Vacation Rental Upgrades that Martha's Vineyard Tenants Love

Owning a summer vacation rental property on Martha's Vineyard can be a lucrative investment, but it's essential to keep it well-maintained and up-to-date to attract happy tenants. Making thoughtful and cost-effective updates can not only increase your property's appeal but also lead to higher occupancy rates and positive reviews. In this blog post, we'll discuss several key areas where you can make updates that tenants will appreciate, such as replacing beds and linens, updating furnishings, adding smart TVs, and enhancing outdoor spaces.

Refreshing Bedrooms and Linens

One of the most critical factors in ensuring a pleasant stay for your tenants is a comfortable and clean sleeping environment. Over time, beds can become worn out, and linens can start showing signs of wear and tear. Here's what you should consider:

a. Beds: It's recommended to replace mattresses every 7-10 years, and if your vacation rental sees high turnover, you might want to consider replacing them more frequently. High-quality, comfortable mattresses is often the most important factor in tenant satisfaction.

b. Linens: Invest (but don't overspend) in durable, high-quality bed linens and towels. Regularly inspect them for signs of wear and replace them as needed. White linens can give a clean and fresh appearance to your rental property. Top of the line linens are not required, since they will require replacing every few years.

Updating Furnishings

Furnishings on Martha's Vineyard play a vital role in the overall aesthetics and comfort of your vacation rental. Keep the following in mind:

a. Furniture: Evaluate the condition of your furniture periodically. You don't need to replace everything at once, but consider upgrading key pieces like sofas and dining sets when they start to show signs of wear. Mismatched and "hand me down" furniture is not acceptable. Tenants would rather new, less expensive furniture in a trending look over more expensive, older pieces that are outdated and don't match the overall esthetic of a vacation home.

b. Decor: Stay current with interior design trends by adding trendy throw pillows, artwork, or decorative items. These small touches can make your rental property feel fresh and appealing.

Adding Smart TVs and Electronics

In today's tech-savvy world, tenants often expect modern amenities, including smart TVs and other electronics:

a. Smart TVs: Investing in smart TVs with streaming capabilities like Netflix and Hulu are a must to appeal to today's travelers. Most Martha's Vineyard vacationers are tech savvy and want to enjoy their favorite shows and movies during their stay.

b. High-speed Wi-Fi: Ensure your vacation rental has reliable high-speed internet. A strong Wi-Fi connection is essential for guests who need to work remotely or stream content on their devices.

c. Charging stations: Consider adding USB charging stations and multiple power outlets in convenient locations throughout the property. This can make life easier for your guests who need to charge their devices.

Enhancing Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces are often a highlight of summer vacation rentals. Make the most of them by:

a. Outdoor Furniture: Invest in durable and comfortable outdoor furniture. Consider options like lounge chairs, dining sets, and umbrellas that provide shade. Guests love to relax and dine outdoors.

b. Grilling Areas: If space allows, create a designated grilling area with a barbecue grill. Outdoor cooking is a popular summer activity for vacationers.

c. Outdoor Activities: Provide outdoor games or equipment like cornhole, bicycles, or kayaks to keep guests entertained during their stay.

To keep your summer vacation rental property competitive and ensure that tenants have a memorable and enjoyable stay, it's essential to make regular updates. Focus on providing a comfortable sleeping environment, updating furnishings, incorporating modern electronics, and enhancing outdoor spaces. These cost-effective improvements will not only attract more tenants but also lead to positive reviews and repeat bookings, ultimately maximizing your rental property's potential. Remember, happy tenants are more likely to become loyal guests, bringing you consistent rental income season after season.