Managing your Dorset Holiday Let

If you’re planning to holiday let your Dorset property, understanding what good management looks like will make all the difference to your guests’ experience and your bookings. Whether you’re self-managing your holiday let or considering professional support from a trusted Dorset agency like ourselves at Dream Cottages, this guide covers everything you need to know, step by step.

Interested in how to start a holiday let business? Read our full guide here.

---

Efficient Holiday Let Changeovers

Changeovers are one of the most important parts of self-managing your holiday let. Effective planning and routines help ensure that nothing is missed between guests, especially during busy peak seasons. Always communicate with guests who are staying longer than a week to schedule mid-stay linen changes.

Helpful tip: Keep a reusable holiday let checklist (see below) and tick off each task to maintain consistency.

 

---

Your Essential Holiday Let Checklist

Before preparing the property for the next arrival, do a thorough initial check:

• Read the visitor book for comments or issues left by previous guests
• Open windows to air the property
• Check lights, heating, hot water and replace bulbs if needed
• Test kitchen appliances and electrical items
• Inspect soft furnishings, carpets, bathrooms and bedrooms
• Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working
• Report and fix urgent maintenance issues before guests arrive

For a deeper dive into how holiday let management options compare, see our breakdown of the different service levels available.

---

Garden and Grounds — First Impressions Matter

Guests notice the outside just as much as the inside:

• Check pathways, entrances and outdoor lighting
• Remove rubbish, clear broken glass, and refresh outdoor furniture
• Water plants and clean BBQ areas
• If you have a hot tub, follow proper water change procedures between bookings
• Small touches like picking fruit for arriving guests can boost reviews!

---

Inside the Property

Kitchen Management

The kitchen should be spotless and fully functional:

• Clean all appliances and wipe surfaces
• Check fridge/freezer for leftovers or blocked vents
• Ensure enough crockery, glasses, and kitchen essentials
• Provide basics like tea, coffee and cleaning supplies
• Check safety equipment like fire blankets and extinguishers
• Prepare baby-friendly items like highchairs if needed.

---

Living & Dining Areas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Remove dust from surfaces, windows and blinds
• Clean sofas and chairs — check for stains or damage
• Tidy books, games and entertainment areas
• Vacuum, mop and polish surfaces
• Make sure dining ware is clean and complete.

---

Bedrooms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Change all linen and strip beds immediately
• Check for forgotten items left by previous guests
• Ensure spare blankets, pillows and cot beds (if required) are ready
• Vacuum floors and inspect under beds
• Empty bins and dust all surfaces.

---

Bathrooms & Shower Rooms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Clean and disinfect toilets, sinks and bath/shower areas
• Check exhaust fans and watch for mould
• Leave toilet rolls and fresh mats
• Ensure all plumbing is working smoothly .

---

Hall, Stairs & Landing

• Check for cobwebs and dust
• Inspect stair railings and gates for safety
• Place a torch near the front door
• Remove flyers, old mail, and any clutter.

---

Finishing Touches That Impress

Before guests arrive:

• Deodorise the property if needed
• Turn on heating and hot water early
• Place keys in agreed location (key safe recommended)
• Consider a welcome hamper from local Dorset producers, a lovely touch for guests after travel.

---

Pest Prevention Tips

Regularly check for signs of pests and take preventative measures:

• Use sprays or traps where appropriate
• Inform guests of any pest-control devices and their locations
• Keep food securely stored to discourage pests.

---

Annual Deep Cleaning (Spring Clean)

At least once a year:

• Wash carpets, curtains, bedding and uncommon areas
• Touch up paint scratches and keep the interior looking fresh
• If cleaning becomes too much, explore our Full Cleaning and Laundry Service here.

---

Professional Support: Managed Holiday Let Services

While self-management can be rewarding (especially if you live nearby), many owners prefer professional support. At Dream Cottages we offer:

• Fully managed services (everything from bookings to maintenance)
• Partially managed services (choose what you need help with)
• Self-managed options with marketing and booking support only

Learn more about holiday let agency support in Dorset here.

---

FAQs — Holiday Let Management in Dorset

Q: Do I need a business waste collection service for my holiday let?
A: Yes, holiday lets are classified as businesses under local council regulations, and using household waste services is not permitted.

Q: Should I change over linen during long stays?
A: Yes, for stays longer than two weeks, guests usually expect at least one linen change.

Q: What safety measures should I check every stay?
A: Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire blankets and extinguishers should all be tested regularly.

Q: What if I don’t live close to my holiday let?
A: A fully managed service can handle cleaning, maintenance and guest support for you.

Q: How do I attract more bookings?
A: Great cleanliness, local welcome touches and accurate listing descriptions help drive reviews and repeat bookings and professional photography and marketing with an agency can increase visibility.

---

Contact the Dorset Holiday Let Experts

If you’d like help managing your Dorset holiday let or want to receive a FREE owner pack, contact us today. We’d love to support your journey as a holiday property owner.

We understand that all properties are different and sometimes some guidance may not apply to yours. If you are looking to holiday let your Dorset holiday home, contact us today for your free pricing appraisal and managed service options on 01305 789000 (option 2), or email: newowners@dream-cottages.co.uk.