Guide for Advertising your Property
Pricing
If this is your first time renting out your property, we advise you to check out the ‘competition’ and set a realistic tariff for your property, depending on the level of services included. If you set the rental fee too high, it will deter people from considering your property or could even lead people to expect a higher level of service than you are prepared to offer.
Services
If you do not live near the property you are renting out, it is strongly advised that you employ a reliable local agent to be on hand to keep an eye on the property during your absence, and to oversee routine repairs and maintenance as well as being on hand to resolve any problems your tenants may have with your property.
He or she should also undertake to inspect the property before visitors arrive and after they depart, and arrange for keys to the property to be available when the visitors arrive. Many agents will also offer a concierge service and will arrange for cleaning and laundry services on your behalf, as well as pool and/or gardening services if applicable.
Visitors should be provided with details of a local contact in case of need and he or she should be given a list of visitors and their dates of arrival and departure, as well as a copy of the terms and conditions of the holiday.
If you wish to include a ‘welcome pack’ as part of the service, the agent should be given a clear list of what to include, over and above the basic items such as bread, milk, coffee etc.
Written Agreements
For your peace of mind, we would strongly encourage you to draw up an agreement between yourself and your visitors. It should include the following information:
Name(s) of the visitors
Period of visit
Deposit (to cover damages etc)
The amount of the rent
Cancellation fees or charges
Additional costs not included within the rent (such as telephone or utilities or linen hire etc)
Local contact details, including a clause covering payment to the agent if the arrival is at an unsocial hour.
If legally required, home insurance and/or personal liability premiums should be listed.
A copy of the inventory of the house contents should be included, as well as a stipulation that any breakages or other damage to the house should be reported without delay.
Date and signature of both parties on all copies.
Property Guide
It is worthwhile to prepare a guide to your property. This usually includes information about the appliances, hot water system, electricity system (including where the fuse box is located and how to replace fuses), burglar alarm, and any other equipment included.
If you are not providing a maid service, you should leave a note about refuse disposal and which day(s) the rubbish is collected and the location of the communal/private bin. Many countries are now very ‘eco conscious’ and operate a recycling policy. If this is the case in your area, leave instructions for the correct disposal of waste.
You should also include a list of local doctors, pharmacists, dentists, clinics and hospitals in case of emergency, as well as the numbers to call for the police, fire and ambulance services.
As business hours vary from country to country, it is a good idea to mention the opening hours of shops and banks etc. as well as listing local attractions, shops and restaurants.
Safety Issues
We strongly advise you to ensure that your property complies with local safety regulations and that your property is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as well as adequate fire extinguishers. If boats or motor vehicles are included in the package, it is necessary to ensure that they are correctly insured and that you have adequate insurance cover.
ELaHoL takes no responsibility whatsoever for the safety of your visitors.
Displaying your property
When taking photos of your property, make sure that they are as clear as possible and take advantage of good weather for external shots. Make sure the interiors are well lit and the rooms tidy and well presented. It is a good idea to set the table, as if for a dinner party, and to make the living area(s) as warm and inviting as possible. Terraces or balconies with great views should be featured.
Payment
It is usual practice to take a deposit at the time of booking and to collect the outstanding balance 6 – 8 weeks before the date of arrival. If personal cheques are used as payment, you are strongly advised to ensure that the cheques have cleared and the funds transferred to your account before giving out the location of your property. ELaHoL takes no responsibility for fraudulent transactions and does not accept payment for booking holiday properties from holiday makers.
Scam Warning
Be on your guard for people presenting cheques for more than the cost of the holiday rental. They will sound very plausible and will naturally ask for you to refund the difference to them. Their cheques will bounce and you will be left out of pocket. If this happens to you, do not offer a refund, and report the matter to the police.
Damage to your property
It is up to you to vet who stays in your property, and most visits are problem free. However you, or your agent, should inspect your property after every letting. In the case of minor damage to crockery, linens etc., the cost of replacement should be included in the security deposit and the relevant invoices should be copied and forwarded with the balance of the deposit if replacements have to be bought. In the event of major damage, you or your agent may have to make an insurance claim. In this case, photographic evidence is essential, along with a copy of the rental agreement.
