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Interior Design: The Best Style for Your Airbnb

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With the new year comes new trends in every area of life – including interior design. Below are the predictions for this coming year and what potential guests will be on the lookout for.  

Consider a renovation in one of these styles to increase returns and ensure your Airbnb is fully booked in 2022. 

Cottagecore 

Cottagecore is when the romanticisation of rural life meets interior design. It’s a cosy aesthetic with vintage and floral design elements. So, think teapots, vintage chandeliers, and claw-foot tubs.  

But it’s not just a design style, it’s a lifestyle. Cottagecore is all about the simplicity and comfort that comes with rural living. When designing your space, think about the furnishings you’ll need for self-reliance and ease.  

Cottagecore homes have plenty of natural light, plants, rustic wooden furniture, vintage décor and clutter. Nothing says comfortable living quite like foraging baskets, ingredient jars, dried herbs and stacks of books strewn about the space. 

Cottagecore is listed in over 110,000 rental descriptions on Airbnb. 

Sustainable 

Sustainable interior design is all about reducing the negative impact a home has on the environment. It encourages people to strive to have a positive impact on the environment and to seek a sense of connection to the planet. 

By being aware of who made your home and the contents within you’ll be mindful of the goods in the supply chain, where they come from and the impact they truly have on society, the economy and the environment.  

Sustainable homes are designed with mindfulness, awareness and low negative impact. Sustainable listings on Airbnb are currently growing 15% faster than other listings.  

Read Now: Why Sustainable Real Estate is the Future 

Botanical 

Botanical design is an eclectic and dreamy aesthetic that emphasises the use of indoor plants. The idea is to give a sense of bringing the outdoors inside with the use of both plants and plant-like features.   

Botanical homes will have elements like exposed wood, green or living walls, tropical wallpaper and plant print fabrics. The use of botanical descriptions appears in almost 45,000 on Airbnb. 

Eclectic Nostalgic 

Eclectic nostalgic design is a décor style that combines a mixture of time periods, styles, trends, textures and colours. Homes in this style feature an abundance of objects and shapes in different styles, creating a beautifully eclectic atmosphere.   

When designing your own space in this style make sure to have a unifying theme, such as the 70s, to avoid the mistake of designing a space that is simply chaotic. 

Over 50,000 listings on Airbnb feature words related to this design style. 

Maximalism  

Maximalism is a playful style of interior design where more is more. It uses bold gestures with layers of texture and patterns, bright colours and plenty of accessories and art.   

A maximalist home doesn’t have one clear look, it’s all about going big and bold with your interior and ensuring no space in the room is left untouched. However, make sure your design is cohesive so it doesn’t overwhelm. To provide relief to the colours and patterns try hard wood or marble finishes.  

Over 35,000 listings include maximalism keywords on Airbnb 

Read Now: 8 Essentials You Need for Your Airbnb Bathroom 

Grandmillennial 

Grandmillennial is a style of modern-day design combined with retro elements. It focuses on making vintage pieces and reclaimed furniture look like they belong in a modern interior.  

Homes in this style feature patterns, inherited pieces and second-hand furniture in a modern setting. It is seen as a rebellion against the popular minimalist style of interior design.   

Over 14,000 listings include grandmillennial descriptions on Airbnb. 

Gothic 

Gothic interior design is a design movement that has resurfaced over the years in several forms. It features dramatic architectural features like pointed arches, fireplaces, stained glass, and wooden ceiling beams paired with rich dark colours and textures.  

Homes in this style often have stone or dark hardwood floors, deep toned rugs and dramatically painted walls. To decorate the space think elaborately carved furniture, candles and wrought iron pieces.   

19,000 listings on Airbnb feature gothic terminology in their descriptions. 

Seasonal Décor 

The holidays are a prime time for holiday bookings, and with this comes seasonal decorations in your rental.  

To decorate your space for the holiday season there are several elements you can add to your existing interior from twinkly lights to wrapped gifts under the tree. 

For an elegant look consider wooden or naturally coloured decorations, or for a more personal touch consider making your own decorations.  

Almost 90,000 listings use seasonal descriptions, such as Christmas, on Airbnb. 

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For more interior design tips for your Airbnb contact our experts at Keey today!  

How to Carry Out a Thorough Rental Property Inspection

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It’s natural that all landlords should want to make sure their properties are being looked after and kept in good condition.  

Therefore, it’s important to conduct inspections that are both thorough and in keeping with the law, to help achieve a harmonious relationship between landlord and tenants. 

The main (and most obvious) reason for a property inspection is to check for any new signs of damage or deterioration, so that you can arrange to get things fixed where necessary.  

However, your duties and limitations as a landlord may not be as immediately obvious as just checking for any signs of damage to your property.  

Therefore, we have created an essential guide to help you swiftly conduct your property inspections.  

What Should a Landlord Check When Inspecting a Property? 

As a landlord, you have a duty to make sure your property is legally compliant and a safe place for your tenants to live. You will be looking to see if anything needs repairing or replacing and whether there is anything that might represent a danger to the tenant.  

It’s also a great opportunity to check that the tenant isn’t doing anything that is in breach of the tenancy agreement. As well as this, inspections give you the perfect opportunity to check in with your tenants to make sure they are happy. You can use this opportunity to discuss and resolve any potential issues they might have. 

We’ve separated our inspection check list into three distinct sections to help you: 

  • Statutory inspection checks 
  • Tenancy breaches 
  • Recording the Property’s Condition.

Statutory Inspection Checks 

The checks in this section are required for health and safety: 

  1. Fire Safety 
  • Test all smoke and CO alarms and replace batteries if necessary 
  • Make sure that escape routes are freely accessible and that the tenant knows where they are 
  • Make sure that all fire doors have clear access and can be opened 
  • Check that all supplied furniture is fire safe. 
  1. Gas Safety 
  • Give the tenant a copy of the gas safety certificate before they move in 
  • Have every gas appliance, boiler and flue checked by a registered engineer annually 
  • Verify the property has hot water and the heating works. 
  1. Electrical Safety 
  • Have a registered electrician carry out a professional check every five years. 

Tenancy Breaches 

  1. Illegal Activity 

Sometimes the signs can be obvious… Drug use can be easy to spot through smell and the paraphernalia used. 

  1. Tenants subletting 

Your tenant might be looking to sublet your property without your knowledge or permission. Subletting can lead to overcrowding which has legal implications. Signs that your property might be being sublet include: 

  • A tenant claiming the people staying there are just guests 
  • Too many beds for the number of tenants. 
  1. Smoking 

Most tenancy agreements ban smoking as it can result in costly repairs which are timing consuming. The smell of cigarettes is easy to detect as it lingers and is hard to cover up. Even harder to hide are nicotine stains or worse burns.  

Remind the tenant that they are ultimately responsible for returning the property in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy. If they don’t, they will have to pay for the damages. 

  1. Undisclosed Pets 

The government have changed their model tenancy agreement, making it easier for landlords and tenants to include well-behaved pets in their tenancy. However, many landlords still object to having a pet. If there is evidence of a pet at the property you should discuss this with your tenant. 

Read Now: Landlord Best Practices: Is it Worth Allowing Pets? 

Recording the Property’s Condition 

  1. Damp and Mould 

Condensation is the most common form of damp in rented properties. It occurs when excess moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window. This can lead to mould growth and tends to be worse in winter because of the cooler temperatures.  

Mould can represent a serious health hazard. It can be caused by the tenant not using ventilation or heating properly. If that’s the case you should discuss this with the tenant to find solutions. Check for:

  • Flaking paint 
  • Mould spores 
  • Dark patches 
  • Unpleasant musty smells. 
  1. Leaks 

You should conduct a thorough check of all taps and plumbing for leaks and drips. Fix these before they develop into serious issues. 

Burst pipes for instance can cause a great amount of water to flood into the property very quickly. Prevent these by keeping all plumbing in good condition.  

  1. Pest Infestations 

Depending on the rest, both property and health can be at risk with a pest infestation. For this reason, ensure your tenant alerts you regarding any possible infestation as soon as they notice it. 

  1. Cleanliness 

If a lack of cleanliness caused by the tenant is causing damage to the property, you should address it promptly. If you believe the standard of cleanliness is unreasonable you can suggest how it could be improved. 

  1. Blocked Drains 

Blocked drains are usually caused by fat, grease, hair and objects such as wet wipes or sanitary products. Where the tenant is responsible for these, talk to the tenant about their habits and discuss preventative measures. Although drains are the landlord’s statutory responsibility, tenants will be responsible for blockages they have caused.  

How Often Should a Landlord Inspect a Property? 

You don’t want to be constantly popping in on your tenants. Usually, the first couple of visits give you a feel for the tenants and this can determine how often you’ll need to visit. 

However, it may be a good idea when you start the tenancy to agree on an inspection schedule. Quarterly (every three months) is a good amount of time between checks. 

Giving Notice of an Inspection  

Landlord have some rights of access, as per the Housing Act 1988. In accordance with tenant and landlord law, you’re required to give a minimum 24 hours’ notice before you visit, otherwise your tenants are within their legal rights to refuse you entry. 

Can Tenants Refuse Access to the Property? 

Be aware that you must have a genuine reason to ask for access. If you show up unexpectedly, tenants have the right to turn you away. 

Read Now: 5 Things You Shouldn’t Do As A Landlord 

Entering the Property in an Emergency 

Landlords can access a rental property in an emergency, without first seeking consent from the tenant. Examples of emergency scenarios include: 

  • Fire or gas leaks 
  • You strongly suspect the tenant is doing something illegal 
  • A neighbour reports a nasty smell of decay and you can’t get hold of the tenant 
  • A neighbour reports water pouring from the ceiling from your flat upstairs 
  • You need to carry out urgent structural repairs to the property. 

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If you want to learn more about how to manage your properties and feel you can benefit from Keey’s services, take a look at what we can do for you.  

5 Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for your Airbnb

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Landscaping can be frustrating for property owners, especially if you have multiple properties which all require different forms of maintenance. Finding the right balance of landscaping solutions for your rental property can be a challenge. 

As a rental property owner, you need to find the right balance between your desire for an attractive rental property and the investment you put in. This includes both time and money spent on maintenance.  

The multitude of factors to consider when running a rental property means that landscaping is often an afterthought when preparing a new home for tenants. Cutting down on costs is always a priority when running a business, but great landscaping can be a valuable asset for your properties. Therefore, we have come up with the best low maintenance landscaping solutions to suit both your desires and your bank balance.  

Read Now: The Best and Worst Home Maintenance Projects for Your Rental Value 

Will Landscaping Increase the Property Value? 

Many landlords don’t see landscaping as an investment. Instead, they view landscaping as a nuisance. This is because they want to keep their expense as low as possible – understandably so.  

But what kind of value could landscaping add to your rental? Investing in just a few low-maintenance enhancements will add great value to your property and keep your replacement costs low. Most importantly, making this investment will make your rental property more attractive to tenants who are willing to pay more to rent a well-landscaped home.  

However, similar to interior improvements and renovations you don’t want to overdo it. Always keep in mind your rental competition and return on investment. 

These cost-efficient, low maintenance solutions will help you get the most out of your property and its outdoor space:

Planting Perennials 

As most property owners are only too aware, gardening can be extremely high maintenance. However, it doesn’t have to be! Planting perennials are a great way to tackle this while still keeping your garden blooming.  

One of the biggest advantages of perennial plants is that they don’t need to be replanted every year. You can save time and energy by not clearing a flowerbed of last year’s plants, sowing seeds and mulching an area every year.   

You can use perennials to improve the soil structure as their roots help to create channels for water to travel through. Perennials are great to control your lawn, prevent soil erosion and take away from the maintenance needs of a full lawn! 

Artificial Grass 

Opting for artificial grass over natural grass is one of the top money-saving choices you can make when it comes to designing your landscape. Replacing grass will have an upfront cost, but it will save you time and money on maintenance. With just a little cleaning and occasional brushing your artificial grass lawn will always be ready for your guests.  

Artificial lawns have improved their quality over recent years and are now a very popular garden installation. Who doesn’t love a lawn you don’t have to mow? However, it must be noted that not all artificial lawns are created equal!  

Remember to ask your contractor to give you samples and provide you with the manufacturer specification, including any guarantees. Ensure that there is at least 4 inches of compacted base underneath the lawn. Problems can arise if it wasn’t dug out to the correct depth and the correct sub-base wasn’t installed. 

Read Now: How to Successfully Manage Your Airbnb Property Remotely 

Hardscaping 

Hardscaping refers to any man-made structure within landscaping such as walkways, patios, decks, paving stones etc. While the word hardscaping might sound like a more difficult version of landscaping, it’s actually a fairly easy practice. Hardscaping allows you to make lasting elements to your garden, adding both style and functionality to your outdoor space.

Here are some ways to put hardscaping into practice: 

Paving 

Paving is one of the best surfaces for any garden. It’s not only functional but attractive. Crucially, it’s pretty much indestructible as far as landscaping goes. Therefore, it’s a great solution for rental property owners who may not have the time to maintain their rental properties’ landscapes. 

Paving can create amazing patio spaces for your tenants to enjoy, help increase your property value and see a greater return on investment.   

It must be noted that paving is expensive, but once completed, it’s maintenance free and long lasting. People will be willing to pay more to rent out your property if they can see lots of places to relax and spend their time.  

Decking 

Decking is a popular landscaping installation. It’s usually thought of as a quick and affordable alternative to paving, which gives a rustic and naturally attractive appearance to your garden.  

Like paving, decking is a great solution for property owners who don’t have the time to maintain their property’s landscape.  

However, it must be noted that one of the main draw backs with decking is that the wood will degrade – standard soft wood does well if it lasts 15 years. Weigh the pros and cons of this option to decide if it’s the best one for you! 

Gravel 

Using gravel can be a very effective low maintenance landscaping solution for landlords. There are many benefits to using gravel: it’s easy to lay and maintain, climate resistant, affordable and extremely versatile. Using gravel lessens the maintenance involved in one of the most hated maintenance jobs in the garden, mowing the lawn.  

If your main concern is to cut down on weeding, you can keep your lawn and simply replace your earth borders with borders that are dressed in gravel.  

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At Keey we have a range of management options as well as advice that will help your rental properties flourish. Get in touch with one of our experts today!  

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