5 Common Mistakes Landlords Make in Short-Term Lets

Short-term letting can be an excellent way for landlords to boost their rental income, but only when managed properly. Many landlords list their properties on Airbnb, Booking.com, or VRBO without realising how much time, effort and planning are required to succeed.

In this article, we’ll cover the five most common mistakes landlords make in short-term lets and how you can avoid them to protect your investment and increase your profits. 🧱 1. Not Treating It Like a Business

A common misconception is that short-term letting is easy money, simply upload your listing and wait for bookings. In reality, successful hosts treat it as a business, not a side project.

Common problems: Poor record-keeping, lack of pricing strategy, or unclear guest policies.

✅ How to fix it:

• Register your business correctly and maintain organised financial records.

• Use dynamic pricing tools to stay competitive.

• Create a clear rental agreement that sets out guest rules and responsibilities.
  

🧼 2. Neglecting Professional Cleaning Standards

Cleanliness is one of the most important factors influencing guest reviews and repeat bookings. Common problems: Rushed changeovers, inconsistent cleaning standards, or no quality control.

✅ How to fix it:

• Hire a professional cleaning team experienced in short-term accommodation.

• Create a detailed cleaning checklist for every turnover.

• Schedule regular deep cleans and inspections to maintain standards.
  

📸 3. Poor Photography and Listing Descriptions

Your property listing is your shop window. Blurry photos and vague descriptions can drastically reduce bookings.

✅ How to fix it:

• Invest in professional photography with good lighting and staging.

• Highlight key features such as location, parking, workspaces, or amenities.

• Use SEO-friendly language in your listings, for example: “Serviced apartment in Milton Keynes with free parking and fast Wi-Fi.”
  

📅 4. Ignoring Seasonal Demand and Pricing

Leaving your nightly rate the same all year round means missing out on higher income during busy periods or losing bookings in quieter seasons.

✅ How to fix it:

• Use dynamic pricing tools such as PriceLabs, Wheelhouse, or Beyond Pricing.

• Monitor local events, holidays and demand patterns.

• Keep an eye on competitor listings in your area to stay competitive.
  

🚪 5. Trying to Do Everything Themselves

Managing bookings, cleaning, guest communication and maintenance can quickly become overwhelming. Many landlords underestimate how time-consuming short-term letting can be.

✅ How to fix it:

• Partner with a trusted property management company (like us!) that handles day-to-day operations, guest support, maintenance and pricing.

• Professional management not only saves time but also improves guest satisfaction and helps you earn more consistently.
  

💡 Final Thoughts

Short-term letting can be highly rewarding when managed correctly. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll save time, reduce stress and protect your investment.

If you’d like to learn more about how we help landlords maximise returns and handle every aspect of short-term property management, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Contact us today to find out how we can help your property reach its full potential. 📱+44 7845 025299

📧 info@avhughesproperties.com