Presenting Your Property

First impressions count!

A visitor’s first impression can set the tone of their holiday. A warm, friendly welcome in a well presented property can go a long way to getting their holiday off to a good start. Fewer problems are likely to occur when higher standards are achieved and, in turn, guests are more likely to take good care of your property.

We recommend that every couple of months your property has a complete deep clean, everything is checked and in good working order. It is a good idea to have a maintenance book for your visitors to write in about any minor problems they have had in the property, e.g. light bulbs that need replacing. Please ask your housekeeper to check this and/or the Visitors’ Book at every changeover and report any problems immediately.

A clean welcome

The property must always be cleaned and prepared between lets. There should never be any trace of previous guests, so make sure all half-used food (bottles of sauce, frozen food, etc) and toiletries (e.g. shower gel and bars of soap) are removed after each let.

Wherever possible, clean and prepare the property as soon as guests have left, even if you are not expecting anyone else to arrive immediately. We frequently take last minute bookings so the property should, where possible, be ready at all times.

A warm welcome

In colder months central heating / night storage heaters should be switched on in advance to ensure that the property is warm for your guests’ arrival.

All beds in the property should be made up with clean, fresh and pressed bed linen. For fortnightly bookings a change of linen (and towels if applicable) must be provided for the second week.

Lights should be left on, particularly external lights, for guests arriving in the dark.

Essential supplies

It is often the small details that count. Supplies of essential items such as dishcloths, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, toilet rolls, kitchen rolls and liquid soap should be provided; leaving extra supplies will be much appreciated and guests will welcome your attention to detail. If you have a housekeeper, you should provide a sufficient float to enable them to purchase items when necessary.

Welcome Pack

Holidaymakers may have had a long and tiring journey and often welcome and appreciate being able to have a hot drink when they arrive before unpacking.

We strongly recommend that you provide, or arrange with your housekeeper to leave, tea bags, coffee, fresh milk, sugar and some biscuits as a minimum, on a Welcome Tray. You may decide to provide a more extensive Welcome Pack, perhaps including some local produce.

Crystal clear information

Simple instructions for your guests, regarding the heating and hot water controls, cooker, microwave, washing machine, TV etc, are essential and should be provided in your guest information folder, along with leaflets and information about local attractions, services, pubs, restaurants etc.

Important telephone numbers for doctors, dentists, hospitals and vets must be provided, along with the property’s information regarding refuse collections and recycling. The information folder should be revised regularly to ensure that it is fully up-to-date.