Cosy reading nook with a pink chair, a grey blanket, a stack of books, and a coffee cup. Fresh white flowers and a framed picture on the floor add to the serene atmosphere.

Prepping for Short-Term Rentals: A Guide for Australia

Jul 29, 2024 – 4-minute read

As Australians increasingly embrace the sharing economy, short-term holiday rentals have become a popular way to earn extra income and offset costs. Whether you have a spare room, a granny flat, or an entire property to rent out, preparing for short-term rentals requires careful planning and attention to detail. At Property Providers we’re happy to extend our expertise and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

We encourage you to exceed the bare minimum required. In our experience, it will end up costing you just as much money in time. It may also cost you far more in negative reviews, in turn impacting repeat guests, referrals and future revenue.

1. Understand the Legal Requirements

Check Local Regulations

Different states and local councils in Australia have varying regulations regarding short-term rentals.

Ensure you:

Research Local Laws: Understand the rules and regulations in your area. Some regions may require permits or have specific zoning laws.

Check with Your Strata: If your property is part of a strata scheme, check with the body corporate for any restrictions or bylaws related to short-term rentals.

Insurance

Update Your Insurance Policy: Regular home insurance may not cover short-term rentals. Look into specialised insurance that covers guest-related damages and liability.

2. Prepare Your Property

Clean and Declutter

Deep Clean: Ensure the property is spotless. Consider hiring professional cleaners for a thorough job.

Declutter: Remove personal items and unnecessary clutter. This makes the space more inviting and allows guests to feel at home.

Safety and Security

Keyless Entry: A keyless entry is the safest and most convenient means of guest access.

Install Smoke Alarms: Make sure smoke detectors are installed and functioning properly.

First Aid Kit: Provide a well-stocked first aid kit.

Secure Valuables: Lock away any personal or valuable items that you don’t want guests to access.

Furnishings and Amenities

Comfortable Furniture: Invest in comfortable and durable furniture. Ensure there are enough seating and sleeping arrangements for the maximum number of guests and ideally with flexibility that comes with different guest/group dynamics.

Lighting: From bedside lamps to hallway lighting, provide guests with a bright and comfortable environment.
Essential Amenities: Provide essential items such as toiletries, clean towels, bed linen and cleaning products. Consider offering extras like a quality coffee maker, tea, and basic kitchen supplies.

Wifi: Make sure Internet access is available and easily accessible. In this day and age, it’s a non-negotiable requirement.

3. Set Up a Guest-Friendly Space

Create a Welcoming Environment

Decorate Tastefully: Use neutral and welcoming décor that appeals to a broad audience.

Provide Information: Create a welcome book with house rules, emergency contacts, Wi-Fi password, and local attractions.

Functional Spaces

Kitchen: Ensure the kitchen is fully equipped with the necessary appliances and utensils and budget enough for 2-3 times the number of guests.

Bathroom: Provide high-quality toiletries and ensure the bathroom is clean and well-maintained.

Living Area: Make the living area cosy with comfortable seating, good lighting, and entertainment options like a TV or books.

Work Space: Ideally, there is an office or make-shift desktop for guests who need to stay in touch with the office while away from home.

4. Pricing and Listing

Competitive Pricing

Research Market Rates: Look at similar properties in your area to gauge appropriate pricing.

Seasonal Adjustments: Adjust prices according to peak seasons and local events.

Create an Attractive Listing

Professional Photos: Hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your property.

Detailed Description: Write a detailed and honest description of your property, highlighting its unique features and nearby attractions.

Clear House Rules: Set clear expectations for guests regarding check-in/check-out times, noise levels, and other house rules.

5. Marketing and Management

List on Multiple Platforms

Popular Platforms: List your property on popular platforms like Airbnb, Stayz, and Booking.com to reach a larger audience.

Social Media: Use social media to promote your listing and engage with potential guests.

Professional Management

Consider a Property Manager: If you don’t have the time or inclination to manage the property yourself, consider hiring a property management company that specialises in short-term rentals.

Automate Processes: Use tools to automate bookings, guest communication, and calendar management.

6. Be an Excellent Host

Communication

Prompt Responses: Respond to inquiries and booking requests promptly.

Welcome Message: Send a welcome message before guests arrive with check-in instructions and any other important information.

Maintain the Property

Regular Maintenance: Keep up with regular maintenance to ensure everything is in working order.

Feedback: Take guest feedback seriously and make necessary improvements to enhance the guest experience.

Personal Touch

Welcome Gift: Consider providing a small local welcome gift, such as a bottle of wine or local treats, to make guests feel special.
Local Tips: Offer recommendations for local restaurants, attractions, and activities to help guests make the most of their stay.
Books and Games: Keep a selection of ‘things to do’ handy. Some guests may want to stay in for the night, or are battling jet lag, and want to do something other than watch television.

Preparing your property for short-term rentals can be a rewarding venture with the potential for substantial income. By understanding the legal requirements, preparing your property thoroughly, setting up a guest-friendly space, pricing competitively, and being an excellent host, you can ensure a positive experience for both you and your guests. Embrace the opportunity to share your home and hospitality with travellers from around the world, and enjoy the benefits that come with being a successful short-term rental host.

At Property Providers, our core purpose is “Helping People Live Better”. As Sydney’s most flexible residential rental agency, we are focused on Property Management and renting “Your Property, Your Way”. We have designed 6 different rental services covering all facets of Long-Term Leasing and Short-Term Stays. Unlike franchise real estate agencies, we see the value in pragmatism and flexibility. Whether you want to rent your property furnished or unfurnished, for 6 months or 5 years, we will manage your property, your way. Our bespoke marketing strategies deliver discerning international tenants who understand quality and are prepared to pay for it. If you would like to learn more please visit our website or call us on +61 2 9969 7599

Table Of Contents

1. Understand the Legal Requirements
2. Prepare Your Property
3. Set Up a Guest-Friendly Space
4. Pricing and Listing
5. Marketing and Management
6. Be an Excellent Host

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Don Binkley

Don is a Canadian native who has been living in Sydney since 2000. His career started in advertising/media working with a host of multinational brands. Evolving from marketing, he held a senior leadership position for several years at American Express. In 2010, he founded Property Providers, Sydney’s most flexible residential rental agency. He now leads a passionate team that has become recognised as experts in managing and marketing Sydney’s finest property to the most discerning clientele. Don is driven by the guiding principle that all long-term partnerships have a foundation of mutual respect, mutual commitment, mutual investment and mutual risk. Don is a proud father of 3 boys and is passionate about Skiing, Mountain Biking and Kayaking. (Learn more about Don.)