The guests have left, but before the next ones arrive, there’s more to do than change the beds. A broken chair, a leaking tap or a missing set of keys is much easier to deal with now than when the next guests are standing at the door. This holiday let changeover checklist covers ten things worth checking after every stay.
Whether you do the changeover yourself or use a cleaner or property manager, make sure someone is responsible for each check.
1. Look for guest damage
Walk through each room and look for new damage to furniture, walls, floors, windows and fittings. Take photographs before anything is repaired or the next guests arrive.
If you need to report damage through a booking platform, check its deadlines. You should also notify your insurer promptly of any damage that may give rise to a claim, in line with your policy’s reporting requirements.
Check with your insurer before arranging non-urgent repairs, although any necessary emergency work to prevent further damage should not be delayed. Your UK holiday home insurance may cover some types of guest damage, but not all.
2. Check the inventory
Are all the keys and remote controls back? Check crockery, kitchen equipment, towels and other items you provide. Replace anything essential before the next guests arrive.
3. Inspect beds and soft furnishings
Fresh sheets can hide a stained mattress. Check mattress protectors, sofas and carpets, and look out for signs of pests. Deal with anything that needs cleaning or replacing.
4. Test essential safety equipment
Check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working where fitted, and that escape routes are clear. Look out for damaged plugs, loose cables and other obvious hazards. These quick checks are no substitute for the formal safety assessments, testing and servicing required for your property.
5. Check taps, toilets and leaks
Run the taps, flush the toilets and look under sinks and around appliances. A small leak caught now could save a much bigger problem later.
6. Test heating, hot water and appliances
Make sure the heating and hot water work. Check the fridge, cooker, kettle and other appliances guests are likely to use. It is better to find a fault yourself than hear about it from an unhappy guest.
7. Secure doors, windows and access codes
Try the locks and window catches. Check the key safe, outside lights and any gates. Make sure keys have been returned and change access codes where appropriate.
8. Inspect outdoor areas
Take a look outside, too. Loose paving, slippery steps, damaged garden furniture, blocked drains and overflowing bins can all cause problems for arriving guests.
9. Confirm cleaning and guest essentials
Check the kitchen and bathrooms, top up the supplies you provide and make sure rubbish has been removed. Are the Wi-Fi details, guest instructions and emergency numbers still correct?
10. Record problems and actions
Note the date, who carried out the checks, what they found and what was done about it. Keep photographs of damage and a record of repairs. These can be useful if a dispute or insurance query arises, although they do not guarantee a successful claim.
What if there is a long gap before the next booking?
If the property will stand empty for several weeks, the usual changeover checks may not be enough. Look at your insurance policy’s definition of unoccupancy and any requirements for inspections, heating, water supplies and security. A cleaner’s visit may not count as a formal inspection under the policy.
For seasonal precautions, read our guide to winter-proofing a holiday home.
Holiday let changeover FAQs
Should I inspect my holiday let after every guest?
It is sensible to check after every departure, while there is still time to identify damage and put things right before the next booking.
Can my cleaner complete the checklist?
Yes, if they know what to check and how to report problems. But do not assume a cleaning visit meets any separate inspection conditions in your holiday home insurance policy.
Does holiday let insurance cover accidental guest damage?
It depends on the policy. Some include accidental guest damage, while others offer it as an optional extra. Check the exclusions, excess and how quickly you must report a claim.
Make changeovers part of your property routine
A few minutes spent checking the property after each stay can prevent awkward conversations with the next guests and help you keep on top of repairs. Give anyone helping with changeovers the same checklist so nothing gets missed.
For more on running your property, see our guide to managing a UK holiday home from a distance. You can also review UK holiday home insurance and its terms, conditions and exclusions.
Disclaimer
This checklist is a general guide, not a complete statement of your legal or insurance obligations. Your insurer may impose its own conditions, including requirements for inspections, security, heating, water supplies and reporting damage or periods of unoccupancy. Always check your policy wording and ask your insurer or broker if anything is unclear. Legal and safety requirements may also vary depending on where your holiday let is located.
