Jun 19, 2022

PREPARE FOR THE REPAIR

As a short-term rental host, you are most likely familiar with the concept of things breaking down faster than in normal home usage. Carpets will get stained, and fabrics will get worn out a lot faster.

Planning and building your apartment smart is an enormous time-saver for future faults. Pay special attention to things that need to get replaced from time to time, such as light bulbs, air filters, clock batteries, etc. If you have ceiling lights, and the ceiling happens to be extremely high, plan beforehand how to get there when the bulb changing time comes. If it seems impossible to get there easily, then it might be better to choose a different type of lighting for your apartment. There are light fixtures that hang lower from the ceiling or, as an alternative, you could go with floor lamps.

Air conditioning plays an important role in many apartments, and it is essential that we take care of it on a regular basis. Filters need to be changed, and the pipes will eventually need to be cleaned. Depending on the type of equipment you are using, you may need to do this more often, but at least every five years the whole air conditioning system should be cleaned well by a professional. Don't forget to change the stove range hood filter regularly too. Check it from the appliance seller as the frequency may vary from several months to a year.
Then there is equipment that will often last for several years in hard use and need to be replaced. The list includes for example kitchen cookware such as pans and pots. Opt for stainless steel or cast iron instead of teflon - these will last you much longer plus they are healthier to use.

Make sure you buy appliances with a longer guarantee time. There are washing machines and stoves with even 10 years of guarantee, and these are great deals for short-term rental hosts.

Last but not least, I have to remind you that good maintenance is key when it comes to long-lasting equipment. Before each guest, clean all the appliances and make sure they work properly. This will save you (or your manager) a lot of time from future drop-bys, and will guarantee a great experience for your guests as everything will work flawlessly.