasons, telephone is strongly recommended at properties, but not mandatory. You can contact your service provider about blocking outgoing long distance calling.
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Garbage Disposal / Recycling:
- If the property is in a rural area with garbage collection limitations, this must be noted on your listing, especially if guests are required to remove their own garbage / recycling with them when they depart.
- If there is garbage / recycling pick up at the property, please post clear instructions for your guests, i.e.; what day & time to have garbage outside and the manner in which to make sure it is secure from pests / bears / rodents.
- If there is a recycling program, please provide a system to ensure easy management of these items.
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Welcoming Your Guests:
- Whenever it is possible, make your guests feel at home by leaving them a welcome note for when they arrive. Other nice touches are fresh flowers, candles, bottle of local wine or any other little treat that is locally made.
- Have a guest book available for the nice comments your guests will leave for you [these are great to add to your listing as well].
- If you know there are children, it is nice to have a little treat for them as well [no need to spend a lot of money, dollar stores are handy for little toys kids can use to play in the sand, etc.]
- If you have a fireplace, ensure there is wood for your guests.
Winterizing Your Cottage: [suggestions only, and applicable mostly to colder regions]
- Insulate plumbing so that it doesn't freeze.
- Insulate walls, floors and ceilings.
- Set up heating, whether propane fireplaces or furnace.
- Consider double glazed windows.
- Have a standby generator in place in case of power failure.
- Organize snow removal - for in and out access.
- Circulate water to prevent freezing.
- Obtain programmable thermostats to secure heat inside the cottage.
- Prepare to shovel the cottage roof at least once in the winter to prevent roof-damage and leakage due to snow build up.
- Take the boats out of the water for storage.