Have you inherited a house or flat, or perhaps purchased one as an investment, and are now considering renting it out as a holiday home? Or are you interested in renting out your own holiday apartment on a short-term basis to generate additional income? Regardless of your reasons for deciding to rent out your property on a short-term basis, getting started can seem overwhelming at first.
But don't worry – we'll show you step by step what you need to consider and how you can attract guests to your holiday home in no time!
What constitutes short-term rental?
If you host your holiday home for a period of a few nights to a few weeks, this is referred to as short-term rental. The rental period for short-term rentals may not exceed six months. Short-term rentals are therefore particularly popular for tourist purposes.
Your advantages with short-term rentals
Short-term rentals have numerous advantages. Here are the four best reasons to get started:
1. Higher rental income
One of the biggest incentives for short-term rentals is the potential for higher income. While long-term rentals often offer a steady, comparatively low monthly income, holiday rentals allow you to flexibly adjust the price per night – especially during peak season. This enables you to earn more when demand is high.
2. Maximum flexibility
With short-term rentals, you have the option of adjusting the price depending on the season, demand and market developments. You can also make changes to the furnishings or use your holiday home for your own holidays without being bound by the tenancy agreements of a long-term tenant. Flexibility is the key word here.
3. More frequent checks and less wear and tear
With more regular tenant turnover, you can inspect the holiday home more frequently and identify any wear and tear more quickly. You can check the furniture, fittings and cleanliness more regularly and replace them if necessary, which would not be the case with a long-term tenant.
4. Expansion of the network and cultural exchange
Short-term rentals allow you to offer people a temporary home. Contact with international guests not only provides an opportunity to make new acquaintances, but also to gain interesting insights into different cultures, which can greatly enrich the rental experience. You can find host tips for international tourism here.
You must consider these aspects before renting out your property
Before you decide to open the doors of your holiday home to guests, you should also be aware of the following points.
Fluctuating income
Although short-term rentals can potentially generate higher income, this can sometimes be inconsistent. Demand can fluctuate depending on the season, days of the week and economic situation. In the low season, you may not be able to rent out your holiday home for long periods of time. However, you can usually counteract this by offering attractive pricing for your holiday home.
Legal responsibility
As a host, you are legally responsible for the safety and well-being of your guests. Therefore, ensure that your holiday apartment always complies with safety standards and that both you and your accommodation are adequately insured. For more tips on such measures, see our article Safety precautions for your holiday accommodation.
Tipps für die erfolgreiche kurzfristige Vermietung
1. Use booking platforms such as atraveo
One of the easiest ways to make your holiday home available to a wide audience is to use established booking platforms such as atraveo by e-domizil. These platforms not only bring more visibility to your holiday apartment or holiday house, but also offer secure payment processing and often 24/7 customer service. This allows you to focus on what matters most – your guests.
2. Offer a simple and flexible key handover
Key handover is a crucial factor for a good guest rating. Many hosts opt for a key system with a code that guests can enter themselves. This makes the handover convenient for both parties and also allows guests to arrive quickly without you necessarily having to be present. Find out which type of key handover is the best choice for you and your guests here: How to ensure a smooth check-in and check-out.
3. Pay attention to the condition of your holiday home
Ensure that your accommodation is always in immaculate condition and that all essential amenities are available. A well-equipped holiday home not only ensures satisfied guests, but also positive ratings, which in turn will bring you more bookings.
4. Calculate your prices carefully
Don't set your prices too low in order to gain a competitive advantage. Instead, observe the market and flexibly adjust the price of your holiday home to the season and demand. Careful pricing ensures that you benefit from rentals in both the low season and the high season. In our article How to calculate the optimal rental price for your holiday apartment, we give you more detailed tips.
5. Offer extras to make the stay unforgettable
Special extras such as a small welcome gift or information about the region can give your guests a positive holiday experience right from the moment they arrive. This not only increases guest satisfaction, but also the chance of repeat guests. Find inspiration here: How to give your guests a positive holiday experience upon arrival.
With these measures and a well-thought-out concept, you can successfully start out as a host and benefit from the advantages of short-term rentals – we are happy to assist you!
