3 Non-Toxic Truths Behind Operating a Short-Term Rental on Cape Cod

Mar 14, 2022

For owners, operators and property managers.

3 Non-Toxic Truths, Cape Cod, MA

As the leading experts in Covid compliant sanitation practices, a local source for vendor referrals with access to the industry’s leading technology, we want to share 3 Non-Toxic Truths Behind Operating a Short-Term Rental on Cape Cod.

Whether your short term rental home is quaint and cozy or large and luxurious, your guest expectations don’t differ when it comes to cleanliness. The value of a professional cleaning service for your rental property is priceless. In today’s market you can find a million eco-friendly cleaning products. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of the trend and advertise your vacation rental property as “Green?” This article is for anyone dreaming of or is already an owner, operator or manager of short-term rental properties. Contact me at https://cleaningcollaborative.com/contact/ for more information about Non-Toxic Cleaning and Short Term Rental Property management.

Excerpt & true story from, The Cleaning Diaries

“Dear Diary, I’m super excited to have been promoted to the HR position here at work. Interviewing students enrolled in the J1 work and travel program for the house cleaning position. Meeting these incredible people from around the world via Skype as been an incredible experience. I’ve assured them and their families a fun and safe experience here in Wellfleet, MA, USA.

My hires have arrived, safe and sound. However, something isn’t sitting well with me. As we completed the last hour of in-house training, I realized I had just handed them a bucket of cleaning chemicals and asked them to go poison themselves. Sigh.  

There is a better way.“  

-Mel

Non-Toxic Truth #1: Its notable if they notice.


Non-toxic cleaning products are important to Cape Cod visitors. As vacation rental property managers we receive hundreds of inquiries each year specifically about the products that are used for cleaning. This is important to your clients when operating a short-term rental on Cape Cod. Whether they are passionate about supporting the movement or making health & wellness a priority, it’s important to ensure your guests feel at home and safe during their stay.


We know consumers are shopping for safe cleaning options. Why not stock the shelves with what they want? Providing chemical free cleaning solutions for your guests to use during their stay will not only encourage them to clean up after themselves but it is a common notable mention in positive guest reviews! Its notable if they notice. How will you stand out in a sea of rentals?


If you’re not sure what to stock in your Cape Cod vacation rental home and would like a complete list, check out this post, Shop & Stock, it’s a great place to start!

Non-Toxic Truth #2: On Cape Cod fish are friends & food.


Protecting our fragile ecosystem here on Cape Cod is a priority. Investment property owners and property managers should consider as many eco-friendly products as possible. You will be aiding in the protection and preservation of the groundwater, plants, landscape, and marine life. Choose to purchase more environmentally friendly products, as a result, you are making a positive impact on the future of your investment home. For example, choose biodegradable dish soap.

Travelers love to eat local, fresh food, no matter their destination. In this fishing community, fish are friends & food!
To make this easier to understand, imagine the specials menu at one of our most popular seafood restaurants reading, Cape Cods Favorite Clorox-Clam Strip Roll or Lobster ala Lysol. Protecting our local resources will allow this vacation destination to continue to thrive.

Non-Toxic Truth #3: Safe cleaning products are affordable.


Green cleaning products are a great way to market your business. But did you know they can be cost effective too?

Safe cleaning products are affordable. By making your own cleaning solutions you will one, decrease your carbon footprint. Two, you cut down on the number of containers you buy. Thirdly and equally important… you will save money! Your shipping and product expenses will decrease. Less plastic, fewer shipping containers and cardboard and less transport emissions.


Cape Cod Cleaning Collaborative uses a chemical free product and I keep them no secret. I encourage homeowners and PMs to watch this demo at https://thecape.cloud/KangenDemo. Here, you will learn more about how we make our own cleaning products in house.

Want to get started today? Check out Make Your Own Zone by one of my favorites Do it yourself bloggers! Beverly’s Sal Suds Dilution Sheet & Cleaning Recipes is full of sudsy value.

The real estate market and short-term rental industry continues to dominate on The Cape & Islands. Short-term rentals are competitive. We rely on seasonal visitors more than ever, however, let us not forget it’s the natural beauty that attracts our visitors to Cape Cod. Be sure you are presenting your vacation rental home in its brightest and most natural light.

Are you operating or thinking about operating a short-term rental on Cape Cod and want to level up your visibility, guest satisfaction and profits? Book a 20 complimentary coaching session with me! I look forward to finding out how I can effectively help you streamline your vacation rental business.

See you then!
-Mel

Renting Out Your Home This Summer

Mar 8, 2017

Have you been thinking of renting out your home this Summer?  Would you like to take advantage of the weekly summer rental rates in this area and have your home work for you?  It’s not too late, but it will take a little bit of planning and an experienced rental agent to make it happen for you!

Whether you’d like to permanently convert your home into a vacation rental, or just rent out your home for a few weeks while you’re on vacation, there are people out there who will want to rent it from you, and local real estate agents that will help make it happen. It is important to know what you are getting into and to prepare accordingly. We are here to help with some helpful hints to make the process an easy one!

 

Getting your Home Ready to Rent

1. Keep careful records. Rental income is taxable, but many of the expenses you will incur as you prepare   your rental are tax deductible. Keep detailed records of the money and time you spend getting your home ready to rent so that you can maximize your deductions at tax time.

2. Apply for a rental permit. Permits are not necessary in all areas, especially for short-      term rentals, but many cities are responding to the growth of new rental trends by creating new forms of regulation. If a permit is required in your area, give yourself plenty of time to get through the application process before your first guests arrive. Remember that permitting and inspection fees, like all other expenses you incur while preparing your rental property, are tax deductible so be sure to keep careful records.

3. Acquire landlord insurance. Call your local insurance agent and ask if your current homeowner’s policy will cover the kind of rental situation you will be offering. Many policies will cover the occasional short-term rental, but for more long-term arrangements, you may need special coverage.

4. Prepare your home to rent, inside and out. Make sure that all appliances work, that furniture is comfortable and in good repair, and that everything is clean and neat. Ensure that safety equipment like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order and are clearly accessible. Remove all precious personal belongings to a secure location, such as a storage unit or primary home. Do the same with all toiletries and anything else you wouldn’t want a stranger snooping through. Put clean linens on all of the beds (if you are planning on supplying linens), and make sure that bathrooms are stocked with clean towels, soap dispensers are full, etc. The requirements for safety equipment in rental properties vary widely by region. Smoke detectors are the bare minimum in most places. You will be informed of further requirements through the permitting process. Unless you are going for a very high-end rental, do not furnish your rental with extremely expensive furniture, linens, towels, etc. These items are likely to get damaged or disappear. Look for items of decent quality that are not too expensive but are still comfortable.

5. Hire a reputable cleaning service.  Some property owners are able to minimize costs by performing rental clean-outs on their own, but this can be a very time-consuming and difficult process, so it might be better worth your time to hire a professional service.  Be sure to do some research first and hire a reputable company that is licensed and insured such as Cape Cod Cleaning Collaborative.  Check with the cleaning company about non-toxic and chemical free cleaning as so many renters suffer from allergies to cleaning chemicals.

6. Hire a landscaping service. As with cleaning, some property owners take on landscaping chores themselves, but you may be better off hiring a landscaping service to take care of routine lawn maintenance and care. Landscaping services, like cleaning services and other maintenance costs are all tax deductible, and a well-maintained yard is more likely to get good reviews and repeat renters.

7. Create a system for providing a key or entry instructions to your guests.  This is something that can be handled by your rental agent should you choose to use one.  The check in and checkout instructions will be detailed with the lease and any inquiries etc. can be directed to the rental agent and their office, freeing you up to enjoy your time!

8. Create a welcome book or informational packet to give to renters when they arrive. Include information about the home and the local area.  Providing information on local attractions and dining options, as well as emergency contact information is an option that guests love. Leaving a welcome gift like a fruit basket or bottle of wine is another great way to welcome guests and keep them coming back year after year.

Renting your home as a vacation rental can be a great opportunity and a source of income.  The key is surrounding yourself with people you trust that will help and guide you through the process.  Why deal with typing leases and collecting deposits when your rental agent can handle that for you?

If you’re thinking of renting your property, buying or selling on Cape Cod, we’re happy to talk through your goals and point you in the correct direction.  Email your inquiry here.