Free Rental Guide!
Learn what it takes to rent your vacation home and maximize your rental income.
Free Rental Guide!
Learn what it takes to rent your vacation home and maximize your rental income.
Are your rentals ready for summer guests? To find out, consult the handy property management checklist below!
In the Spring 2014 issue of VRMA Review, the Vacation Rental Managers Association quarterly magazine, Steve Bjerklie writes,
A winter’s worth of snow and ice can create hidden damage that may not be noticeable until it’s too late…. Taking the time and steps in the spring to ensure a home is ready for summer rentals can prevent costly, time-consuming problems later.
When Alan Hammond, managing director at Holiday Vacation Rentals — a vacation rental management company with short term rentals plus property care and management for several hundred vacation residences and condos located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Harbor Springs, Mich. — makes the rounds of his properties in anticipation of the busy summer season, here’s the checklist he has in mind to ensure the homes are prepared for warm weather:
Here’s a text version:
Make sure:
- Water supply turned on
- Hot water on and temperatures set
- Plumbing holds pressure and not leaking
Check:
- Pressure relief valves and all faucets for leaks
- Check all services (i.e. phone, cable, internet)
- Check all electronics equipment operational and programmed
- Light bulbs for replacements – use CFL and LED bulbs
Run:
- All appliances (i.e. dishwashers)
Change:
- All batteries in remotes, keyless entry pads, fire alarms
- HVAC filters
Service:
- HVAC systems
Inspect:
- Roofs for leaks and interior damage from ice damming, and have repairs made to roof and interior
- Building (exterior and interior) and sign of pests (rodents)
Note and Report:
- Other interior exterior maintenance such as new paint to owner
Spray:
- Pesticide to building exterior
Clean up:
- Yard
- Housekeeping (Deep cleaning)
- BBQ grill and propane refill
- Windows (interior and exterior)
- Ceiling fans
- Fireplace and flue
- Summer furniture
Update:
- Home guest services guide
Stock:
- Homes with guest amenities prior to each rental
Alan R. Hammond is the founder and Managing Director of Holiday Vacation Rentals and Birchwood Property Management. He has served as a Director, Officer, and Treasurer of the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) and holds the Certificated Vacation Rental Manager (CVRM) designation. A recognized industry leader, Alan is featured in the book The Rental Game: Winning with a Professional Vacation Rental Team by Maureen Regan. Read more....
Jeremy loves the northern Michigan outdoors, and his hobbies include hiking, biking, exploring, and photography.
