Preparing Your Rental for Summer Tenants

It is a soggy, wet spring here in Ocean City, and that means we are only a few weeks away from OCNJ coming back to life with summer tourists. While it is worth getting excited about the smell of Manco's on the boardwalk and packed pickleball courts across the island, we all have a little work to do first!

If you own a rental home, now is the time to start making preparations for your incoming summer tenants. Here at Ocean City Property Management, we are getting our homes ready for rent, and we decided to share a quick list to help make sure you are covered.

General Maintenance and Repairs

1. Inspect the Property: Conduct a thorough inspection of the property inside and out to identify any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks. Make sure to check for the minor details as if you were a tenant--light bulbs, dishware, toiletries, working Wi-Fi, etc.
2. Repair Damages: Address any damages such as leaky faucets, broken fixtures, cracked tiles, etc. These repairs can often lead to other fixes, so plan these repairs as early as possible.  
3. HVAC System: Ever get a call from an unhappy, sweating tenant because your AC went out during their stay? This is a surefire way to ruin your (and their) week. Ensure the HVAC system is in good working condition and schedule a professional service if needed.
4. Plumbing and Electrical: Check for any plumbing leaks, faulty switches, or outlets. Make repairs as necessary.
5. Appliances: Inspect and test all appliances (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer) to ensure they are functioning properly.
6. Smoke Detectors and CO Alarms: Test and replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. This is important. A few battery changes can make a big difference.
7. Safety Equipment: Ensure fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency contact information are easily accessible.

Landscaping and Outdoor Areas

1. Lawn Care: Make sure your landscaper is planning on coming back this season! Schedule regular lawn mowing, trimming, and weeding throughout the summer.
2. Garden and Plants: Ensure gardens are well-maintained, and plants are watered regularly.
3. Outdoor Furniture: Clean and arrange outdoor furniture for tenants' use.
4. Pool or Hot Tub Maintenance: If applicable, schedule pool or hot tub maintenance, including cleaning and chemical balancing.

Cleaning and Housekeeping

1. Deep Clean: Conduct a thorough deep cleaning of the entire property, including carpets, upholstery, and windows. Your changeover cleaner will be happy to start the season off with a good scrub.
2. Stock Supplies: Ensure there are an ample supply of cleaning supplies, toiletries, linens, and towels for guests.
3. Trash Removal: Check the summer trash/recycling schedule each year, and leave a note for your tenants with instructions for trash day.
4. Laundry: Ensure all linens and towels are freshly laundered and stocked for guest use. If you do not provide your own linens, make sure you have a reputable linen rental company.

Check-In and Guest Services

1. Key Exchange: Arrange for a key exchange process for guest arrivals and departures.
2. Welcome Packet: Prepare a welcome packet with essential information such as Wi-Fi password, house rules, local attractions, emergency contacts, and check-out instructions. These details go a long way!
3. Maintenance Contact: Provide guests with a contact number for any maintenance or emergency issues during their stay.

Legal and Financial Considerations

1. Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance coverage to ensure it includes liability protection for short-term rentals.
2. Rental Agreements: Have a legally sound rental agreement that outlines terms and conditions, including payment schedules, security deposits, cancellation policies, and rules for guests.

Marketing and Promotion

1. Online Listings: Update your online listings on rental platforms with accurate descriptions, high-quality photos, availability calendars, and pricing.
2. Professional Photos: While we are on the subject, those cell phone photos you took aren't cutting it.  Guests have thousands of options when renting; hire professional to make your home as marketable as possible.  One photography session can last you a decade.
3. Promotional Materials: Consider leaving promotional materials such as brochures or online guides showcasing nearby attractions, dining options, and activities to enhance the guest experience.
4. Feedback: Get feedback from your tenants and listing agent.  Repeat business is the best business, so make sure your tenants want to return each summer and have a place to call theirs (even if its really yours).

And remember, we're here to help! You'll probably see us around the island getting ready for the season.  And, if you can't make it down to your home this spring, give us a call.  We'd be glad to get things in order for you.

-OCPM Team

‍

‍

‍