{"id":7366,"date":"2020-06-17T15:29:18","date_gmt":"2020-06-17T15:29:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/?p=7366"},"modified":"2025-06-25T14:05:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T14:05:20","slug":"coronavirus-considerations-for-reopening-your-holiday-home-to-guests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/coronavirus-considerations-for-reopening-your-holiday-home-to-guests\/","title":{"rendered":"Coronavirus: Considerations for reopening your holiday home to guests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you ready to reopen?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This article is aimed at holiday cottage owners who are looking to safely reopen for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic; those who have been closed for a while and are reviewing their protocols and possibly holiday home owners who are new to holiday letting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since holiday home owners were able to reopened in July 2020 after the first lockdown, there have been a number of new rules, regulations and changes to guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are unsure where you should start with risk assessments, changeover strategies and understanding the ever-changing rules, this article should help highlight some of the key issues you will need to think about and what positive actions you can take. Whilst it may not answer all your questions, it should give you some ideas so you can start thinking about different scenarios and planning new procedures and protocols to enable you to safely reopen your doors when you are able and feel ready to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where should I start?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A good place to start is to decide what turnaround strategy you want to offer. Whether you choose to offer back-to-back bookings or prefer to allow a gap, will depend on a number of factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, we recommend you familiarise yourself with the cleaning protocols, FAQs and risk assessment kindly provided by The Professional Association of Self-Caterers (PASC) – click here <\/a>to view. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online training course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At first, it can seem a little daunting so we highly recommend the online course \u2018Covid 19 \u2013 Holiday Let Cleaning<\/a>\u2019 provided by Landlords\u2019 Little Helper. This course is aimed at self-catering operators and takes a practical (and pragmatic) approach on how and when to clean, sanitise and \/ or disinfect your property. It also covers how to keep yourself, your cleaner and your guests safe. The course will also give you the tools and confidence to implement your own Covid cleaning regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The course is \u00a328.80 but our owners get 10% discount (the discount code is on the owners login area under ‘news and updates’) – in our opinion money very well spend as it could be the difference between you feeling confident to re-open sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may also help to discuss your plans and ideas with your\ncleaner \/ housekeeper to determine what is practical and reasonable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you understand the cleaning protocols and risk assessment, you should have the information needed to decide on your preferred changeover strategy: either leave a gap (for example 72 hours) between guests or opt for back-to-back bookings. Once you have made this decision the rest of the process becomes easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Establish new cleaning protocols <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Concept<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Covid 19 \u2013 Holiday Let Cleaning course we mentioned earlier\nwill help you understand cleaning requirements and the different levels of PPE\nrequired for specific risks. For example, cleaning and disinfecting a bathroom\ndirectly after being used by a guest with Covid symptoms, carries a different\nrisk profile compared to cleaning and disinfecting a living room 72 hours after\na guest has checked out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of PPE, at the very least cleaners will need a washable apron and reuseable gloves but they may well need disposable gloves, face masks and disposable aprons for higher risk settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is fair to say that it is going to take longer to turn around a property than it used to, so you may need to reevaluate your turnaround time, costs and arrival \/ departure times for guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\nmay also need to reevaluate the products used for cleaning and disinfecting. To\neffectively clean hard surfaces the government guidance recommends\nyou use either 0.1% chlorine or a disinfectant\nthat is effective against \u2018enveloped\u2019 viruses, ideally including coronaviruses\nfor example SARS-CoV-2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst cheap, chlorine (bleach) is an unrealistic all-round disinfectant, making virucidal disinfectants a natural choice. However, in order to be effective, the disinfectant must be approved to EN14476 (or EN14476:2013+A2:2019) or EN14675 standard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thamesmead Janitorial Supplies<\/a> stock a good range of cleaning products for the hospitality industry. They recommend BioHygiene<\/em><\/strong> (BioHygiene sanitiser leaflet<\/a>), an all purpose cleaner and disinfectant that is approved to EN14476:2013+A2:2019 standards and available in both trigger form and concentrate. This cost effective, all-in-one cleaner and disinfectant comes in a fragranced and non-fragranced (food safe) version, is eco-friendly and can be used on all high-touch surfaces including glass, light switches, worktops, electrical equipment and fabrics. It can also be used in ULV Foggers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thamesmead has kindly put together a ‘favourites’ list for self-catering operators with lots of useful products from cleaning cloths and hand sanitisers to fogging machines. To login and view the items, please click here<\/a> and enter username: I091 and password: cottage. Please note that prices are subject to VAT and a delivery charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately disinfecting soft furnishings isn\u2019t so easy. Not only will bleach damage soft furnishings, but it also may not be possible or practical to wash and dry sofa covers and curtains in just a few hours. To overcome this, some owners are investing in steam cleaners (as per government guidance for cleaning upholstered furniture and mattresses), virucidal sprays, ULV fogging machines, UV-C lights and \/ or virucidal bombs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, consideration to practicality (e.g. drying times) and ease of use would need to be given to specialist machines and treatments which may be beyond the scope and budget of the typical holiday home owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now is the time to understand your Covid-19 cleaning requirements, draw up a new cleaning plan \/ checklist and source suitable products to clean and disinfect your holiday home appropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Declutter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whilst you do not want to leave your holiday home looking sterile, you may wish to consider removing non-essential items to ease the cleaning load on turnarounds and reduce risks. Your approach with regard to what you decide to leave in your cottage is likely to be influenced by your risk assessment and changeover strategy. If you provide DVDs, books and games, you may decide to remove them or just leave a few that can be alternated on each changeover. Likewise, if you provide children\u2019s toys, you might choose to remove everything that can\u2019t be practically cleaned for now. If you are going to accept back to back bookings, it may be a good idea to remove things like decorative scatter cushions and throws that cannot be put in the washing machine. Re-assess what ornaments and trinkets you have on display and see if there are any unnecessary crockery items that could be temporarily removed from the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you usually leave convenience items like tea, coffee, milk and cooking essentials, it might be a good idea to remove these for now or replace them with items that are sealed and easy to wipe and disinfect. For welcome packs, think about things you could leave that may be easier to disinfect like a welcome bottle of wine or bubbly instead of a home-made cake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arrival information will need to be wiped down with disinfectant if laminated or in a plastic cover on each changeover, so it may be easier for now to leave each guest their own paper copy or send the information via email in advance. Whilst we want guests to be comfortable and have access to everything they need on holiday, it is also important to be realistic about what can be sufficiently cleaned to ensure each changeover is as safe and manageable as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I leave 72 hours between guests? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Person<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The risk of being infected by coronavirus from a potentially contaminated environment decreases over time. Whilst it is unknown at exactly what point there is no risk at all, studies suggest that the risk is significantly reduced after 72 hours. Many people have raised the question of whether a 72 hour gap (or longer) should be left between bookings. Some owners are allowing 7 days between bookings. Only you as an owner can make this decision based upon your personal circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have completed your risk assessment you should be\nable to establish whether you feel comfortable in taking back to back bookings\nor prefer to leave gaps between guests for added peace of mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laundry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In conjunction with your risk assessment, you will need to decide how you are going to handle laundry on each changeover. You might decide to politely ask your guests to strip the beds and put all the dirty linen in bags (you can get cost-effective bags that dissolve in the wash). This should help to avoid either you or your cleaner handling excess laundry and potentially dispersing germs around the room. If you have space to store extra duvets and pillows, you could rotate them on each changeover. Some owners are also giving guests the choice of bringing their own bedding in return for a small reduction in price. Guests might feel more comfortable using their own bedding and it would save cleaners handling used bedding and towels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you opt to have guests strip beds, you still need to have a process for handling dirty linen (for example additional PPE) for when guests forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However you decide to manage your laundry, it makes sense to have plenty of mattress and pillow protectors given you may be washing them between each changeover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do I do if I suspect a guest has coronavirus? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As part of your risk assessment, you need to establish what you would do if a guest arrives showing symptoms of Covid-19 or develops symptoms whilst staying. The risk assessment should consider current government advice <\/a>which needs to be communicated to guests as part of your Covid information pack. Guests showing Covid-19 symptoms should be encouraged to return home if they reasonably can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PASC have published a useful NHS poster explaining what guests should do if they fall ill with coronavirus symptoms whilst they are on holiday. You can download a copy of the poster here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legionnaires\u2019 disease<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Running<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If your property has been empty for any length of time, it is important to be aware of the risk of Legionnaires\u2019 disease. Although rare in the UK, Legionnaires\u2019 disease, which is a type of pneumonia, can be caused by breathing in small droplets of water that contains legionella. Legionella bacteria thrives in warm (usually between 20\u00b0C and 45\u00b0C) and stagnant water. If the water in your property has not been used for a while it is possible for legionella bacteria to start accumulating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have been unable to visit your property regularly it is important that you flush the water system through before you re-open. You can find out more about Legionnaires\u2019 disease and your responsibilities as a holiday home owner here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Review your prices and terms and conditions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is a good idea to review your terms and conditions and cancellation policy. There are plenty of guests keen to go on holiday but many will understandably be nervous about parting with large deposits if there is risk of future lockdowns and changes to restrictions. It is highly likely that owners with more flexible cancellation policies and smaller deposits will gain more future bookings than those with strict cancellation terms.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also recommend you review your prices. You will need to consider additional cleaning costs as well as any \u2018downtime\u2019 if you decide to leave gaps between bookings. However, you also need to be mindful of providing value for money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also decide to review your check in and check out times to allow more time to clean on each changeover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure marketing material accurately promotes what you are currently able to offer and incorporates any short term Covid changes. If you have temporarily removed some facilities, make sure you communicate the changes with guests who have already booked. This will help manage expectations and avoid disappointment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were overwhelmed by the increase in traffic coming through our website once lockdown restrictions eased in July 2020, showing that there is high demand for UK self-catering accommodation during this current time. Demand exceeded availability for the summer months last year and all the signs are indicating that 2022 is set to be a good year for UK self-catering. Given some owners already have forward bookings, and some may choose to remain closed for a while, resist the urge to reduce prices (but ensure you also provide value for money!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reassure your guests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whilst many people are keen to get away on holiday, some will understandably be nervous about travelling and staying somewhere that isn\u2019t \u2018home\u2019. In order to help reassure potential guests, let them know about all the additional protocols and precautions you are taking to keep them safe. You could include these on your website, as part of the information you send your guests before their holiday and on marketing material and adverts (Independent Cottages owners can add this to their Covid noticeboard). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure there is plenty of soap next to all the washbasins. Owners have different opinions on displaying signs in holiday homes, but if you aren\u2019t averse to putting up a polite sign to guests, you could remind them to wash their hands frequently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whilst you don\u2019t want to over-clutter the cleaning cupboard in your property, it is a good idea to provide a few cleaning supplies that guests can use to disinfect surfaces whilst they are on holiday. You might also decide to provide hand sanitisers, both at the point of entry and within the property, disposable gloves and antibacterial wipes. It is worth bearing in mind that if you provide bottles of hand soap, washing up liquid and other cleaning products, you may either need to ensure the bottles are disinfected on each changeover or you have a spare set and swap them over between guests.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you normally offer a \u2018meet and greet\u2019 service when guests arrive at your property you might want to reconsider offering a self-check in and check out service. You can either use a smart lock or key safe (providing your insurance allows it), or even send keys to your guests in the post. Whilst you don\u2019t want to appear inhospitable to guests, you do need to make sure your check-in procedure complies with social distancing guidelines.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst it is no longer a legal obligation to display a QR code, businesses are still encouraged to do so. English <\/a>and Welsh <\/a>holiday home owners can download their QR code here<\/a> and Scottish owners can use Check In Scotland<\/a>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Welcome<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are all facing different scenarios and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Whilst some owners are happy opening their doors and taking bookings when they are able to do so, others will feel more comfortable waiting a bit longer before re-filling their calendars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also find it useful to read about other considerations for holiday home owners during the coronavirus crisis here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please feel free to share any comments you may have with us and other owners by leaving a reply below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

List of useful resources:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

PASC COVID-19 Cleaning Guidelines<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covid-19 – Holiday Let Cleaning Course<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information on BioHygiene’s all-purpose virucidal and bactericidal solution<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BioHygiene Summary Test Report: BS EN 14476:2013 + A2:2019<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thamesmead Janitorial Supplies price list for holiday home owners<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Government Guidance on Social Distancing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Government Guidance COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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