Owners of short-term rentals know that maintaining impeccable housekeeping standards is critical to providing a good guest experience. A clean living space isn't just a nicety; it's a vital factor that can make or break a guest's review.
Cities like Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, York, and Gettysburg attract a steady stream of tourists and business travelers year-round, making short-term rentals a lucrative investment opportunity. Services like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Evolve.com offer a wide range of vacation rentals. Owners face fierce competition and must work hard to provide the most attractive and well-maintained accommodations.
Despite the potential for high returns, managing short-term rentals comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most pressing issues is finding dependable management to ensure consistent cleanliness and maintenance standards. Without a reliable hosting partner, owners struggle to deliver consistent service quality. However, addressing these challenges is crucial to maximize their rental income and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Here are some tips to help property owners provide the experience short-term rental guests demand.
Start by Establishing a Cleaning Routine
A well-maintained property not only enhances the guest experience but also protects the property's value over time. That's why it's smart to develop a cleaning schedule that includes turnover, weekly, and monthly tasks, ensuring all areas of the rental are thoroughly cleaned and maintained.
Turnover tasks may include changing linens, emptying trash bins, cleaning bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, cleaning out appliances, and wiping down surfaces. Weekly tasks could include deep cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, while monthly tasks might include washing windows, flipping mattresses, and cleaning carpets.
Turnover considerations are also crucial when establishing a cleaning routine for short-term rentals. With guests checking in and out frequently, quick turnover times are essential. This means cleaning teams must efficiently prepare the property for the next guest. A well-organized cleaning schedule can help streamline the turnover process and minimize the risk of delays or oversights.
Incorporating regular maintenance tasks into the cleaning routine is also essential for preserving the property's condition. This includes inspecting for any damages or wear and tear that may need to be addressed. By staying proactive with maintenance, property owners can prevent minor issues from turning into costly repairs down the line.
Pay Attention to Detail
Create a detailed cleaning checklist for each room. Make sure no area is overlooked and that the property is clean and inviting for incoming guests. A good housekeeping team will clean areas even if they are often overlooked by guests, such as baseboards, light switches, and under furniture. These areas can accumulate dust and grime over time, impacting the overall cleanliness of the property.
In the kitchen, detailed cleaning may involve wiping down appliances inside and out, sanitizing countertops, and scrubbing down sinks and faucets. Staff should disinfect showers, tubs, toilets, and sinks in bathrooms. In bedrooms, each turnover requires a change of linens, dusting furniture, and vacuuming or mopping floors.
Maintaining an inventory of essential items and restocking them regularly is also vital for short-term rental turnovers. Guests expect certain amenities, such as toiletries, linens, and kitchen supplies, to be provided during their stay.
Some property owners may choose to charge guests for missing or damaged items to cover the cost of replacement. A cleaning and turnover staff must be detail-oriented, provide thorough cleaning services, and maintain inventory levels to ensure that short-term rentals are ready to welcome new guests.
Use High-Quality Cleaning Products
Use high-quality cleaning products to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in short-term rentals. Many guests prefer eco-friendly cleaning products because they reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, minimize environmental impact, and maintain indoor air quality. Today's eco-friendly products are more effective and economical than ever, so they don't significantly impact the bottom line.
When selecting cleaning products for different surfaces in short-term rentals, it's important to choose products that are safe and effective on specific surfaces. For example, multipurpose cleaners can be effective for countertops and floors. A streak-free and ammonia-free formula is recommended for glass surfaces. For stainless steel appliances, a specialized cleaner not only removes fingerprints and grime without damaging the surface but also minimizes future smudges. Property owners can use the right cleaning products for each surface to ensure that their short-term rentals are cleaned effectively and safely.
Invest in Professional Cleaning Services
Investing in professional cleaning services ensures high cleanliness and guest satisfaction. Reputable cleaners specializing in short-term rentals are trained to clean and sanitize properties efficiently, follow owner guidelines, and prepare the property for the next guest.
Using a co-hosting service to manage or provide professional cleaners provides the additional advantage of "boots on the ground." A co-host supervises cleaners as they run through checklists and ensures that the property is ready for new guests in a timely manner. This is especially important in the fast-paced rental market of Central Pennsylvania, where quick turnover times can make a significant difference in rental income. Pairing professional housekeeping services with effective property management is a smart and efficient way to maximize the potential of short-term rentals.
Enhance the Guest Experience
Presentation and ambiance play a significant role in creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests. Property managers can create an inviting property by keeping it clean, well-maintained, and tastefully decorated. Owners can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that guests will appreciate by paying attention to details such as lighting, decor, and furniture arrangement.
Professional co-hosts and short-term property managers can help. These services can provide simple propping that creates a cozier home that sets the tone for a memorable stay and encourages positive reviews and referrals.
Co-hosts can also handle personalized welcome notes, local recommendations, and amenities that cater to guests' preferences and needs. For example, a co-host can make sure the cupboards offer a selection of teas and coffees, provide a welcome basket with local snacks, or provide seasonal decorations. These small gestures can go a long way in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for guests, leading to positive reviews and repeat bookings.
Maintain Outdoor Spaces
Don't forget to make arrangements to keep the outdoor areas clean, well-organized, and inviting. A co-host can help keep lawns mowed, hedges trimmed, window boxes watered, leaves raked, or walks shoveled.
If an outdoor grill is provided, the co-host will work with the cleaning staff to clean the grill between visits. The team can also stow cushions, lawn furniture, or other items that need protection from the elements.
Deal with Special Situations
No matter how great your guests are, accidents happen. That's why it's smart to find a co-host who offers a 24/7 response window. A co-host can schedule repairs for broken appliances, provide emergency services for clogged toilets or burst pipes, or handle other time-sensitive issues.
Once the guests leave, a skilled co-host can work with the housekeeping staff and maintenance teams to fix broken items, remove stains, or replace items as needed. They'll also inventory any issues in case the owner needs to ask guests to pay for damages.
Implement Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Guest feedback is important in short-term rental marketing. If owners want to avoid the surprise of a bad review, it's wise to ask for feedback while they're on the property. Asking guests to fill out a satisfaction card is a simple way to spot problems early on. Sending a follow-up email with a survey on checkout day is an even easier way to gather intel.
When a guest communicates dissatisfaction, it's a good idea to contact them immediately, find out more about the issue, and offer to make it right when possible. A small gesture like a free day or a reduced rate in exchange for a mistake can go a long way toward improving reviews and increasing occupancy rates.
We're Here to Help
The bar for short-term rentals has risen in Central PA. Today's property owners must embrace a hospitality mindset and work hard to keep guests satisfied. Co-hosts and great housekeeping teams are essential to keeping guests happy, so ensure you have a good partner who can help your investment succeed.
LMT Perfection offers exceptional co-hosting services combined with a history of housekeeping for short-term rentals. Contact us today to find out if we're a good fit for your property.