This article is the second of a 2-part article series about a stress-free holiday season for short-term rentals. Get expert advice on how to solve the common issues property managers struggle with during the peak season.
The holidays mark a busy period for short-term rentals. In the previous article, you learned about the typical issues property managers face during the peak holiday season. These include coping with high demand, diverse tenant preferences, increased maintenance needs, staffing shortages, etc. These issues can compromise rental revenue opportunities and cause more work than is necessary during peak season.
Fortunately, being strategically proactive is the key to solving these issues. You need the right tools, expertise and partner to reduce the operational stress that comes during the holidays. The streamlined operations can elevate the guest experience and improve the reputation of the STRs.
In the second part of this article series, you’ll discover the 10 solutions to the challenges discussed in part 1. When done right, these solutions can lead to raving reviews, better occupancy rates and higher rental revenue. It will also give you the chance to enjoy the holidays yourself.
10 Tips to Enjoy a Smooth Peak Season
The peak season brings incredible earning potential and higher operational demands. The more you meet these demands efficiently, the higher the rental income. It will also increase the chances of getting positive reviews. As the reputation of your STRs improves, you’ll attract more guests and that can set you up profitably for the coming new year.
To make that happen, you should overcome the 10 peak season issues property managers face during the holidays. It requires a proactive approach, open communication and the right technology to enjoy a high-quality holiday experience, not just for your guests but also for you and your property management staff.
Here are the 10 solutions you can implement to stay ahead of these challenges.
Streamline Occupancy with Automation
Managing bookings, cancellations and last-minute requests can easily overwhelm property managers during the holidays, especially those managing multiple STRs. Streamline the process through automation. There are property management programs that can synchronise bookings across different letting platforms. You can use this to centralise all the booking activities, synchronise calendars and automate confirmations.
The main benefit of automation is it eases the time-consuming task of monitoring bookings. It also ensures there are no double bookings on any of the platforms. This allows you to focus on other tasks like preparing for the influx of guests without missing out on any of the booking opportunities.
Delight Guests with Festive Touches
Guests travel during the holidays to acquire new experiences. Let them feel how London celebrates the holidays through small seasonal upgrades. Add holiday decorations and fill welcome baskets with festive treats. You can also drape extra blankets on the sofa and have decorative candles around the unit.
These small gestures speak volumes and can be pre-arranged with the housekeeping staff. The thoughtfulness can result in glowing reviews and maybe even repeat bookings.
Conduct Preemptive Maintenance
Avoid late-night calls because of leaky faucets or damaged appliances. Schedule preemptive maintenance checks to stay ahead of these issues. Not only will it save you from headaches, it can also enhance the experience of your guests.
Before the influx of guests arrives, check the heating systems, plumbing and appliances. Look at your stocks and make sure essential repair supplies are complete (e.g. spare light bulbs, cleaning supplies, batteries, etc.)
You should also check the schedule of your network of tradespeople. Make sure you know who is available during the holidays. Being proactive with maintenance minimises disruptions and ensures a positive stay for your guests.
Plan Seasonal Staffing Early
Anticipate that some of your staff will request time off to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones. This can make it challenging to meet the high demand for housekeeping, maintenance and guest communication.
Hire temporary staff through agencies to compensate for any staffing shortages. You can also use freelancing platforms to take care of the higher volume of guest inquiries and communications. Do this ahead of time so you can train the new staff before things get too busy. Onboard them properly and have someone trustworthy overseeing their tasks. Make sure they’re capable so you can also enjoy the celebrations yourself.
Simplify Guest Communication with Automation
The high demand for short-term rentals brings a higher volume of guest inquiries and requests. While it's prudent to have someone on standby to deal with important concerns, there’s a huge bulk of information you can automate. Questions about the property, nearby establishments and other inquiries can be automated. Prepare templates for important information like check-in instructions, house rules, emergency plans, local even recommendations, etc. These automated responses will save you time and resources.
For the few people on standby to deal with special concerns, make them send personalised welcome notes. It will make your guests feel special if they know they are being welcomed by a real person and not an AI bot.
Optimise Pricing for Maximum Revenue
Maximise the earning potential of STRs during the holiday season. Use dynamic pricing software to adjust rates based on the higher demand and competition. It reviews local competitor rates and market trends to find the best price that will make the property more attractive. These tools can be used to balance affordability and profitability to ensure the STRs remain competitive.
With the right price, potential guests are more inclined to choose your property over the rest - ensuring maximum occupancy rates and rental revenue throughout the season.
Enhance Security with Smart Solutions
The influx of guests brings heightened risks that require a boost in security measures. Enhance the security of your STRs by installing smart solutions. You can also make guest access more convenient by installing keyless entry systems. This will allow you to implement self-check-ins that’ll make things easier for guests arriving late due to unforeseen travel mishaps.
Consider installing smart home tools to implement guest verification procedures. This will allow you to monitor for unauthorised gatherings and ensure the property will be kept safe despite the multiple bookings and guest turnovers.
Stay Compliant with Local Regulations
Apart from the smart tools, you should also provide clear guidelines to keep the property safe. It’s not just about the damage to the property. It’s also about keeping the peace and noise levels down out of respect for the neighbours.
Seasonal restrictions and regulations are implemented to maintain order despite the influx of travellers. Monitor local rules and noise ordinances and be clear about your house rules and community guidelines so guests can act accordingly. Inform them of any penalties or charges that will be incurred if they violate your rules.
This will not just protect you from fines, it will also maintain your reputation as a responsible STR operator.
Prevent Property Damage with Clear Guidelines
Holiday celebrations can quickly get out of hand so your guidelines should also be clear about property damage. This doesn’t just refer to broken things. It’s also about spills, stains and other accidents that can destroy the property.
Be clear about the house rules and the charges guests can incur if they fail to comply. You can also choose to have your insurance updated. This will protect your property and help you cover potential damages in case of accidents.
Keep Inventory Stocked and Organised
Check your inventory before the holiday season kicks off. This ensures you’ll have enough supplies like linens, towels, toiletries, cleaning products and even kitchen staples. Use a property management tool to help you track each item and avoid shortages.
Stock up on important supplies because your suppliers will also go on a holiday. You don’t want to run out and struggle with replenishment issues because there’s no one available to supply your STR’s needs. This may require you to designate a secure space for the extra stocks. Invest in securing all the essentials so your guests will have everything they need during their stay.
Enjoy Smooth Operations During the Holidays
Celebrating the holidays feels different as a short-term rental operator. Property managers have their hands full as the influx of guests comes with different needs. However, this should not dampen the holidays because being proactive can streamline property operations.
Combining technology, proper research, careful planning and foresight will help you enjoy a stress-free holiday and lead to a positive experience for your guests. Focus on what matters to your guest to make their holiday experience a positive one and how you can protect your property at the same time.
Follow these strategies and get ready for the busy season ahead. With enough preparation, you can improve guest reviews and maximise the income potential during the holidays.
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