How to Rent Out Your Summer Home During the Winter

While a snowy upstate winter may not be your cup of cocoa, many urban- and suburbanites crave a secluded escape in the great, grey, blustery wilds.

Renting out your second home for the winter is a fantastic way to generate income, supplement the season’s maintenance costs, and keep your home occupied and loved while you’re away. However, with winter’s short days and potentially cruel conditions, a cold-season stay can require specific upkeep and strategy to make sure renters enjoy their visit.

Whether you rent for just a weekend or the whole season long, here are some tips on providing a great getaway during the year’s coldest months.

Fix ‘Er Up

You know all those needling tasks you’ve been meaning to get to for the last few weeks, months or even years? The time has come to address them. While you may be able to live with a drafty window or drippy roof, a renter may not be.

Cold weather conditions can also exacerbate what you perceive to be “small” problems. Ice in cracks can cause them to expand, drafts may cause heating costs to skyrocket, and aging materials can finally decide to kick the bucket and peel away, fall off, or disintegrate. Unhappy guests can raise a ruckus, and in an era of social media and reviews-driven rental sites, a bad review can go a long way to stifling your enterprise.

Be Honest in Your Listing

By letting renters know exactly what they’re signing on for, you manage expectations. This sets you up for both guests who want exactly what you have to offer and glowing reviews from those who enjoyed exactly what they got. If guests have to carry in or buy all the wood for the fireplace or wood stove, make a friendly mention.

If the steep driveway requires an all-wheel drive during icy or snowy conditions, say so. Plus, if you can’t swing all the repairs you’d like to per the above, warn guests that a faucet may drip or a fridge light bulb is permanently out. Transparency is the best policy.

Winter Amenities

Top hosts offer a welcome basket or kit to help orient visitors to their home and highlight local offerings. Standard items include:

• A welcome letter with instructions for the house, what’s available for renters to use, Wi-Fi passwords, emergency numbers, etc.
• Guidebooks and maps for local adventures and attractions
• A list of the host’s own favorite eating spots, shops and activities

Because a lot of upstate regions have seasonal shifts in offerings and availability, consider going the extra mile in providing:

• A list of upcoming cultural, culinary and outdoorsy events in the region
• Trail maps for regional ski, snowboard and snow-shoeing areas
• Flashlights for the shorter days
• A complimentary pack of hand warmers or toe warmers for the outdoorsy types
• Firestarters for the wood stove or fireplace so guests don’t have to struggle with kindling
• A complimentary box of cocoa or a sachet of spices for mulled wine
• Board games, books, and other cozy home activities

Schedule Maintenance and Support

With winter comes snowstorms, frozen pipes, power outages and more. If you’re not going to be in the area to welcome guests and tend to their needs during their stay, keep a list of reliable helpers to call should unwanted surprises pop up. On your list should be:

• A caretaker to address questions and concerns and maintain the property
• Snow expert to remove snow and ice from roads, walkways, driveways and roofs
• Plumber to handle frozen pipes or lukewarm water heaters
• Tree care and landscaping pro to mind fallen trees, branches and other safety issues
• A general contractor or handyman who can fix issues as needed

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