Tips for automating a vacation rental

[Eleanor Patterson]

Hi all!

I recently purchased a vacation rental property and it's going really well. We plan to move about 1 hour away this next year, and I was looking for tips on managing it from out of town. The guests are fully self check-in already, although I'm not happy with the Schlage lock that is currently installed because I can't control it from off site (lock recommendations appreciated).

I have reliable house-cleaners and lawn care, and I don't find myself having to go over to the house very often. Still, I'm hesitant to try to run it from out of town without a formal manager. Any thoughts or input from out of town owners?

Thanks!