With summer approaching, many homeowners are considering renting out their properties for short stays while they travel. It provides additional income and ensures the house doesn’t sit empty. However, transforming a personal residence into a hospitality business isn't as simple as handing over the keys. As Steven van Rooyen, Principal at Leapfrog Milnerton, explains, there is a significant difference between owning a home and managing a rental.
“There are wonderful benefits, yes, but there are also several things to be aware of and a good few things to have in place before you list your home on a short-term rental website,” says Van Rooyen. "It requires a shift in mindset and a fair amount of preparation.”
Check the body corporate rules
Before taking listing photos, check regulations. While freestanding houses have leeway, apartment complexes and estates are bound by specific codes of conduct.
“Over the last few years, as the popularity of short-term letting increased, many body corporates adjusted their rules to either not allow this completely or to put strict limits and rules around short-term letting due to security and noise concerns,” says Van Rooyen.
Review your scheme's Conduct Rules to understand exactly what is permitted.
Chat to your insurer
Standard home insurance rarely covers paying guests. While some platforms offer built-in "Host Protection", it is not exhaustive.
“You most likely already have good insurance that covers you, your home, and anyone who visits your house socially,” notes Van Rooyen. “But standard policies often exclude short-term letting specifically because it is considered a commercial activity.”
Contact your broker to discuss your plans, as you may need to adjust your premium or take out specific short-term rental cover.
Let your neighbours know
Transparency is key to maintaining good relationships.
“This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it’s good neighbourly etiquette,” says Van Rooyen. “This is especially good practice for those who are friendly with their neighbours and often see them.”
If neighbours know ahead of time, they won’t panic when seeing strangers entering your property. Furthermore, by informing them, you have an ally who can contact you if guests are disruptive.
Ensure you have support in place
Managing a property remotely is challenging. “Have someone you trust on standby should you need someone to go to the house for whatever reason,” says Van Rooyen.“This could be a family member, a friend, or a professional property management agent.”
Beyond emergencies, consider comfort. Guests staying longer than a few days expect cleaning services. Arrange this in advance to freshen the space and change linens. Similarly, ensure pool and garden maintenance is automated or booked so guests aren’t burdened with chores.
Draw up a rule book
You must set boundaries. A comprehensive "House Manual" is essential.
“This rule book will make the dos and don’ts clear and ensure that both you and your guests are on the same page,” advises Van Rooyen.
Be specific regarding alarm systems, appliances, noise curfews and smoking policies.
“For example, if guests are staying there for longer than a week, ensure they know when to put the bin out to be collected, or where to store refuse if they shouldn't put it out themselves,” adds Van Rooyen.
Get the home ready for hosting
“There are several things to do within the home to make it holiday-ready for anyone who books it,” explains Van Rooyen.“Draw up a list of what you need to do and ensure that you give yourself enough time to get it done.”
Start by depersonalising the space; pack away family photos and lock sensitive documents in a designated storage area. Next, audit your kitchen crockery and stock up on consumables. Provide fresh, high-quality linen, toilet paper, and toiletries. Small touches, like leaving chocolates or wine on the counter, go a long way.
Develop a visitor's guide
“This is more of a nice-to-have than a must-do,” says Van Rooyen. “But developing your own guide to the area in which you stay is a lovely touch to any stay.”
Create a guide featuring your favourite local coffee shops, grocery stores, and hidden gems. Include practical information, such as numbers for the local police, a doctor, and an emergency locksmith.
Van Rooyen concludes: “When done right, letting out your home for the holidays can be a nice income generator, but it requires due diligence. By ticking these boxes, you can enjoy your own holiday with peace of mind, knowing your home is in good hands.”
