How to Prepare an Apartment for a Short-Term Rental: 10 Key Tips

1. Clean Thoroughly

   A spotless apartment is essential for guests to feel comfortable and want to return. Clean every corner, including areas that are easy to overlook, like baseboards, windowsills, and inside cabinets. Consider hiring a professional cleaner for a deep clean.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize

   Remove personal items, like family photos or souvenirs, to create a neutral environment where guests can feel comfortable and at home. The goal is to make the apartment feel friendly, but one that’s adaptable to different tastes.
   
   

3. Provide Essential Amenities

   Ensure the basics are covered, such as clean linens, towels, toiletries, and kitchen supplies. Stock the bathroom with toilet paper, soap, and shampoo, and provide coffee, tea, and basic cooking utensils in the kitchen. It may help to think about what you use on a daily basis that is essential when traveling or what you would like to find in the place you rent. Would you like information about providers? contact us.
   
   You can use our check-list with all the essentials we recommend.
   
   

4. Ensure Safety and Security

   Check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. Make sure all windows and doors lock securely. Consider a system that is secure and allows guests to pick up the key or access without you being present, this will save you time and allow you greater flexibility. Remember about first aid box which is mandatory in the apartment.

5. Optimize Layout and Furnishings

   Make the space as functional and comfortable as possible. Make sure the bed is comfortable enough, that guests have a place to hang their clothes and put their suitcases. Rearrange furniture to maximize space, and add cozy touches like throw pillows, blankets, or a stylish rug. Choose furniture that’s both attractive and durable. Do you need help with the selection? contact us.
   
   

6. Set Up High-Speed Wi-Fi

   Fast and reliable internet is a must for all travelers. Make sure you have high-speed Wi-Fi, and provide clear instructions on how to connect. A visible, printed card with the Wi-Fi name and password is always a good idea.

7. Create a Welcome Guide

   Provide a guide that includes the most important information like instructions for appliances, emergency contacts, house rules and community rules (like pool opening hours). Guests appreciate insider tips, like the best local restaurants, attractions, events or nice less known sites.
   
   

8. Take Quality Photos

   Good photos can make or break your listing. Take well-lit, high-quality images and highlight unique features like a balcony view or a cozy reading nook. Make sure you take photos of every space and room in the house, making it look organized and clean. Consider hiring a professional photographer for best results. Always feature sea view or the best view as cover photo.
   
   Do’s: take te pictures in sunny days, highlight views and outdoor spaces, take photos from multiple angles, focus on clean lines and symmetry, use a tripod for steady shots.
   
   Don’ts: use flash or artificial lighting excessively, capture clutter or personal items, overuse filters, forget to capture the layout, take photos in poor weather.
   
   

9. Set Competitive Pricing

   Research other listings in your area to set a competitive price. Consider factors like number of guests, location, amenities, and seasonal demand, like events, holidays, vacations, etc. It’s also wise to factor in cleaning fees or other additional costs like pets, charging it as an extra.
   
   Would you like more info about the costs of renting? check our post "what are the costs when you rent short term?”

10. Establish a Clear Communication Process

    Good communication is key to a positive guest experience, reply as soon as possible. Be responsive to inquiries and provide clear, timely instructions for check-in and check-out. Consider using automated messaging tools to streamline this process. We recommend to send the booking confirmation within 2 mins after, a check in email one day before the stay (here you can include important information about the entrance, recommendations, etc), one day before departure with the check out instructions and a “thank you for your stay” message, and finally, leave a short but nice review one day after the stay.
    
    

The Benefits of Hiring Sunset Rental Sotogrande Management Company

While handling your own short-term rental can be rewarding, it’s also time-consuming and demanding, even stressful at times. This is where Sunset Rental comes in. Our professionals handle every aspect of the rental process, from preparing the apartment to managing guest communications. By outsourcing these tasks, you save time and avoid the stress of handling maintenance issues, guest complaints, and last-minute bookings.

Sunset Rental also have expert knowledge of the local market and can help optimize your pricing strategy to maximize occupancy rates and profits. We ensure your property is always in top condition, attracting high-quality guests and positive reviews, all while giving you peace of mind that your property is in capable hands. contact us.

One last word

Preparing your apartment for a short-term rental involves much more than just listing it online. From ensuring it’s clean and secure to providing amenities and competitive pricing, every detail matters. If you want to maximize your rental income and minimize the stress of managing your property, consider hiring Sunset Rental to handle the heavy lifting and our tips for renting your apartment in Sotogrande.