Spring is the ideal time to get ahead on preparing your Nantucket rental home for a seamless and successful summer season. With guests expecting comfort, cleanliness, and convenience, early prep can help you avoid last-minute stress. Use this comprehensive checklist to tackle essential tasks and ensure your home is guest-ready from the very first booking.
🗒️ Update Your House Welcome Book
A well-organized Welcome Book is one of the most helpful tools you can offer guests. It saves you from repeatedly answering questions like “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” and helps renters feel informed and comfortable. If you don’t have one yet, spring is the perfect time to create it. If you do, update it with the latest details: Wi-Fi login, emergency contacts, your 2025 Nantucket STR Permit, HVAC instructions, house rules, and check-out procedures.
🧽 Touch Base with Your Cleaner
Don’t wait until the week before your first check-in to find out your cleaner isn’t scheduled. Confirm their availability, rates, and review your booked check-in/check-out dates now. It’s also a great time to schedule your spring deep clean—giving both you and your guests peace of mind for the season ahead.
🛠️ Connect with Your Caretaker
Most island caretakers manage multiple properties, so it's important to align early on. Review expectations, confirm rates, discuss emergency protocols, and ask if they recommend any maintenance or improvements specific to your property.
🚛 Schedule Rubbish Removal
With recent changes among local waste providers, it’s best to double-check your trash and recycling services. Confirm your provider, set your start date, request your preferred pick-up days, and ask about current rates to avoid any surprises.
🧯 Service Heating, Cooling & Appliances
Unexpected breakdowns happen, but seasonal maintenance can help prevent them. Schedule servicing for your HVAC system or oil burner, and address any issues with major appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators. If something’s acting up—even occasionally—it’s better to repair or replace now than deal with it mid-rental.
🔋 Test Smoke & CO Detectors
As the homeowner, you’re responsible for guest safety. Check that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, and replace batteries or entire units as needed.
🧑🌾 Confirm All Regular Service Providers
From landscapers to pool techs to pest control, your service providers help keep your home in top condition. Touch base to confirm seasonal rates and schedules, and communicate any restrictions around days and times they can access the property—your guests will appreciate it.
🏖️ Check Your Beach Gear
Many renters come to Nantucket to enjoy the beach, so make sure your gear is up to par. Inspect beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and coolers for wear and tear. Replace anything broken, moldy, or stained so your guests can make the most of their island experience.
🛏️ Take Stock of Linens
Go through your linen closet and make sure you have at least two sets of sheets and pillowcases per bed, plus spare duvet covers and bath towels for your home’s maximum occupancy. Replace any worn, stained, or threadbare items to maintain a clean and comfortable feel.
📄 Apply for Your 2025 STR Permit
New for 2025, all Nantucket rental homes must have a valid Nantucket Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit to advertise or host guests. If you haven’t already, apply as soon as possible—it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for approval and to receive your permit. Once received, store a copy in your Welcome Book and be sure to provide one to our office for display on your listing. (Check our Nantucket STR Regulation Page for more details and exemptions.)
🧼 Restock Household Essentials
Guests expect basic supplies to be on hand when they arrive. Make sure you’re stocked with paper towels, toilet paper, dish and laundry detergent, hand soap, propane, and basic cleaning items. It’s also smart to keep spare lightbulbs, batteries, and a working vacuum on site.
🧹OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
🪟 Have Your Windows Cleaned
Salty wind and weather can leave a noticeable film. A professional window cleaning makes a huge difference in brightening your home and showing off those Nantucket views.
🧺 Declutter & Donate
Clear out closets, unused furniture, and décor that no longer fits your space. If items are in good condition, consider donating them to the Hospital Thrift Shop, where proceeds benefit Nantucket Cottage Hospital.
💦 Power Wash Outdoor Areas
After a long winter, your deck, patio, and outdoor furniture may need a refresh. Ask your caretaker if power washing is needed to make those spaces shine for summer—and extend the life of your furnishings.
Need help getting your home rental-ready? Visit our Rental Homeowner Resources page for permit guidance, service provider information, and more tools to make this your smoothest summer yet.