Today’s holiday renters aren’t just looking for a place to sleep; they want to feel cosy, safe, and cared for. That means reliable heating, no frozen pipes, and dry paths from car to door. Knowing how to prepare your home for a holiday rental in winter will set you apart and keep those 5-star reviews coming.
Tip 1: Inspect and upgrade your heating system
Keeping guests warm is essential, which is why upgrading your heating system is one of the most important solutions for rentals, especially in winter. Check that your heating system can maintain 19 – 22°C across all rooms, especially bedrooms and living areas.
If you’re using a split system, test it thoroughly before peak season. Consider installing a climate control system, or, at the very least, ensure manual controls are clearly labelled and easy to adjust. Include usage instructions in your house manual to prevent confusion. It’s worth noting that a functional heating system impacts guest expectations and can earn you positive reviews. For pricing tips tied to comfort upgrades, see our winter pricing guide for Sydney Airbnb.
Tip 2: Seal draughts and improve insulation
Small gaps in your space can undo the heating efforts. Use door snakes, weather seals, and draught stoppers to block cold air from creeping in. For longer-term comfort and savings, consider attic or under-floor upgrades. These are smart winter-proof rental tips with a quick return on investment.
Guests won’t see the insulation but will take note if the room stays cold. Addressing draughts also means your system doesn’t need to overwork, which keeps things efficient and reliable during the chillier months.
Tip 3: Winterise plumbing and prevent frozen pipes
Insulate outdoor pipes and drain garden taps before the first cold snap; a burst line can ruin a guest’s stay and your budget in one night. Set a minimum indoor temperature on the heating system, even between bookings, to keep water moving.
You can also leave a note in the house manual asking guests to immediately report any new drips or odd noises. When preparing your Airbnb for winter stays, ensure you have a plumber on call and treat frozen-pipe alerts as urgent maintenance. Quick fixes at the moment mean no expensive water damage later.
Tip 4: Add cosy layers and winter bedding
Comfort starts at mattress level. Swap cotton sheets for brushed flannel, layer plush wool blankets on top, and add heated mattress pads for guests who feel the cold. Keep spare quilts and pillows in an open basket or labelled cupboard so no one needs to hunt for warmth.
These simple upgrades are among the classic, cosy guest room ideas most guests wish for and are a big part of preparing your property for winter. Finish the look by throwing rugs in earthy tones, mustard, or clay to bring visual warmth without necessarily turning up the heating controls.
Tip 5: Offer thoughtful winter extras
Small comforts leave a lasting impression. Place soft slippers and plush robes at the foot of each bed, and pop a hot water bottle on the bedside table, ready to fill. In the kitchen, set up a mini cocoa and loose-leaf tea station as part of stocking the pantry for guests who arrive late after a cold drive. When preparing a welcome pack for winter guests, touches like these often earn standout mentions in five-star reviews.
Tip 6: Provide clear safety essentials
Safety should feel effortless for guests. Start by testing every smoke and gas detector; if your system allows, link detectors to an innovative app so alerts reach you instantly. You should also place a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen, tagged and within easy reach.
As good practice, add simple winter signage such as “Turn heater off before sleeping” or “Dry wet shoes away from radiators” to reduce risks.
Tip 7: Prepare for snow and ice hazards outdoors
Slippery surfaces are a real risk in colder regions like some parts of Victoria. You should stock some essentials like ice melt, coarse sand or gravel, and a sturdy shovel. Also, lay down non-slip mats at the entryway and check that steps and driveways are clear before each stay.
Another tip is installing motion-sensor lighting to help guests safely navigate dark, icy corners.
Tip 8: Stock a winter emergency kit
A well-stocked winter emergency kit helps avoid panic in unexpected situations. You want to include torches with spare batteries, power-bank chargers, thermal blankets, and a basic first-aid kit. Pack everything into a labelled container and store it somewhere accessible, then clearly mention its location in your printed and digital guest guide.
Most travellers won’t need it, but knowing it’s there brings peace of mind. For properties in storm-prone or regional areas, this level of care signals trustworthiness and sets your listing apart.
Tip 9: Highlight winter features in your property listing
Refresh your listing each autumn to spotlight its cold-weather drawcards. Swap beach shots for images of steaming mugs by the fireplace or guests soaking in the hot tub under starry skies.
For what to include in the Airbnb winter listing, mention under-floor heating, plush blankets on every bed, and whether your property is within walking distance of winter festivals or ski shuttle stops – if they’re easy for guests to access. To optimise your listing for winter appeal, check out our guide to creating a guest-ready Airbnb that earns five-star reviews.
Tip 10: Communicate winter instructions clearly to guests
Clarity goes a long way in cold weather. Place quick-start labels on heaters (“Turn knob clockwise for heat”) and stick a reminder near the hot tub: “Please replace the lid after use.” Consider including winter-specific safety cards in the guestbook, fireplace dos and don’ts, how to use the heat pump, and where to find the snow shovel.
Your pre-arrival email should also reinforce key reminders. These small steps meet winter-specific guest expectations, help reduce calls, prevent misuse, and keep guests warm, safe, and confident throughout their stay.
Get your property guest-ready this winter with L’Abode Accommodation
Preparing your holiday rental for winter doesn’t have to be stressful. From heating checks to guest communication and seasonal safety, L’Abode Accommodation offers practical support that helps protect your home and keep guests comfortable.
Whether you own one property or several, our experienced team is here to handle the details, so you don’t have to. Discover how our property management services can make winter prep easy and stress-free.