Tips on Holiday House Maintenance for Tenants (How to Keep Rentals Clean and Problem-Free)
✨Key Points
- Cleanliness is the biggest driver of guest satisfaction and reviews in holiday rentals.
- Regular cleaning and inspections prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.
- Clear maintenance expectations help tenants report problems early and protect the property.
If you’re thinking about letting out your property as a holiday rental, maintenance quickly becomes one of the biggest make-or-break factors.
Guests may only stay a few days, but their expectations are high, and small issues can lead to bad reviews, repeat complaints, or costly emergency fixes.
In fact, industry data shows that over 70% of negative holiday rental reviews mention cleanliness, maintenance issues, or poorly functioning amenities, even when the property itself is well located.
That means upkeep isn’t just about protecting your asset, it directly affects your bookings and income.
This is where clear systems, and practical tips on holiday house maintenance for tenants, can save you time, money, and frustration.
Common pain points holiday rental owners face include:
Guests reporting issues that could have been prevented with routine checks;
Tenants unsure what they’re responsible for and what needs to be reported;
Minor wear and tear turning into expensive repairs due to delays;
Maintenance problems leading to poor reviews or refund requests.
To keep your holiday rental in good condition and your guests happy, focus on preventative care and clear expectations.
Properties that follow regular maintenance schedules are far less likely to experience emergency repairs, which are often two to three times more expensive than planned fixes.
Helpful tips on holiday house maintenance for tenants and owners include:
Providing tenants with simple guidance on reporting issues early;
Scheduling regular inspections between bookings;
Checking high-use items like plumbing, appliances, air conditioning, and locks;
Keeping a maintenance checklist so nothing is overlooked during turnovers.
When tenants understand how to care for the property and know what to flag quickly, small problems are resolved before they impact the guest experience.
This not only protects your investment but also helps ensure visitors leave with a positive impression and are more likely to return or recommend your property, especially when modern solutions like facial recognition access control for condos make access seamless, secure, and hassle-free for guests.
Maintaining a holiday rental isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency.
With the right approach, clear communication, and smart systems in place, you can reduce stress, avoid costly surprises, and create a stay that guests genuinely enjoy and remember for the right reasons.
Keep On Top Of The Cleaning
Cleaning is one of the biggest factors influencing guest satisfaction, reviews, and repeat bookings, yet it’s also where many holiday rentals fall short.
Guests may forgive dated décor, but they rarely overlook poor cleanliness.
Data from short-term rental platforms shows that cleanliness is mentioned in over 80% of guest reviews, and properties with consistent cleaning standards receive significantly higher ratings and fewer complaints.
To stay ahead of issues, thorough cleaning before every new guest is essential, including fresh bedding, clean towels, and sanitized high-touch surfaces.
Between bookings, even short stays, it’s important to do a detailed walk-through to catch anything that might have been missed, such as spills, odors, or maintenance issues that may signal the need for professional duct cleaning.
For many owners, the biggest challenge isn’t knowing what to clean, it’s keeping standards consistent.
That’s where professional help can make a real difference. Scheduling regular deep cleans with a professional cleaning company helps:
Maintain a consistent standard regardless of guest turnover;
Prevent buildup in kitchens, bathrooms, and carpets;
Reduce wear and tear on furnishings and appliances;
Catch small issues before they become costly repairs.
Professional cleaners also bring checklists and systems that individual hosts often don’t have time to manage themselves, which can be especially valuable during busy seasons.
Staying on top of cleaning isn’t just about appearances, it’s about protecting your property, reducing negative reviews, and ensuring guests walk in feeling comfortable and confident about their stay.
Do Any Necessary Repairs And Maintenance
If any repairs or maintenance tasks need doing, ensure you take care of them before letting guests stay.
For example, no one wants to deal with a broken dishwasher or a leaky tap while trying to relax on vacation, so do any necessary fix-ups beforehand.
This will also help to avoid any damage being caused by things like leaks or faulty electrical.
If you own a pool or a hot tub, it can mean a lot of upkeep to ensure your guests have a good time.
Outsourcing to someone that does the pool and hot tub maintenance can take a load off your mind and keep things running smoothly.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
One of the most important tips for investing in short-term rental properties is checking your insurance coverage before letting guests stay.
Many standard home insurance policies don’t cover holiday or short-term rentals, which can leave owners unexpectedly exposed.
It’s essential to confirm that your policy specifically includes short-term rental activity and provides protection for guest-related incidents, property damage, and liability claims.
This becomes even more important if you plan to host multiple guests at once, since higher occupancy increases the risk of accidents, damage, or disputes.
Making sure you’re properly insured before going ahead can prevent serious financial setbacks and give you peace of mind as you grow your short-term rental investment.
Keep An Eye On The Garden
If your rental property has a garden, keeping it neat and tidy is essential.
Cut grass regularly, trim overgrown hedges, and remove dead leaves or debris.
If you have any outdoor furniture, ensure it’s clean and in good condition.
Consider planting some flowers or shrubs to add color and life to the garden.
Make Sure Everything Is In Good Working Order
Before guests arrive, please go through the property and test all the appliances, lights, sockets, etc., to ensure they’re in good working order.
It’s also worth checking that there are enough light bulbs, batteries, towels, etc., for guests to use during their stay.
By doing this, you can avoid nasty surprises (like a blown fuse) during their vacation.
Ad An Indemnity Clause
When guests book your rental property, include an indemnity clause in the contract.
This will protect you from any damage or loss during your stay.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your holiday rental property is kept in good condition for you and your guests.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will go a long way towards keeping things running smoothly while paying attention to details like the garden and ensuring everything is in good working order will help create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for visitors.
