All Forum Posts by: Jonathan Baptiste

When hiring a contractor for substantial renovations, start by researching local licensed and insured contractors with solid reviews. Request estimates from at least three, providing detailed information about the project scope. It’s ideal to have them view the property after the inspection, so they can consider any issues discovered during the inspection in their bid. This approach ensures realistic pricing and helps avoid unexpected costs later.

Hi Jonathan. There's no precise figure because no one will understand your STR or market as well as you do- or, as well as you will (with time). When I first began, working with a property management company, they asked me to provide (and list clearly) the starter set that came with the house. It was on the more limited side in general (for a few days' worth). However, we left out a fairly full container of laundry pods. Guests seemed fine with this (or would say something privately, thank goodness- not in reviews). However, we have a higher end market so it always struck me as strange that we'd only provide such a small amount since it doesn't cost that much more to provide more. Then, a guest got called out for sneaking in 4 dogs (we only allow 2). And after their visit, more than 48 of those detergent pods "disappeared". So we moved to liquid and only leaving it a third full. Etc.

When I took over management, I've gone with providing more since having a well-stocked kitchen and house seems more consistent with the experience we want to provide. But I try to balance that "more" with reasonable use (for the time period they're there). It's adjustable based on size, erring on the side of generosity. So, for example, a 4-night stay for a group of 12? 2 extra toilet paper rolls in every bathroom (we have 4), extra paper towels, extra trash bags, at least 8 dishwasher pods, etc. But a 4-night stay for 2 persons? We'll still provide extra but just not quite as much.

Beyond check lists, getting stocks replenished correctly and consistently is really dependent on the cleaners and quality review. Re-stock is supposed to happen a certain way but I recently had a group staying for Christmas who reached out to ask if there were extra paper towels. There should have been but this was missed in the rush of holidays and high traffic. I apologized and said (and truly meant) I'd follow up on it and improve for the future. They luckily took it in stride (and the grocery store is 10-minutes away) and still left us a 5-star review.

But now, I'm wondering what can be simplified and what are more sustainable practices in the long run. So I'm still learning all the time. And I can see why the different offerings (some stock light, others heavily) make sense. The more you provide, the more complicated it gets for your cleaner or whoever manages quality review. I wouldn't leave it all to trust, however. For most guests, you'd be fine. But a few guests are going to burn you. Also, keeping track of inventory is important as well (as is a trustworthy cleaner and that can get tricky if you have too much stock). You'll figure it out over time.

Even if the tenant's tone is a bit challenging, try to see things from their perspective—they might genuinely believe they're paying more than their fair share without individual meters. Now, consider some solutions: submetering is an option, allowing for individual usage tracking, but be cautious about upfront installation costs and regulations. Alternatively, a fixed monthly fee based on estimated usage or dividing the bill by square footage occupied could simplify matters, though fairness might vary. For a more involved approach, suggest that tenants track their appliance usage for a more accurate and cooperative adjustment of payments.

If you have already tried talking with them several times in a friendly, calm and respectful manner about the issues, then there really is not much left you can do. As a fellow house hacker and introvert, I have had those uncomfortable conversations too. If the people can not adhere to basic cleanliness and respecting rules of the home, you have to ask them to leave.