Maintenance isn’t glamorous. It doesn’t get hearts on Instagram or appear in your guest reviews. But here’s the truth: the small, routine checks you do today prevent big, stressful headaches tomorrow.

For holiday homeowners, that means happier guests, better reviews, and fewer emergency calls at 10 pm on a Friday.

Preventive maintenance is your superpower. It’s about spotting small issues before they become major problems, keeping your property running smoothly, and giving guests the comfort they deserve.

Here’s a practical schedule you can follow:

Monthly Checks:

• Walk through the property – check for visible damage, loose fittings or small repairs.
• Check taps, toilets, and drains – fix drips before they turn into leaks.
• Wipe down and inspect high-use appliances – fridge, oven, kettle, washing machine.
• Test lighting – replace burnt-out bulbs to avoid guest complaints.

Quarterly Checks:

• Inspect outdoor areas – gutters, downpipes, decks, fences, clear debris and check for wear.
• Service or deep-clean major appliances if needed.
• Lubricate door hinges, locks and sliding doors.
• Refresh kitchen inventory – update utensils, cookware, pots & pants and glasses that are worn or mismatched.
• Assess guest comfort items such as pillows, mattress protectors, cushions, and throws.

Seasonal Checks:

• Winter: Seal drafty windows/doors, inspect heating systems, check insulation.
• Spring: Test irrigation systems, clean gutters, service AC units.
• Summer: Pressure wash outdoor areas, check pool safety, inspect fans and AC.
• Autumn: Inspect roofing, prune trees, winterise pools and outdoor water features.

Annual/Biannual Checks:

• Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed – legally required for holiday letting.
• Deep clean the property – including carpets curtains and vents.
• Consider servicing plumbing and major appliances professionally.

Why it matters:

Guests notice when things work seamlessly, even if they don’t see the effort behind the scenes. Functional appliances, clean bathrooms, reliable Wi-Fi and smooth check-ins all signal that the property is well cared for. And happy guests = glowing reviews = repeat bookings.

Preventive maintenance may be boring – but it’s a small investment that pays off big. A few minutes each week, month or season keeps your property safe, your guests happy, and your stress levels low.

Pro tip: Keep a simple checklist and tick things off as you go. It reduces guesswork, ensures nothing slips through the cracks, and gives peace of mind that your holiday home is always ready for guests.