Managing a short-term rental property during the off-season can present unique challenges, but it also offers valuable opportunities to increase profitability and prepare for peak periods. Whether you're a seasoned host or a newbie, having a strategy for the off-season is crucial. Here are some essential tips to help homeowners maximize their rental income and keep their property in top shape during the quieter months.
1. Consider Allowing Pets
If you’ve been hesitant to allow pets in your short-term rental, the off-season might be the perfect time to reconsider. Pet-friendly listings tend to attract a larger pool of potential guests, especially those traveling with their furry companions.
Benefits of Pet-Friendly Rentals:
Attracts More Guests: Many pet owners are willing to pay a premium for pet-friendly accommodations. By opening your doors to pets, you can tap into a segment of the market that’s often underserved.
Higher Occupancy: During the off-season, when it’s typically harder to fill your rental, allowing pets could be a game-changer. Families, couples, and solo travelers with pets may be willing to book your property, even during slower months.
Extended Stays: Pet owners are more likely to book longer stays, especially if they find a property that meets both their needs and their pet’s. This can be beneficial during the off-season when shorter bookings are harder to come by.
Pro Tip: If you decide to allow pets, be clear about your policies (e.g., size restrictions, additional fees, and cleaning requirements) in your listing. Make sure to invest in high-quality cleaning services to maintain your property’s cleanliness and appeal. (At Host My Home, outlining pet policies and screening pets is built into our end-to-end management process.)
2. Pivot Your Marketing to Focus on Longer Stays
The off-season is the perfect time to shift your focus from short-term vacation rentals to longer stays. You may have guests who need a place to stay for a few weeks or even a few months. This could include remote workers, people in between homes, or those relocating for work or personal reasons.
Where to Market Long-Term Stays:
Furnished Finder: A popular platform for people seeking short-term housing, particularly for business travelers or those in need of temporary accommodation for work assignments.
Zillow Rental Manager: While traditionally for long-term rentals, Zillow can also be used to market your property for mid-term stays (e.g., 30+ days).
Airbnb/VRBO: Adjust your pricing to make it more attractive for longer stays. You can offer discounts for longer bookings (e.g., 30% off for stays of 30 days or more) to appeal to remote workers or those with more flexible schedules.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to adjust your listing to highlight the benefits of longer stays, such as a home-office setup, Wi-Fi, kitchen amenities, or proximity to local services. These are key selling points for guests who plan to stay for extended periods.
3. Avoid Overpricing or Undervaluing Your Property During the Holidays
Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas can offer a golden opportunity to make a profit, but they also come with their own pricing considerations. During the off-season, many short-term rental hosts end up pricing their properties too low in an attempt to secure bookings. However, underpricing can be just as damaging as overpricing, particularly during the holidays.
Why Holiday Pricing is Different:
Higher Demand: Thanksgiving and Christmas often bring families and groups together, leading to increased demand for accommodations. Travelers are willing to pay more for a festive and comfortable stay, especially if your property offers holiday amenities like a large dining table, a fireplace, or a well-equipped kitchen.
Price Sensitivity: While you don’t want to price too low, you also want to be mindful of pricing too high. Keep in mind that travelers typically have a budget for holiday accommodations. Research the local market and ensure that your prices remain competitive while still reflecting the demand.
Duration of Stay: Consider the length of stay when setting your price. Many people travel for several days around the holidays, so offering flexible pricing for longer stays can increase your chances of booking.
Pro Tip: Be sure to adjust your pricing on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, considering that demand during these times might increase even for shorter stays. Use dynamic pricing tools to help automate this process or manually adjust based on local demand.
4. Use the Off-Season for Home Maintenance and Upgrades
The off-season is the perfect time to tackle those maintenance tasks that you might not have had time for during busier months. Taking care of your property now ensures it’s in tip-top shape for the next high season. A thorough inspection of your property can prevent surprises and ensure your guests have the best possible experience.
What to Focus On:
Safety First: Complete a full safety inspection. Make sure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are working correctly. You might also want to check the exterior for loose handrails or trip hazards.
Buy New and Update Old Items: Replace worn-out linens, pillows, and towels. Consider purchasing new appliances or updating décor to keep your property looking fresh and inviting. Even small upgrades (e.g., new throw pillows or kitchen utensils) can make a big difference in guest satisfaction.
Work with Professionals: If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional inspection service. At Home My Home, we offer a comprehensive checklist that covers over 300 points, including everything from appliance performance to safety protocols and aesthetic upgrades. This can ensure your property is both safe and attractive for future guests.
Pro Tip: Taking the time to refresh your property can lead to better reviews and higher ratings when the busy season rolls around. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to update photos and refresh your listing description.
5. Stay on Top of Listing Updates to Maintain High Visibility
The off-season is a great time to focus on your listing’s performance. Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have algorithms that prioritize active, up-to-date listings. By keeping your listing fresh and responsive, you’ll increase your chances of staying high in search results.
Key Actions to Maintain Visibility:
Update Photos: Make sure your property photos are current and showcase your best features. If you’ve made any upgrades or maintenance improvements, update your photos to reflect those changes.
Respond Quickly: Even during the off-season, it's essential to respond to inquiries quickly. This helps improve your response time and keeps your listing in good standing.
Adjust Descriptions and Keywords: Tweak your listing descriptions to reflect seasonal offerings, such as a cozy fireplace for winter or proximity to ski resorts for holiday travelers. Keep your keywords relevant to current trends and searches.
Pro Tip: Use the off-season to experiment with different listing titles or descriptions to see which one generates more interest. Regularly monitor your listing’s performance to see if changes lead to better results.
Conclusion
Managing a short-term rental during the off-season requires a proactive and strategic approach. From allowing pets and pivoting to longer stays to adjusting your pricing for the holidays, there are many ways to optimize your property’s performance. We recommend using this time of the year to focus on maintenance, marketing, and keeping your listing fresh in order to set yourself up for success when the busy season arrives again. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can turn the off-season into a productive and profitable time for your short-term rental business.
If you’d like hands-on help managing your short-term rental, please contact our team.
