Checklist and tips for maintenance

Ensure your home is clean, functional and kept in consistently great condition with regular maintenance checks.  Keeping you property well maintained is key to happy guests!  

Make the effort to ensure the property is clutter-free, and that all amenities are fully functioning and in good condition. No matter whether they’re indoors or outdoors, every item or element should be well-made, properly installed and free of scuffs, tears or rust.

Below is a maintenance check list.

• Check for blockages and leaks in all taps, sinks and other fixtures in the kitchen, bathrooms and utilities
• Check all rooms for damp or signs of moisture
• Make sure all tiles are clean and re-grout if needed
• Make sure all lights are working
• Make sure all white goods (fridge, freezer, washing machine) are working sufficiently 
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries if needed
• Paint/touch up walls or skirting boards if needed
• Get the hot water system serviced by a professional
• Check for blockages in the air conditioning
• Do a safety check in outdoor spaces around the pool: trip hazards, broken tiles, slippery surfaces and sharp edges might need to be dealt with, especially if you’re likely to have small children visiting
• Are the burglar alarms working? Replace if not, and also consider installing smart security and cameras so that you can keep an eye on the property when you’re not around
• In any garden areas, weed, plant and prune as necessary
• Check for blockages in the gutters and drains
• If you’ve got a chimney, make sure it is swept (especially ahead of winter)
• Check all linen, outdoor furniture and other aesthetic items such as cushions and indoor sofas for tears, stains and so on.

WINTER MAINTENANCE

Over the colder months, different safety challenges present themselves for holiday rental owners and property managers. You can use this checklist to help ensure that winter guests enjoy a safe and memorable time at your property.

Prepare your spa

Check that pool or spa covers are in use and functioning properly. Please review your local regulations to verify requirements for pool/spa covers, fences and gates. Also check to make sure that safety information, such as emergency phone numbers, spa rules and CPR instructions, is clearly posted.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide detectors save lives and may be required by your local laws: double-check to ensure that yours is correctly installed and working properly. 

 Practice fire safety

Retesting smoke alarms prior to a guest’s stay can be the key to fire prevention. Cooking is a leading cause of residential fires, but space heaters, fireplaces and candles may also become a risk. So it’s recommended that fire extinguishers are conveniently placed. Get more information on fire safety here.

 

SUMMER MAINTENANCE

Inspect your deck

Your deck is the centrepiece of outdoor summertime activities. If it’s been a long winter, or if it’s just been a while, we recommended that you have your deck and railing inspected for damage.  For securing the safety of your deck, you may consider a temporary solution such as installing close-mesh netting, or Perspex®, on the inside face of the deck columns to help keep children safe.

 Ensure that your barbecue is fireproof

If you have a barbecue or fire pit, let guests know where to find a fire extinguisher and post any maintenance guidelines close to the item. For barbecues:

• Place at a safe distance from your home, deck, as well as trees and bushes.
• Clean the barbecue between guest stays and provide BBQ tools.
• For a gas barbecue, check the hose for leaks before allowing guests to access it. 
• Consider posting barbecue-specific house rules, such as:
  • Keep children at a safe distance. 
  • Don’t leave the barbecue unattended.
  • Only use the barbecue outdoors.

Display the location of A/C or fan controls

In the heat of summer, make sure that guests know how to operate your cooling system. If you don’t have central air conditioning or window units, consider providing small floor fans. You can add all these details into the property description of your listing or and your welcome guide.

 Trim overgrowth

Try to remove any overgrowth in your garden or landscaping to limit the chance of trips and falls. For guests with small children, this is especially important around decks, pool areas or roads. Along the way, check for insect nests.

 Secure your pool or spa

Ensure that you’re storing chemical-balancing and pool-cleaning materials securely and at appropriate temperatures. And when it comes to pool fences, follow local rules and regulations. Post safety and health information on your listing and at the pool, such as emergency phone numbers, CPR Instructions and ‘pool rules’. 

Monitor any gas appliances

Gas appliances are common features in holiday rentals. They provide heating, hot water and fuel for cooking. However, gas appliances also present safety risks. These include carbon monoxide poisoning or gas leaks that can cause fire or explosion.  

Here are a few ways to improve your gas safety standards: 

• Install and regularly test carbon monoxide alarms.
• Ensure that appliances have been installed and regularly serviced by a qualified gas engineer.
• If you have the opportunity to switch from gas to another energy source, we recommend replacing gas with electric or solar energy to reduce risk. Please consult with a professional engineer before making changes.