The Ultimate Summit County Rental Inspection Checklist for Property Owners
The busy ski season is in full swing, and now is the perfect time to ensure your vacation rental property is running smoothly for your guests. Mid-season is the ideal time to perform essential maintenance before any issues affect guest experiences, and to prepare your property for the busy spring rental season ahead. This blog will cover key maintenance tasks to tackle during the winter months to keep your property in top condition and ensure a smooth rest of rental season.
Inspect and Maintain Heating Systems
Winter rental properties rely heavily on efficient heating systems. A malfunctioning system can lead to uncomfortable stays, poor reviews and costly repairs.
- Clean or replace furnace filters.
- Test thermostats and radiators to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Check for any drafts or gaps around windows and doors that could affect heating efficiency.
- Inspect, clean and maintain all fireplaces before the ski season and cold weather is in full swing.
Schedule a professional HVAC inspection every fall to ensure everything is running smoothly before the winter rental season hits.
Check for Ice Dams and Roof Damage
Accumulating snow and ice can lead to leaks and damage to your roof, which may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Check our latest blog from our sister company, Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration for winter water damage prevention.
- Look for signs of ice dams forming along the roofline.
- Inspect the attic for any signs of leaks or water damage.
- Ensure gutters are free of debris, leaves and ice.
- Make sure downspouts are clear and direct water away from the foundation.
Consider installing heat cables or removing snow buildup with a snow rake to mitigate accumulating snow and ice.
Review Safety, Fire and Carbon Monoxide Systems
Safety is always top priority and ensuring your property is fire-safe prevents accidents and provides peace of mind for guests. Here’s some tips from Airbnb.com about preparing your home and guests for emergencies.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Inspect fire extinguishers and ensure they are fully charged and accessible with clear and easy to read instructions for use.
- If your vacation rental is in a multi-unit building, check that emergency exits are clear and well-marked.
- Stock up on essentials like blankets, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a flashlight just in case your rental loses power.
Replace any expired fire safety equipment and conduct a quick review of your emergency evacuation plan and make sure it is easy to find in your home. Provide guests with emergency contact information, as well as instructions for handling common winter emergencies, like using a gas or wood fireplace.
Inspect Furniture and Upholstery
Guests expect a comfortable, clean, and well-maintained vacation rental. Damaged furniture or upholstery can lead to negative reviews.
- Look for worn-out furniture, stains, or damage to couches, chairs, and beds.
- Check for any issues with mattresses or bedding that may need repair or cleaning.
Consider scheduling a professional cleaning with our sister company Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration who specializes in Upholstery Cleaning to maintain the quality of your furnishings. Bonus! We can do the laundry for you with our Exclusive Linen and Laundry Service.
Perform a Winter Safety Check for Outdoor Areas
Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions around your property. It’s essential to ensure the safety of your guests while they’re outdoors entering and exiting your property.
- Ensure walkways, driveways, and stairways are free of ice and snow.
- Stock up on ice melt and sand for de-icing and have readily available at all entrances to your home.
- Ensure that outdoor lighting is functioning properly for evening visibility.
Make sure all outdoor stairs, railings, and entryways are safe and easily accessible for guests, and if you can’t clear snow and ice yourself, make sure your property management team has a clear and concise plan for snow and ice removal all winter long.
Deep Clean Common Areas
A clean home enhances guest satisfaction and protects your investment. Mid-season is a great time to freshen up high-traffic areas.
- Clean entryways, mudrooms, and any high-traffic areas that accumulate dirt and snow.
- Ensure that carpets, rugs, and upholstery are free of snowmelt, mud, and stains.
Hire a professional cleaning service, like Exclusive Cleaning and Restoration to tackle deep cleaning tasks on your carpet, wood and tile floors, upholstery and mattresses that are difficult to handle between guest stays.
Review Guest Feedback for Maintenance Issues
Guests’ feedback is an excellent resource for identifying any maintenance problems you may not have noticed. If your vacation rental is frequently booked, your guests stay in your property more than you and can give real-time valuable feedback.
- Review past guest comments for any recurring maintenance complaints (e.g., heating issues, plumbing problems, squeaky doors), and have our Property Inspection Team inspect your home in between guests to recommend any fixes before the next guest arrives.
- Address any unresolved maintenance requests from guests promptly with our Handyman and Maintenance Service.
Quickly address minor issues either yourself or professionally to avoid larger problems and keep guest satisfaction high with 5-star reviews. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your ski season rental property running smoothly and to ensure a great experience for your guests. By performing these key tasks regularly, you can help prevent issues and maintain the quality of your property and investment. Stay proactive with maintenance and consider scheduling professional services when needed to keep your rental property in top shape for the remainder of the busy spring ski season.