As winter approaches, ensuring your short-term rental property is ready for the colder months is essential for both guest comfort and the long-term maintenance of your investment. Winter can be tough on properties, especially in regions where temperatures drop significantly. That’s why ApartmentGuide and Property Management by Grand Welcome have partnered to curate this guide on preparing your short-term rental for the season. So whether you’re preparing to winterize your home in Gatlinburg, TN, a rental house in Breckenridge, CO or a cozy apartment in Old Orchard Beach, ME, this guide covers everything from energy efficiency and safety in specific regions to guest comfort and entertainment.Preparing your short-term rental for winter: Getting startedShort-term rental property management comes with common rental challenges that can be tough to mitigate and handle, and there is no exception for the winter season. While there are many elements to be mindful of, Matt Pesler, managing director of Columbus Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome, shares some general best practices that will help guide you through some common pitfalls that you might encounter:“Preparing your short-term rental for winter involves several key steps to ensure guest comfort and safety. First, inspect and service your heating system to guarantee it operates efficiently, and have backup space heaters available in case of emergencies. Next, check for drafts and insulate windows and doors to keep warmth in. Stock up on cozy blankets, and hot beverage supplies to enhance the winter experience. Lastly, ensure outdoor pathways are cleared and well-lit to prevent slips and falls by keeping ice salt, snow blowers, shovels, and other necessary tools in your inventory.”Before the snow starts falling, take inventory of your property and create a checklist detailing items that you should service or inspect to ensure your guests’ safety. To find more information on these suggestions and additional tips on how to winterize your home, take a look at the recommendations from our experts below.Prioritize safety, comfort, and guest supportWhether your short-term rental property caters mostly to digital nomads, business travelers, or large groups, safety is always a number one priority. However, it becomes even more critical during the winter months when fires and carbon monoxide poisoning risks increase. Mike McAuliffe, owner of Texas Hill Country Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome, puts safety first, advising that “As guests may be using heating systems or fireplaces, you should ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.” Mike also recommends that property managers “provide easy-to-access fire extinguishers, especially near fireplaces or wood stoves” to ensure that any dangers can be addressed safely and quickly to minimize risk and damage.In addition to prioritizing safety, comfort and support for your guests while they utilize your property can encourage guests to book with you again. Josh Smith, managing director of Franklin Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome, shares some great advice to keep your guests coming back after their first visit:“Winter is coming! Or so they say. Here are some notable changes in how we handle cleaning, energy efficiency as well as guest support during the winter/holiday season.1) Cleaning: If applicable, your fireplace and chimney as well as outside gutters and downspouts should be cleaned regularly to maintain your property’s health.2) Energy efficiency: Programmable thermostats for interior HVAC are a huge efficiency saver. During the winter season, we set thermostats to 65 Fahrenheit when vacant and 70 Fahrenheit prior to guest arrival.3) Guest support: As always, our emergency contact information is readily available to guests in the homes we manage, including emergency services. Of course, you never want an emergency to arise but having a well-thought-out plan in place will help provide a comfortable and safe winter experience for your guests.” Don’t overlook guest safety and comfort when winterizing your home! Maintaining a safe, comfortable and supportive environment will give both you and your guests peace of mind when renting your property during the colder months of the year.Preemptively inspect HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systemsIn winter, your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems take on additional stress. While the change in temperature can affect all regions, places like Lakes of Ozarks in Missouri, which experience winter storms should take extra precautions when preparing short-term rental properties. Zach Vavak, owner of Lake of the Ozarks Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome shares insight to ensure your property is ready for guests:”As winter approaches at the Lake of the Ozarks, it’s crucial to ensure that your rental property is fully prepared for colder weather. Have your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems inspected annually to avoid any unexpected issues that could disrupt your guests’ stay. Winter storms and snow can delay repairs, so making sure everything is in proper working order before the season hits will give potential renters peace of mind. A well-maintained property shows guests that you’re invested in their comfort, no matter the weather.”Dealing with major repairs mid-winter or in the midst of a guest stay can be a nightmare. So take heed of Zach’s advice and ensure that you have these systems inspected well before the temperatures drop!Weatherproofing and freeze protection Winter weather can be harsh on both the interior and exterior of your property and depending on the location, certain areas of your rental may need some extra weatherproofing and freeze protection measures. Steven Brown, owner of Breckenridge Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management and Great Smoky Mountains Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome provides specific tips for property managers near both the Breckenridge, CO and Great Smoky Mountains, TN areas, though they can be used to ensure the protection of any property.Weatherproof windows and doors:“Breckenridge, CO: Invest in high-quality weather-stripping and insulation for windows and doors to prevent heat loss and keep out the cold mountain air. Double-pane windows are especially effective in retaining warmth.Great Smoky Mountains, TN: Sealing drafts around windows and doors can enhance guest comfort and reduce heating costs even with milder winters. Consider using thermal curtains for added insulation and a cozy atmosphere.”Protect water systems from freezing:“Breckenridge, CO: Insulate all exposed pipes and consider installing heat tape in vulnerable areas to prevent freezing and potential bursts during extreme cold snaps.Great Smoky Mountains, TN: While freezing is less common, fluctuating temperatures can still pose risks. Drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water sources to safeguard your plumbing from unexpected freezes.”Adhering to the above weatherproofing and freeze protection measures when you winterize your home will help keep your short-term rental property up and running for years to come. Check out some additional tips below to keep guests cozy and engaged during their stay.Create a cozy aesthetic and engaging atmosphereOnce you have ensured the safety of your property and guests, outfitting your property with cozy aesthetics and creating an engaging atmosphere will go a long way in regards to the success of your property. Steven Brown also has some stellar tips to cater to your guests based on your property location and make your short-term rental an enjoyable haven for your guests to visit: Create an inviting environment“Breckenridge, CO: Equip your rental with warm blankets, plush throws, and comfortable seating areas. Adding a selection of hot beverages, such as cocoa and coffee, can enhance the guest experience after a day in the snow.Great Smoky Mountains, TN: Incorporate rustic décor elements like wooden accents and warm lighting to create a welcoming environment. Providing amenities like board games or a fireplace can encourage guests to relax and enjoy their stay indoors.”Provide guides to local winter activities“Breckenridge, CO: Compile a comprehensive guide of winter sports and activities available in the area, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing trails. Highlight nearby restaurants and après-ski spots to offer guests a complete winter getaway experience.Great Smoky Mountains, TN: Information on winter hiking trails, local festivals, and scenic drives. Including tips on nearby attractions, such as cozy cafes and unique shops, can help guests make the most of their winter visit.”A welcoming, snug atmosphere will make your property feel like a true winter retreat, and offering information on local activities could make your listing more appealing to guests seeking an inclusive, all-around winter experience.Promote winter amenities and seasonal touchesIn the vein of catering to your guests based on your short-term rental’s location and nearby activities, consider adding amenities and seasonal touches that they will enjoy utilizing during the winter. Steven Formica, owner of Beaver Creek Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome has great advice for listings in or near ski resorts:“We are in a ski resort, so winter is our high season. We like to make sure that our welcome basket reflects the season and includes things that are often forgotten like hot chocolate mix, ski straps, and sunscreen packets. In certain properties with outdoor community hot tubs and pools, we provide bathrobes and anti-microbial slippers or slides to make that walk more comfortable.” Providing winter amenities and designing and decorating your rental for the season can work wonders when creating a comfortable environment for guests. While it may be tempting to simply post your listing and keep it the same year-round, it is worthwhile to consider the best amenities to showcase in your listing based on the season:“To prepare your Airbnb for the winter season, focus on both property protection and cozy aesthetics. Consider a smart thermostat if you don’t already have one, and make sure that heat setting gets turned on when temps start dropping & the home may be vacant more often! Go all in on the winter ambiance with warm, inviting decorations like plush throws, candles, and festive accents that will create a photogenic atmosphere for potential guests. Change the focus of your listing photos to showcase these seasonal touches that make your property feel like a cozy retreat!” Shares Tim Bauman, owner of Lake Geneva Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.Taking the time to provide winter-focused amenities and ensuring that your listing reflects all of the features that your property has to offer can aid in attracting guests while they are in the process of searching for their perfect winter retreat. Pricing your short-term rental for winterWinter is a unique season for short-term rentals, and pricing should reflect demand and regional conditions. In colder areas with winter tourism (like ski resorts or national parks), you might be able to increase your rates. However, in areas that are less popular during the winter, this might not be the case. It’s essential to adjust your pricing to remain competitive, and Jack Disbrow, general manager and director of sales of Greenville & Upstate SC Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome shares some noteworthy advice to help you do just that:“Due to the inherent seasonality of the short-term rental market, many locations find lower occupancy during the winter months. While it will be hard to keep the same occupancy rates and bookings as you would during peak season, there are some effective ways to mitigate the losses of the lower booking season. To effectively price your short-term rental during the winter months, start by researching local market trends and competitor pricing to understand the typical rates for this season. Consider offering discounts for longer stays or last-minute bookings to attract more budget-conscious guests. Highlight any unique winter experiences in your area, like local festivals or winter sports, to create added value. Additionally, adjust your pricing dynamically based on occupancy rates and adjust for holidays or special events to optimize your revenue. Finally, keep an eye on local demand fluctuations, and be flexible in your pricing to remain competitive.”Keep up to date with the current seasonal market conditions of short-term rentals in your area, and remain apprised of current events that may affect listing prices. These factors can impact demand and allow you to adjust prices accordingly.Shutting down and winterizing seasonal propertiesIf your short-term rental is located in a seasonal area with periods of vacancy, it’s crucial to winterize the property. Winterizing can help ensure that your property is safe and protected during vacancies, and make it easier to re-open your property for guests once the winter season passes. Lucas Knowles, owner of Southern Coastal Maine Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome provides more insight below:“Many beach homes in Maine are seasonal, making the offseason a time for shutting down and winterizing. Along with the usual steps like adding antifreeze to pipes, turning off utilities, and storing outdoor furniture, our top recommendation is to invest in a preventative pest control plan. Despite your best efforts to seal up the property, pests like mice, bats, squirrels, and insects can still find a way in. A plan starting at around $39/month is a small price to pay to prevent a springtime battle with nature. Partner with a reputable pest control company — you’ll be glad you did.” Winterizing can also involve setting up security systems, ensuring the property is properly locked, and checking for any potential points of entry for rodents or other pests. Winterize your property now to prevent unforeseen issues in the spring! Preparing your short-term rental for winter: Wrapping upShort-term rental management, while rewarding, can be a challenging endeavor to take on- especially during the winter months. However, by following these guidelines laid out by the experts at Property Management by Grand Welcome, you can ensure your property is well-prepared. Not only will this provide a better experience for your guests, but it will also help maintain the long-term value and safety of your property. Whether you’re in a snowy mountain town or a more temperate region, taking the time to winterize your home ensures that it’s ready to withstand the challenges of the season.