Renting Out Your Summer Home: What to Know Before You List

Turning your summer home into a short-term rental can help cover expenses and make the most of your property year-round—but it’s not as simple as uploading a few photos and waiting for bookings. Before you list, here’s what every owner should know.

One of the biggest steps is understanding the key local regulations owners should check before renting out. Many vacation towns have specific rules about short-term rentals, including permit requirements, registration fees, occupancy limits, and safety inspections. Some areas limit how many nights you can rent each year or require you to have an on-call local contact. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines or shutdown orders, so do your homework or work with a local real estate agent who knows the laws.

Next, you’ll want to figure out how to determine the best nightly or weekly rate for your area. Look at comparable rentals on Airbnb, VRBO, or local vacation rental sites. Consider your home’s size, location, amenities, and seasonal demand. Many new owners make the mistake of pricing too high and ending up with an empty calendar—or too low and leaving money on the table. Adjust rates for holidays and peak weekends and monitor bookings to fine-tune your pricing strategy.

Speaking of pitfalls, what mistakes do owners make when they first list a summer home for rent? Common missteps include posting poor-quality photos, skipping a professional cleaning before guests arrive, or failing to communicate clear house rules. Many new hosts also underestimate how much time and effort goes into turnover, guest communication, and maintenance.

This leads to a big question: Should owners manage their own rentals or hire a property manager? Managing your rental yourself can save money, but it’s time-consuming—especially if you don’t live nearby. A local property manager can handle bookings, cleaning, guest issues, and emergencies. While they’ll take a percentage of your rental income, many owners find the peace of mind and smooth guest experience well worth it.

Finally, how can owners protect themselves with clear rental agreements and insurance? Always use a detailed rental agreement that spells out your cancellation policy, house rules, damage terms, and check-in/out times. Make sure you have insurance that covers short-term rentals—your standard homeowner’s policy likely doesn’t. Consider extra coverage for liability and damage protection to safeguard your investment.

Renting out your summer home can be a great income source when done right. By knowing the rules, pricing wisely, avoiding common mistakes, deciding how to manage bookings, and protecting yourself with clear agreements and insurance, you’ll be ready to welcome guests with confidence.

Need help listing your summer home? Talk to a local real estate professional to get the details right and make your rental stand out in a competitive market.