Devon's holiday let market is competitive. The properties that get repeat bookings and great reviews are the ones that work perfectly. Here's the maintenance schedule that keeps them that way.
The Holiday Let Challenge
Different from Long-Term Rentals
Higher turnover: New guests weekly means more wear, more inspection, more maintenance.
Higher expectations: Guests paying holiday prices expect hotel-quality function.
Review-driven: One broken thing = bad review = fewer future bookings.
Seasonal pressure: Peak season is when everything must work perfectly - and when you can least afford downtime.
Weekly Maintenance (Every Changeover)
Cleaner Checks
Train cleaners to report:
- Anything broken or damaged
- Appliances not working
- Stains that won't clean
- Low supplies needing reorder
- Guest complaints noted in book
Owner/Manager Checks
If possible, visit between guests to:
- Test all appliances
- Check heating/hot water
- Inspect for damage
- Replenish consumables
Quick Fixes to Have Ready
Keep stock of:
- Light bulbs (all types used in property)
- Batteries (remotes, smoke alarms)
- Toilet roll, cleaning supplies
- Spare keys
- Basic tools
Monthly Maintenance
Inspections
Every month:
- All appliances working
- All doors and windows operating
- Drain flow (sinks, showers)
- Heating system (even in summer - guests use hot water)
- Outdoor furniture condition
Preventive Tasks
| Task | Why |
|---|---|
| Descale kettle | Keeps it working, looks cleaner |
| Check showerheads | Limescale blocks flow |
| Inspect outdoor areas | Weather damage, trip hazards |
| Test smoke/CO alarms | Legal and safety |
| Check fire extinguisher | Legal requirement |
Quarterly Maintenance
Spring (March)
Post-winter recovery:
- Full exterior inspection
- Gutter clearance
- Garden preparation
- Outdoor furniture check
- Window clean (inside and out)
- Deep clean (carpets, upholstery)
Devon-specific:
- Check for damp after wet winter
- Ventilation effectiveness
- Exterior paint condition
Summer (June)
Pre-peak preparation:
- Everything working before busy period
- Backup supplies stocked
- BBQ (if provided) serviced
- Garden at its best
- Hot tub service (if applicable)
Autumn (September)
End of peak:
- Assess wear from busy season
- Schedule repairs before winter
- Heating system check
- Boiler service
- Gutter clearance (before leaves fall)
Winter (December)
Low season opportunity:
- Major repairs and refurbishment
- Painting and decorating
- Furniture replacement
- Deep cleaning
- Updates and improvements
Annual Maintenance
Required by Law
| Item | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Safety Certificate | Annual | Before certificate expires |
| PAT Testing | Annual (recommended) | For all electrical appliances |
| Fire extinguisher service | Annual | Also check fire blanket |
| Legionella risk assessment | Depends | If applicable |
| Hot tub service | Per manufacturer | Usually quarterly |
Highly Recommended
| Item | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler service | Annual | Ideally autumn |
| EICR | 5 years | Or on change of let |
| Full inventory check | Annual | Replace missing/worn items |
| Professional carpet clean | Annual | Or more if high occupancy |
| External decoration | 2-3 years | Devon weather accelerates this |
Devon-Specific Considerations
Weather Damage
Devon's wet climate means:
- More frequent gutter clearing
- Moss and algae on paths/decks
- Exterior paint deteriorates faster
- Damp risks in closed properties
- Mould in bathrooms if poorly ventilated
Coastal Properties
Extra attention to:
- Salt corrosion on fittings
- More frequent external painting
- Window seal condition
- Gutter and metalwork
Rural Properties
Consider:
- Septic tank maintenance
- Private water supply (if applicable)
- Oil heating system service
- Access track condition
- Garden maintenance through seasons
Between-Season Deep Work
Use the Quiet Season
November-February (except Christmas) is ideal for:
Major work:
- Bathroom or kitchen refresh
- Flooring replacement
- Repainting throughout
- Furniture replacement
- System upgrades
Why winter:
- Bookings lower (less lost revenue)
- Tradespeople more available
- More time to complete properly
- Ready for spring marketing
Emergency Response
Have a Plan
Who to call:
- Plumber (for leaks, heating)
- Electrician (for safety issues)
- Handyman (for general breakdowns)
- Locksmith (for lockouts)
Guest communication:
- Emergency number provided
- Clear instructions for basic issues
- Response time commitment
Common Holiday Let Emergencies
| Emergency | Immediate Action |
|---|---|
| No hot water | Check boiler (often simple reset) |
| Blocked drain | Plunger provided, then callout |
| Lost keys | Spare set with neighbor/keysafe |
| Power cut | Check trip switch, then supplier |
| Heating off | Check thermostat, timer, boiler |
What I Can Help With
Regular Maintenance Contract
For holiday let owners:
- Monthly inspection rounds
- Priority callout for guest issues
- Changeover support
- Minor repairs included
- Detailed reporting
Seasonal Preparation
Pre-season blitz:
- Full property check
- Minor repairs
- Touch-up painting
- Exterior tidying
- Everything working before guests arrive
Post-season recovery:
- Damage assessment
- Repair scheduling
- Deep maintenance
- Ready for winter lets
Emergency Callout
When guests have issues:
- Rapid response (when available)
- Guest-friendly service
- Fix on-site where possible
- Clear communication with owner
Cost Planning
Annual Budget Guide
For a typical 2-3 bed Devon cottage:
| Category | Annual Budget |
|---|---|
| Legal requirements (certificates) | £200-400 |
| Routine maintenance | £500-1000 |
| Repairs (reactive) | £300-600 |
| Seasonal deep work | £300-500 |
| Contingency | £300-500 |
| Total | £1,600-3,000 |
This is in addition to cleaning, linen, and management costs.
Got a holiday let in Devon? I provide maintenance support for holiday property owners - from regular rounds to emergency callouts. Reliable, local, and I understand what guest satisfaction requires. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.