Your Short Term Rental Success Checklist: 10 Must-Do Maintenance Tasks This Daylight Saving Time

As short-term rental hosts, maintaining a five-star property requires attention to detail and consistent upkeep. At Beckon Homes, we've managed hundreds of Airbnb properties, and we've found that using daylight saving time as a maintenance milestone helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks. 

Here are 10 essential tasks that will keep your short-term rental safe, comfortable, and generating those coveted 5-star reviews:

1. Change Smoke Detector Batteries: Nothing disrupts a guest's stay quite like a chirping smoke detector at 3 AM. We recommend changing all smoke detector batteries during daylight saving time to prevent this common complaint. This twice-yearly schedule ensures your property stays compliant with short-term rental regulations and keeps your guests safe.
2. Replace HVAC Air Filters: Guest comfort is paramount in the short-term rental business, and clean air filters are essential. Not only do clean filters improve air quality (a common topic in reviews), but they also reduce energy costs and prevent system failures that could lead to emergency maintenance calls during a guest's stay.
3. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Many municipalities now require carbon monoxide detectors in short-term rentals. Protect your guests and your business by changing batteries and testing all units when the clocks change. Document these checks for your rental insurance and local compliance requirements.
4. Clean Out Medicine Cabinets: While you shouldn't store medications in your rental property, this is a good time to check bathroom storage areas. Remove any left-behind items from previous guests and restock essential supplies like first aid kits that you provide for your guests.
5. Review Emergency Kits: Every short-term rental should have a well-stocked emergency kit. Use daylight saving time to check expiration dates, replace any used items, and update your property's emergency information guide for guests.
6. Flip Mattresses: Quality sleep is crucial for good reviews. Regularly flipping and rotating mattresses extends their life and ensures consistent comfort for your guests. This is also a good time to check mattress protectors and replace any worn bedding.
7. Check Outdoor Lighting: Proper exterior lighting is essential for guest safety and comfort. Test all outdoor lights, replace bulbs, and adjust timers for seasonal changes. Well-lit entrances and outdoor spaces also make for better property photos and improved guest experience.
8. Clean Gutters: Prevent costly water damage by maintaining your gutters. One bad storm with clogged gutters could lead to leaks during a guest's stay – potentially resulting in refunds, bad reviews, and expensive repairs.
9. Reverse Ceiling Fans: Optimize your property's comfort and energy efficiency by adjusting ceiling fans seasonally. Run them counterclockwise in summer and clockwise in winter. This simple change can help manage your property's climate control costs while keeping guests comfortable.
10. Update Emergency Contact Info: Ensure your guest handbook and posted information include current emergency contacts, including your property management contact information, local emergency services, and any preferred maintenance providers.

Ready to Maximize Your Short-Term Rental Success?
Managing these essential maintenance tasks while handling guest communications, cleanings, and turnover services can be overwhelming for hosts. At Beckon Homes, we understand the unique challenges of short-term rental management because it's all we do. Our full-service property management takes care of everything – from routine maintenance to emergency responses, guest communication to dynamic pricing.

When you partner with Beckon Homes, you get:

• Professional property maintenance and regular safety checks
• 24/7 guest support
• Revenue optimization through dynamic pricing
• Professional cleaning and turnover services
• Regular property assessments
• Compliance management with local STR regulations

Don't let property maintenance cut into your profits or personal time. Let Beckon Homes handle the details while you enjoy the benefits of your investment. Contact us today to learn how we can help maximize your short-term rental's potential.

Ready to elevate your hosting game? Visit BeckonHomes.com or call us at 615-639-8836 for a management consultation.