Holiday cottage maintenance checklist

1. Between guest stays

Use the changeover to spot visible issues and compare the property with the previous record. This walkthrough does not replace a professional inspection.

• Read guest and cleaner reports. Carry unresolved issues into the next action list.
• Look for visible damage, loose fittings, leaks or trip hazards in rooms, stairs and entrances.
• Check that intended escape routes are unobstructed. Follow the property’s fire-safety plan for any further checks.
• Check the condition of furniture, beds and frequently used equipment. Remove suspect equipment from use and seek appropriate advice.
• Look for visible damage to plugs and leads without dismantling them. Do not treat a visual look as an electrical safety test.
• Check bathroom and kitchen cleanliness, visible plumbing leaks and signs of damp. Escalate unexplained or recurring problems.
• Check keys, locks and guest instructions, including how to report an urgent problem.
• Record missing inventory and defects with a description, location and photograph where useful.

2. Routine upkeep

Choose review timings based on occupancy, wear, weather and the advice that applies to each item. “Regular” does not mean the same interval for every property.

• Review open repairs and confirm whether booked contractors have attended and supplied their reports.
• Review the property’s inspection, alarm-testing and servicing schedule. Use the applicable instructions rather than a generic interval.
• Check for visible leaks, damp, worn seals and ventilation problems; arrange investigation where needed.
• Inspect accessible paths, steps, handrails and outdoor furniture for visible wear or instability.
• Review appliance instructions and guest information after repairs or replacements.
• Check that you can retrieve certificates, reports and separately retained copies when needed.

3. Seasonal and weather-related checks

Plan around your location and how the cottage is used. Revisit the list after severe weather or a period when the property has been empty.

• Before colder weather, arrange any heating, stove or chimney work identified by your servicing schedule and professional advice.
• Review frost precautions and vacant-property instructions against your insurance terms and professional recommendations.
• Look from a safe position for storm damage, drainage problems or loose external fittings. Use a suitable contractor for roof, height or specialist work.
• Before heavier use, check outdoor facilities and update guest instructions. Pools, hot tubs, play equipment and other special facilities need their own appropriate plans.
• After a closure, review the reopening tasks relevant to the property, including any water-system precautions advised by a competent professional.

4. Record the repair, not just the problem

Use one action record per issue so responsibility and completion are clear. This fictional example shows the difference between spotting a fault and closing the job.

Property / issue

Harbour View Cottage · bathroom basin · drip reported during changeover

First action

Record the report date, location, photograph reference and any immediate precautions taken.

Responsibility / target

Name the person arranging the plumber and agree an appropriate target date based on severity and professional advice.

Completion evidence

Record the attendance date, work carried out, contractor report or invoice reference, and any further action. Do not mark the job complete just because it was booked.

Where an issue could put guests at risk, obtain appropriate professional advice and act promptly, including restricting use where necessary. A note in an app is not a safety control.

5. Keep professional checks separate

Maintenance, statutory checks and professional servicing are related, but they are not interchangeable. Confirm the requirements for your location and accommodation, and keep the actual reports.

• HSE: landlords’ gas safety responsibilities — a starting point for relevant gas-safety duties in Great Britain.
• GOV.UK: small paying-guest accommodation fire-safety guidance — check its scope for eligible premises in England.

For other jurisdictions and specialist facilities, consult the relevant authorities and qualified professionals. These links do not cover every holiday cottage or every duty.