Renting out your family’s cottage as a cottage rental can help offset the costs of ownership. Or perhaps you purchased a cottage as an investment property and want to generate income through a cottage rental. Both are achievable goals!
While self-managing your vacation rental might seem like a good way to save money on commissions or expenses, there are hidden costs that should be factored in, as they can quickly chip away at your time, energy, peace of mind, and even end up costing you money.
At CottageLINK Rental Management (CLRM), we’ve been helping cottage owners maximize their rental income for over 25 years. Here’s a look at the real, behind-the-scenes costs of self-management — and how you might be better off allowing us to handle everything for you.
Pricing Your Cottage Rental Incorrectly Can Be Costly
CLRM uses over 25 years of market data, region-specific trends, and competitor analysis to optimise your pricing strategy for peak performance throughout your rental season. Based on our experience, we know when it’s possible to raise rates, when to run promotions, and how to fill those shoulder season gaps as much as possible. We will share our experience with you so that you can make informed decisions for the best return on your investment.
CLRM continually monitors your property’s booking patterns and will reach out as needed with suggestions on raising or reducing your rate. These are only recommendations though – you always have the final word on your rental rates!
Without an in-depth knowledge of seasonal demand patterns in areas like South Bruce Peninsula or The Frontenacs, owners often leave money on the table, or price too high and have unused dates on the calendar.
Your Time is Valuable – And It Disappears Fast
Self-managing a rental means you’re fielding a constant stream of questions — many guests asking the same questions, repeatedly, despite your listing outlining the answers. The time you spend replying to these messages adds up quickly.
At CLRM, we handle all guest communication from start to finish, so your inbox stays blissfully quiet. And, when you do hear from us, it’s our team notifying you of a new reservation! How easy is that?
Awkward Favour Requests? We’ll Handle the “No” For You
Guests often ask special favours – for early check-ins, late checkouts, extra guests, or unwanted pets. As an owner dealing directly with guests, it can feel uncomfortable, or even impossible to say no, especially when you don’t want to risk a bad review or a guest taking your response out on the property.
With a professional agency like CLRM on board, we have your back and have no problem declining such requests. We handle these requests firmly and professionally, ensuring your comfort and boundaries are respected, only asking you if you’re willing to make an exception if we feel the request is worth your consideration. But your answer is final – and we’ll be happy to enforce that!
Extremely Demanding Cottage Rental Guests – Do You Have the Patience Required?
Some guests are extremely detail-oriented and demanding, and will flood you with questions and special requests before their arrival. Even if you’ve provided answers in a cottage guidebook or on the listing you carefully crafted to explain your property, guests prefer to ask you rather than review the information already provided.
It’s not unheard of to be asked for pictures of the interior of a fridge, so they can be sure their food will fit, as just one example!
In extreme cases, these pre-arrival (and even during stay) questions can mean you’ll need to reply to a dozen or more emails or calls, requiring a lot of patience and time!
Complaints – Can Really Try Your Patience, and Cost You Money!
Guest complaints are almost inevitable, even for the best, most-prepared hosts! While some guests will stay quietly at your property with little contact, simply enjoying their vacation and overlooking minor inconveniences, others will complain about the smallest thing. Perhaps they used up all the toilet paper you left for them – when will you deliver some more? The BBQ is not heating up sufficiently to cook their food, the fridge is too cold – or not cold enough, and their food has spoiled.
In many cases, these complaints will be followed up by a request for partial compensation, which is often granted by Airbnb if you’ve listed your cottage there, with little input from you. Or, if you refuse, you’re risking having them leave you a bad review or leave your property in bad shape as retaliation.
CLRM handles such complaints professionally, only involving you if needed. If compensation is requested, you will have a chance to explain your side of the story, and only valid complaints will be awarded compensation.
STR Licensing for Cottage Rentals & Safety Requirements Are Our Business
Short-term rental (STR) licensing requirements vary by municipality and are changing fast. Many municipalities require that guests sign a Code of Conduct, and some can require extensive details to be attached to the Code of Conduct before even sending it to your guests for their signature. Some areas require a MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax) to be charged and remitted to the municipality.
Navigating these rules alone can be stressful and time-consuming. CLRM helps you understand your local bylaws and safety standards, and we’ll work with you to ensure your property is compliant. If a Code of Conduct is required, CLRM handles that on your behalf, and MAT taxes are taken care of, too!
Marketing Materials That Don’t Cost You a Dime
Professional photos, video walkthroughs, and virtual tours can cost thousands — but we include them for free! Your Account Manager will visit your cottage for a full shoot, capturing high-quality interior and exterior images, a 3D virtual tour, and promotional video footage to make your listing stand out. And, if you ever choose to leave CLRM, the photos can be purchased for a very reasonable fee.
We Do the Heavy Lifting on the Listing and Guest Guide
Writing an engaging, accurate, and search-friendly listing is no small task — and neither is building out a detailed, user-friendly guest guide. CLRM takes care of both. We craft a professional listing that highlights your cottage’s best features, including a virtual 3D tour, and create a custom guest guide that includes local attractions as well as necessary information about your cottage.
We’re On Call for your Cottage Rental — So You Don’t Have to Be
Nothing ruins a relaxing weekend like a 2 AM call from a guest who can’t get into the cottage rental, find the WiFi password or has tripped a breaker. When you work with CLRM, we’re the ones on call 24/7 — not you. And unless there’s a real emergency, you won’t be bothered with it! But, don’t worry, we know you love your cottage, so we will still let you know, it will just be at a reasonable hour, the following day.
The Bottom Line: Your Time and Sanity Matter
Self-management might save you a small commission or management fee, but when you factor in the stress, time, and potential missteps, many owners find it just doesn’t add up. At CLRM, we handle everything with care and professionalism, allowing you to earn income from your cottage without sacrificing your time, energy, or peace of mind.
Ready to step away from the stress of self-management?
Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you rent your cottage your way — while we handle the rest.
