If you own a holiday rental, summer is your grand-final season. Bookings spike, nightly rates climb and travellers are actively hunting for homes that feel clean, safe, easy and well cared for.
The properties that perform best aren’t always the ones with the flashiest features they’re the ones that are prepared.
A little attention now can mean five-star reviews, repeat guests and a fully booked calendar through the Christmas–New Year peak.
Whether your place is on the beach, in the city or tucked into a regional getaway spot, here’s how to get it in top shape for summer plus a quick look at the new compliance rules in NSW and Victoria that every short-stay host should understand.
Start With a Summer-Ready Deep Clean
Holiday guests notice everything especially after long travel days. A deep clean instantly lifts the property and removes any signs of previous stays. Here’s a practical pre-season checklist:
General areas
- Steam-clean carpets and rugs
- Wash curtains or wipe down blinds
- Clean windows (inside and out)
- Dust ceiling fans and AC vents
- Wash scuff marks off walls
- Vacuum behind and under furniture
Kitchen
- Scrub the oven and stovetop
- Clean range hood filters
- Empty and disinfect the fridge
- Replace chipped crockery and mismatched glassware
- Check all appliances work (toaster, kettle, coffee machine, microwave)
Bedrooms
- Wash mattress protectors and pillow protectors
- Rotate mattresses
- Replace worn linen with hotel-grade basics
- Add spare pillows and lightweight summer blankets
Bathrooms
- Remove mould from tiles and silicone
- Replace cracked toilet seats and shower heads
- Restock toiletries and supply extra rolls of toilet paper
- Descale taps and polish mirrors
Outdoor areas
- Wipe furniture, oil timber surfaces
- Blast paths and decks with a pressure washer
- Clean the BBQ and replace gas bottles
- Remove cobwebs and trim overgrown plants
The cleaner your property feels, the more likely guests will care for it and the better your reviews will look by January.
Upgrade Guest Experience With Smart Tech
Summer guests love convenience, and smart tech removes friction from arrivals, departures and communication.
Smart locks
Smart locks are now considered a must-have for short stays because they:
- Allow easy self check-in
- Remove lost-key issues
- Improve security
- Let you set one-time temporary codes
Smart climate control
Heatwaves are becoming more common, so climate control plays a huge role in guest comfort and your power bill. Consider:
- Wi-Fi enabled split systems
- Smart thermostats that limit temperature ranges
- Automatic shut-offs when guests leave
Useful extras
- Outdoor Wi-Fi cameras for entrance-only monitoring
- Solar pathway lights
- USB charging ports or bedside wireless chargers
These touches make your property feel modern and well thought-out.
Set Peak-Season Pricing the Smart Way
Don’t underprice summer. Good dynamic pricing can add thousands to your December and January revenue. Here’s how to get it right:
Review competitor listings
Search comparable properties and track how their prices rise week by week into the Christmas peak.
Highlight summer-friendly features
If your property includes air-conditioning, outdoor dining areas, beach gear, a pool or even just great airflow, make sure your listing clearly emphasises these benefits. Guests pay more for comfort in hot weather.
Set minimum stays for peak weeks
Three to seven-night stays reduce changeovers and increase profitability over New Year’s Eve and long weekends.
Check Short-Stay Compliance Rules in New South Wales and Victoria*
Regulations have tightened especially around safety standards and registration. Here’s a simplified overview (not legal advice).
New South Wales
Short-term rentals in NSW must comply with:
- Mandatory property registration with a STRA number
- Fire safety standards, including smoke alarms in every bedroom and hallway, evacuation diagrams and fire blankets in kitchens
- 30-night limits for non-hosted stays in certain local government areas (Byron Shire being the most restricted)
- Annual registration renewal
If your place is a strata property, check whether the strata by-laws allow short-term stays.
Victoria
Victoria introduced new legislation in recent years that holiday-rental owners must be aware of:
- Consumer Affairs Victoria registration for many types of short stays
- Minimum safety requirements including electrical checks and working smoke alarms
- New levy on short-stay accommodation coming into effect (based on a percentage of nightly rate)
- Body corporates may set additional rules on noise, guest numbers and behaviour
Both states continue adjusting regulations, so owners should keep an eye on local council updates before peak travel periods.
Add Thoughtful Summer Touches Guests Remember
Great summer rentals feel breezy, organised and personal without being cluttered. Try:
- Beach towels and a sand-friendly mat
- A welcome basket with cold drinks, sunscreen sachets or local snacks
- A quick-start guide for the air-con, TV and Wi-Fi
- A laminated sheet of local recommendations: beaches, cafés, walking trails, markets
Little touches often turn good reviews into glowing ones.
Final Pre-Season Checklist for Owners
- Test all appliances
- Check smoke alarms and fire equipment
- Restock pantry essentials (oil, salt, pepper, tea, coffee)
- Replace batteries in remotes
- Confirm cleaners and linen services for peak days
- Update your listing photos, bright, summer-fresh images convert better
- Review house rules and guest manuals
- Ensure your insurance covers short-term letting
A Well-Prepared Property Means A Stress-Free Summer
Preparing your investment property for summer doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a good deep clean, smart tech upgrades, thoughtful guest touches and a clear understanding of NSW and Victorian compliance, your holiday rental can attract better bookings, and higher nightly rates, all season long.
*NSW Gov & Consumer Affairs Victoria