Eight Tips for Letting Your Holiday Home
If you’re considering earning extra income from your property, these tips for letting your holiday home can help you do so with confidence, whether you’re just starting out or already hosting guests. From legal checks to holiday home insurance, here are some practical pointers to help things go smoothly.
- Check Permissions and Local Rules
Before you take any bookings, check whether there are any restrictions on letting your property. Some parks or holiday sites may have rules against subletting, or you might need to inform the site management if you’re planning to let it out.
If your holiday home is on private land, you may need to check local planning regulations – especially in areas that limit short-term lets. In England, for example, certain locations may cap the number of nights your property can be let each year.
- Identify Your Ideal Guests
Thinking about who you want to attract can help guide everything from décor to marketing. Families, couples, pet owners – each group has different priorities. Pet-friendly homes, for instance, tend to attract more bookings but may need more upkeep between guests.
Tailor your listing and presentation to suit the guests you’re targeting. A highchair and cot might appeal to families, while fast Wi-Fi and a cosy reading nook may attract couples on a weekend break.
- Create a Comfortable and Clear Welcome
A warm, well-thought-out welcome helps your guests to settle in and can lead to better reviews. You may want to include a welcome folder with local maps, emergency numbers, Wi-Fi details and instructions for using appliances.
Simple signs for things like recycling, heating controls or where to find extra bedding can also help avoid confusion. And of course, first impressions count – so a clean, well-presented space goes a long way.
- Use Specialist Holiday Home Insurance
Standard home insurance usually doesn’t cover holiday lets, so it’s important to have the right policy in place. Specialist holiday home insurance from Park Home Assist is designed for the particular needs of let properties.
Cover includes:
- Public liability insurance in case a guest is injured on your property.
- Loss of rental income if the home becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event.
- Accidental and malicious damage, including that caused by guests.
- Optional extras like legal expenses and home emergency cover, for added peace of mind.
You can find full details of the cover we provide on our website: Holiday home insurance from Park Home Assist.
- Prioritise Guest Safety
You have a legal responsibility to make sure your holiday home is safe. It helps to arrange regular gas safety checks and electrical inspections. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and tested before every stay.
A fire extinguisher and blanket should be kept in an accessible place – ideally in or near the kitchen and close to an exit. Guests should be able to see what to do in an emergency, so clear signage and instructions can be reassuring as well as practical.
- Keep the Property Clean and Well-Maintained
Cleanliness is one of the most commented-on aspects of any holiday stay. Between bookings, a thorough clean and basic maintenance check can prevent problems before the next guests arrive.
If you live far away, you might want to use a local cleaning company or property manager who can handle turnarounds and report issues to you. That way, the property is always ready to welcome new guests.
- Plan for Quieter Periods
Many holiday lets see a drop in bookings outside peak seasons. You could consider offering short stays, off-peak discounts, or even letting to friends or family at a reduced rate during the quieter months.
This is also a good time to do deep cleans, make updates, and tackle any repairs. If your property is empty for long periods, make sure this doesn’t affect your insurance. At Park Home Assist, our policies are designed with typical letting patterns in mind – including unoccupied periods. However, do make sure that you check the terms of your holiday home insurance, especially regarding unoccupied periods in the winter.
- Decide How You’ll Handle Bookings
Will you manage everything yourself or use a letting agent? Doing it yourself through online platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com gives you more control but also means more responsibility – from guest messaging to cleaning arrangements.
Using a local letting agent can reduce the workload, as they usually handle marketing, bookings, guest issues and property maintenance. Either way, be transparent in your listing about what guests can expect, from arrival times to house rules.
Letting your holiday home can be a great way to earn extra income and make the most of your property, as long as it’s done thoughtfully and with the right safeguards in place. From selecting the right holiday home insurance to providing a warm welcome, these small but important steps can help you avoid problems and keep your guests happy.
At Park Home Assist, we provide specialist insurance for holiday homes, lodges, and park homes. With award-winning customer service and tailored policies, we’re here to help you enjoy your holiday home with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have the right cover for you.
For any queries or to request a holiday home insurance quote follow the online link or call our friendly and helpful insurance team on 01604 946 796. They will be very pleased to help.
Please note that all insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.
This is a marketing article from Park Home Assist, multi award-winning providers of park home insurance, mobile home insurance, insurance for static caravans, insurance for holiday homes and holiday lodges, as well as boat insurance and touring caravan insurance. If you have any questions about your insurance, then please call our office on 01604 946 796 and one of our insurance advisers will be happy to help.
Published – 08/08/25
