1. Comply with local rental regulations

When starting a vacation rental business, it is essential for hosts to comply with all applicable local regulations. This includes understanding the tax and legal requirements that come with renting out your property, as well as any zoning or other limitations related to short-term rentals. Currently, we ask hosts who sign up to Travelnest to provide local licence information if the property is located in countries such as Spain, Greece and Portugal before going live on the booking sites. Many of our partner channels such as Booking.com and Vrbo do not allow hosts to advertise without. You should contact your local government, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional in your local area to find out what applies. 

2. Take clear photographs of your space

If you want to make your vacation rental listing attractive, capturing clear photographs of your space is key. 73% of potential Travelnest guests voted that photos are the first thing which attracts them to a vacation rental advert. Therefore, it is beneficial to take a variety of photos from different angles in order to give people an accurate representation of what the experience will be like. Aim for good lighting, be sure to capture any interesting or unique features, and keep it clutter-free. Taking some time to set up the space with bright colours and nice furniture can really make a difference too. Once you have your high-quality photos, we recommend around 30, you should be well on your way to attracting potential guests.

3. Set competitive pricing

When setting nightly prices for your rental property, it is important to consider the local market conditions. Research what similar properties nearby are charging and compare features such as size, amenities, location, etc. It’s also beneficial to understand the peak season for travellers and adjust your prices accordingly. AirDNA is a good place to look for this data. Additionally, offering discounts or promotions can be a great way to attract potential guests as well. You should always take into account any extra fees and taxes that will be added onto the cost of the rental, such as cleaning fees, to ensure that you are transparent with your pricing. This will help establish trust between you and your customers.

4. Stay up-to-date with industry news

Staying up-to-date with the latest news in the vacation rental industry is essential for anyone who has a rental business. This includes staying abreast of any new regulations that apply to renting out accommodation, as well as understanding any potential changes in local laws or zoning rules. Additionally, it’s also important to be aware of new trends and technologies related to vacation rentals so that you can better meet the needs of your guests. Reading articles and attending events related to the travel industry can help you gain a better understanding of what’s happening and stay ahead of the competition. Keep up-to-date with the Travelnest blog by signing up to our vacation rental newsletter, to receive monthly updates on what’s happening in the industry. 

5. Use a property management software

Using a property management software, channel manager or similar can be an invaluable asset for vacation rental hosts. Platforms like Travelnest can help you manage your bookings, communicate with guests and get even more exposure, in one easy-to-use interface. At Travelnest, our customer teams are available to answer any questions or troubleshoot any issues you’re having. Having access to our experienced professionals who understand the vacation rental industry can take the stress out of hosting. Our expert team offer hosts tips and trick to increase bookings through regular performance calls.