Bathrooms
- Check sealant around baths and shower trays – clean or replace as necessary
- Clean tiles and grout – re-grout as necessary
- Clear and clean bath and shower drains/traps
- Check towels – replace worn or stained towels as necessary
- Check bathroom fixtures, such as the toilet, shower tray, bath and wash basin for leaks
- Clean scale from taps and shower heads
Kitchen
- Check sealant around worktops – clean or replace as necessary
- Clean tiles and grout – re-grout as necessary
- Descale the kettle
- Check the drainage pipes from sinks and appliances for leaks
- Clean scale from taps
Bedrooms
- Check linen and pillows – replace worn or stained linen and pillows
- Turn mattresses and replace if they are stained
Loft
- Check for signs of moisture and leaking pipes
- Check for indications of a pest infestation – droppings, smells, evidence of gnawing, chewing or wasp/bee nests
Gardens and Exterior
- Tidy and weed garden
- Check garden furniture is safe, usable and clean – touch-up chipped paint or varnish as needed
- Check roof tiles, gutters and drains are in good condition – clear gutters and drains
- Tidy hard surfaces – sweep up leaves, pressure wash driveway, patio, steps and decking areas
- Empty out and clean water butts
Chimneys
- Arrange for chimneys to be cleaned and inspected
Cleaning
Arrange for the following to be cleaned:
- Soft furnishings – curtains, upholstery and soft furnishings as appropriate to remove stains and odours
- Carpets and rugs
- Appliances including fridge and freezer (+ sanitise), oven, washing machine (incl. soap dispenser drawer), dishwasher (clean filters and run cycle with salt and dishwasher cleaner) and dryer (clean filter)
- Windows (inside and out)
- Inlets to extractor fans
- Hard to reach places where cobwebs may have gathered
Painting
- During the year your property sees a lot of wear and tear and a few scrapes and chips happen here and there. A quick refresh of the paintwork inside and out really brings the property back to life. You may not need to laintbthe whole property but should focus on the ares that are subject to the most wear and tear or are most visible.
Damp & Mould
- Check walls and ceilings for evidence of damp or mould – identify and address root cause(s). Treat mould with mould killer such as HG Mould Cleaner and make good any damaged decoration
- Replace or have cleaned any carpets or furnishings damaged by, or smelling of, mould
- Check the operation of ventilation systems – windows, extractor fans and trickle vents
- Open windows and use a dehumidifier as necessary
Cracks
- Check walls and the chimney to make sure the bricks, rendering and mortar are free from cracks
Septic Tanks
- Arrange to be emptied
Fire Safety
- Arrange for a review of the fire risk assessment and act on the findings of the fire risk assessment – keep a record in case any issues arise concerning your fire safety provisions
- Check Fire Action Notice displayed in guest rooms and any common areas
- Check information on the detection and fire warning system is available for guests and it contains information on what to do in the event of a false alarm
- If you have a fire extinguisher, check the pressure and expiry date – service or replace as necessary
Health & Safety
Check the following against the applicable laws and guidance and take the required action:
- Bunk Beds
- Carbon Monoxide – test detectors are working properly and replace batteries as needed
- Chimneys
- Electrical Installation
- Electrical Equipment (including appliances)
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems – serviced and tested
- Heat and Smoke Alarms – test detectors are working properly and replace batteries as needed
- Stoves (Multi-fuel and Wood Burning)
- Gas Installation – check gas installation is in date for service and safety check and a copy of gas safety record displayed in a conspicuous place in the property
- Gas Cooking Appliances
- Gas Catalytic Heaters
- General Product Safety
- Hazards
- Heating Appliances
- Legionella
- Oil Heaters
- Oil Installations
- Spa Pools
- Swimming Pools
- Windows and Glass
- Internal Window Blinds
- Window Locks
Woodwork
- Check all woodwork (windows, doors and doorframes, decking and cladding) for state of stain/varnish/paint and any cracking to the wood and make good
General
- Check all windows and doors open freely through the full range of motion
- Replace or remove broken items – replace items that are showing signs of wear and tear
Inventory
- De-clutter – Empty (and clean) all cupboards and dispose of any items you do not wish to supply for guests including items left by previous guests
- Check and update inventory, replacing any missing items guests may need
Insurance
- Check you have appropriate insurance in place for your liabilities
Photography
- Take new photographs to ensure any recent changes are captured – ensuring guests aren’t misled in any way when booking your property
House Manual
- Check the house manual and other information left for guests is up-to-date – get rid of out of date information/flyers
- Check clear instructions and signs are available for guests explaining how to use equipment supplied
