There are lots of potential benefits to owning and managing your own vacation rental property -- positive cash flow, reduced cost of ownership and possible tax incentives, to name just a few. But maintaining the property can be tough, especially if you don't live locally. By enlisting the help of nearby service providers, you can avoiding turning the reins over to a broker without sacrificing your personal life during the rental season.

1. Hire a Cleaner Who Also Inspects

Cleaning issues are a common guest complaint, and a guest who's dissatisfied with cleaning is likely to look for other issues to report. Create a cleaning process that covers all the bases, and give the cleaner a checklist that makes him accountable for completing each task.

The cleaner should also do a cursory inspection after each clean to check for damage and burned-out light bulbs and to make sure the thermostat is set correctly and the HVAC system is working, the hot water is on, and TVs and Internet modems and routers are properly set.

2. Compile a List of Reputable Repair Technicians

You need a list of at least two or three repair technicians in each category, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, locksmith and general maintenance. At least one individual in each category should handle after-hours emergencies.

3. Hire an Answering Service

Reduce the number of calls you receive by contracting with an answering service to field and screen guest calls. The service can handle the entire volume of calls, or serve as an after-hours emergency service.

You can give the service instructions they can relay to guests, such as check-in and check-out times and lost lockbox combinations. More importantly, you can define the situations that constitute an after-hours emergency, and instruct the service to put through to you only those calls that meet the definition. The service will email or fax you a report each morning that lists details of the previous night's calls so that you can contact guests who reported non-emergencies.

4. Encourage Repeat Guests

Repeat guests are often more self-sufficient and understanding when things go wrong than are first-time guests who have had limited experience with you and are unfamiliar with your property. The proprietary feeling they have for your property may also encourage them to bring minor issues to your attention, even if they don't request or require service.

The best reason to rent out your property is because you enjoy doing it. By reducing the time and energy that go into managing it, you can focus on the positive aspects while continuing to deliver excellent customer service that ensures positive experiences for each and every guest. For more help in knowing how a 24/7 answering service could help, contact a company with professional experience.