What to consider when renting your property for holiday rentals.
Your Cyprus holiday home is probably one the best investments you can make. If you don’t stay there long term, an excellent way to cover the cost of the property is to let the property under short term rentals. The income can be substantial, and it can be very satisfying. You should however be aware that there are some pitfalls that you could avoid if you go about the process in a professional manner. Based on experience this guide will help you to make the maximum rental income from your holiday home, with the minimum of problems.
Based on experience this guide will help you to make the maximum rental income from your holiday home, with the minimum of problems.
Preparation
• Furnishing and equipping your home
• Furniture check list
• Health & Safety policy
• Insurance Inc Public Liability
Deciding on your financial objectives
There are some fundamental questions you need to ask yourself before you go ahead with letting your home:
• How often do you want to be there yourself?
• Do you want to be there on certain dates or can you be flexible and go on weeks when there are no bookings?
• What type of people do you want to stay in your home?
• Are you happy to have single sexed parties to stay?
• Have you an idea of expected rental fees?
Furnishing and Equipping your home
Furnish your home bearing in mind that it will be rented out. Use good quality, robust furniture and equipment that can be easily cleaned, washable covers etc, The rental rates you can charge will reflect the standard of your furnishing and equipment for example:Kitchens
Kitchens should always be fully equipped, with ample cutlery, glasses (beer, wine etc) china sets -large plates, side plates, bowls, tea & coffee cups, egg cups, (at least two sets times maximum staying) tea & coffee pots, kitchen utensils, pots & pans of various sizes, microwave, iron & board, dust pan & brush, mop & bucket. Washing machine and dishwasher may also be deemed as essential by some.
Bedrooms
Beds and sofa beds must be of good quality and comfortable. There should be ample hanging and storage space, and don’t forget the hangers.
Linens
Make sure you have at least two sets of linen to allow for same day change over; bed linen, duvets, blankets, bathroom towels, tea towels etc. At Oceanview we use our own linen and Towels.
Furniture and Flooring
This should be hard wearing, low maintenance, not easily damaged and easy to clean. Washable throws are a good idea for soft furnishing.
Other Equipment
You need to have enough little things like wall hangings, vases and ornaments to make the place homely. Stereo system, CD player, video. Satellite TV will also appeal.
Your Personal Items
Allocate a storage area or cupboard where you can store your own personal items, and keep it locked when you are away.
Furniture check list
This gives you an idea of the amount of equipment you will need to furnish your holiday home.
Living Room
Settees, cushions, chairs and arm chairs, coffee tables, lamps, stereo system, CD player, radio, speakers, TV, video, Sky satellite TV, pictures, ornaments, vases and waste baskets.
Dining Area
Table and chairs, rugs, pictures, table mats, ornaments etc
Cleaning Cupboard
Vacuum cleaner, mop & bucket, dust pan & brush, cleaning materials.
Kitchen
Oven with grill, hob, extractor fan, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer, microwave, kettle, coffee maker, toaster, blender, kitchen utensils, knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons, serving spoons, salad server, carving knives, good kitchen scissors, tea towels, serviettes, tin foil, clothes pegs, storage jars, china sets, coffee cups and saucers, tea cups and saucers, tea and coffee mugs ,large plates, side plates, small and large bowls, egg cups, beer, wine and water glasses, water jug, milk jug, casserole dishes, kitchen roll holder, chopping board, saucepans and frying pans of various sizes, grater, sieve, potato masher, kitchen stools, waste bins, trays, apron and oven gloves.
Bathrooms
Waste bins, toilet brush, shower mats and curtain, towels, toothbrush holder and linen basket.
Bedrooms
Beds, mattresses, pillows, duvets, bedspreads, sheets, rugs, bedside lamps, chest of drawers, dressing table, wardrobe, clothes hangers and hair dryer.
Garden and Terrace Areas
Table and chairs, sun beds and mattresses & outdoor lounge furniture
Private Pools
Your private pool will need cleaning twice weekly in high season and once a week in low season we always clean on Arrival day as well.
Guest Manual and House Rules
We supply the “Guest manual” in your property; it will contain lots of relevant information such as, places of interest, restaurants, and local contact numbers as well as emergency numbers. There will also be a sheet of house rules that will be left in a prominent spot, with important instructions like rubbish disposal, noise rules, etc.
Insurance
Make sure your property is fully insured, and inform your insurance company that you will be renting out. If need be we can recommend a good Insurance Company to you.
What To Consider