Converting a LTR to a STR. Our 1st STR. Orange Texas

[Debra Lyon]

We Will be converting one of our long-term rentals into a short term rental soon. Current tenants are moving out next month. We have some work to do but hopefully will be listing as a STR by August. We are and have always been self managing. A little bit overwhelmed about getting all of the mechanics of running an STR together. Any advice? The market in this area is mainly people traveling through or coming here for work. There are several refineries being built in the area.

[Melanie P.]

Checklists. It's the only way to keep minor details from escaping whoever is on site. Checklist with every detail for the cleaners.
Checklist for pre-check in. Checklist for afternoon of checkout. 

We use a maintenance software that the cleaner can check off the items, report damage, attach photos and it makes a report. If we later get a guest report we can change a setting for what was missed, in spite of the checklist, to only accept their checkmark with a photo from that day showing it was completed. We turn it on for 5 or 6 turnovers then remove the photo requirement when they reach regular compliance.