Owning a remote vacation rental or investment property can be incredibly rewarding but it also comes with its own set of challenges. From maintenance issues to guest communication, managing a property from afar requires proactive systems, trusted partnerships, and the right tools. Whether your property is perched in the mountains, tucked along a coastal highway, or located in a rural escape, these tips can help you keep operations smooth and stress levels low.
TIPS FOR MANAGING REMOTE PROPERTIES
One of the most important steps in managing a remote property is hiring reliable, local professionals you can count on. This includes a dependable cleaning crew, a handyman or maintenance provider, and ideally, a property manager who can act on your behalf. Vet vendors carefully, and establish clear expectations and communication protocols to ensure consistent service and quality.
Standardized procedures make remote management much easier. Provide your cleaning and maintenance teams with detailed checklists and regular schedules to follow. Keep a digital inventory of supplies and appliances, and establish clear emergency protocols for everything from power outages to plumbing issues. The more structured your system, the fewer surprises you’ll face. However, even with the best systems in place, it’s important to physically check in on your property. If you can’t visit often, hire someone to conduct seasonal inspections which helps catch small problems before they escalate and ensures your property continues to meet your standards.
Smart home tools are a game-changer for remote property owners. Install smart locks for secure, keyless guest entry, smart thermostats to manage energy use, and security cameras for exterior monitoring (while respecting guest privacy). Use property management software or apps to handle bookings, automate guest messaging, and monitor performance data in real time. With the right team, clear systems, and technology working in your favor, you can keep your rental running smoothly even from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU VISIT YOUR REMOTE VACATION PROPERTY?
Owning a remote vacation property can be a great investment and a personal retreat but unlike local rentals, it requires careful oversight from afar. Even with a great local team and smart technology in place, making in-person visits is still essential for long-term success. How often you visit depends on your usage, how it’s managed, and what kind of experience you want to maintain for your guests.
A good general rule of thumb is to visit your property at least once per season, especially if you’re renting it out year-round. These seasonal check-ins allow you to inspect weather-related wear and tear, refresh supplies, test systems, and handle any repairs before peak demand periods. For example:
- Spring: Prep for summer bookings and check for winter damage.
- Summer: Ensure cooling systems, landscaping, and outdoor areas are in top shape.
- Fall: Prepare for colder months and inspect roofing, gutters, and heating.
- Winter: Look for snow damage, pipe concerns, or other cold-weather impacts.
If your property sees high traffic during certain times (like summer in beach towns or winter in ski destinations), it’s smart to visit before and after your busy season. A pre-season visit ensures everything is guest-ready and up to your standards. A post-season visit allows you to evaluate wear and tear, make updates, and deep clean before your next wave of guests or seasonal downtime.
If you don’t have a local property manager or reliable boots-on-the-ground team, you may need to visit every couple of months. Regular check-ins help ensure that cleaning, maintenance, and guest communication are up to par and they give you peace of mind that your investment is being cared for properly.
While the frequency of visits can vary based on how you manage your vacation rental, aim to see your property in person at least a few times a year. These trips are an opportunity to catch issues early, maintain quality control, and keep your property in top condition. Our property management staff live and work onsite and are dedicated to maximizing your property's revenue while protecting your asset. Learn more about our Property Management Services or call us at 888.598.6353.
