What Short-Term Rental Providers Should Do at the End of the Year

The end of the year in the short-term rental industry is not about wrapping up the season — it’s a moment of deep recalibration. It’s a time to step back, look at the business from a different angle, update systems, enhance guest experience, and build a stronger foundation for growth in the upcoming year. Unlike a checklist, this article offers a detailed and practical explanation of why these actions matter and includes real-world examples from hosts around the world.

1. Refresh Listings: Your Apartment Must “Sell Itself” in 20 Seconds

Most travelers decide whether to book within 10–20 seconds — the time they spend on the first few photos and the title. This makes the end of the year the perfect moment to improve visuals and text.

Why This Matters

In winter, guests look not just for an apartment, but for atmosphere: warmth, light, coziness, calm. Winter-ready photos increase conversions because they match guest expectations.

Example

A Warsaw host changed the first photos to warm, winter-themed ones in December. The listing’s CTR nearly doubled, and bookings rose by 30%. Guests commented: “We chose this place because the photos felt so cozy.”

What to Do

• Reshoot key visuals: blankets, lamps, warm lighting, cozy décor.
• Update descriptions with specifics — 5 minutes to Old Town, Esplanāde, ice rinks.
• Add natural SEO phrases: things to do in Riga, Riga winter activities, cozy winter stay.
• Review translations for all languages.

2. Rebuild Pricing: Winter Requires Flexibility

Winter demand swings sharply: December peaks followed by deep January slumps. Smart providers adjust pricing now.

Why This Matters

PriceLabs analytics shows that hosts who optimize pricing in December earn 20–40% more. The key is matching volatility.

Example

A Helsinki management company found that lowering the January base price by just €8 resulted in 5–7 additional bookings — hundreds of euros gained.

What to Do

• Increase prices for New Year and key events.
• Offer weekly / monthly discounts.
• Lower minimum stays in January.
• Sync prices across Airbnb, Booking, and direct channels.

3. Conduct a Financial Audit: Don’t Start the Year with Surprises

Throughout the year, inconsistencies accumulate: stuck transactions, missing cleaning fees, incorrect commissions.

Why This Matters

End of year often reveals pending payments in Airbnb or Booking. Fixing issues now prevents January problems.

Example

A US host discovered that Airbnb reset the cleaning fee for one listing — the month resulted in an $800 loss.

What to Do

• Reconcile revenue across all channels.
• Check commissions and cleaning fees.
• Close disputed transactions.
• Prepare reports for accounting and owners.
• Update financial templates.

4. Perform Technical Maintenance: Winter Amplifies All Issues

Winter is the ultimate stress test. Problems unnoticed in summer become immediate complaints.

Why This Matters

Half of winter guest complaints relate to cold, windows, the boiler, or Wi-Fi.

Example

A Copenhagen host insulated one window and replaced a thermostat — cold-related complaints disappeared, and the rating rose from 4.6 to 4.9.

What to Do

• Check heating, boilers, filters.
• Fix drafts.
• Test smoke, CO, and noise sensors.
• Improve Wi-Fi.
• Prepare extra blankets.

5. Add Winter Decor: Emotions Matter More Than Square Meters

Winter guests choose atmosphere. Warm lighting, textiles, and cozy décor deliver immediate ROI.

Why This Matters

Design publications note: warm lighting and soft fabrics increase perceived comfort by 60%.

Example

A European serviced-apartment chain increased their rating from 4.77 to 4.88 after adding warm lamps and blankets.

What to Do

• Add blankets, pillows, LED candles.
• Switch cold lighting to warm light.
• Create one Instagram-worthy corner: armchair + lamp.

6. Update Guest Instructions: Winter Creates More Questions

Instructions are critical in winter: heating, parking, snow, check-in after dark.

Why This Matters

Guest question volume increases 2–3× in winter.

Example

A Zurich host added a short heating tutorial video — guest messages dropped fourfold.

What to Do

• Update the welcome book (EN/LV/RU).
• Add winter activities: markets, ice rinks.
• Refresh Airbnb/Booking auto-messages.

7. Improve Cleaning Operations: Cleanliness Determines Ratings

Winter cleaning is harder due to snow, mud, slush.

Why This Matters

AirDNA reports: cleanliness is the No. 1 rating factor year-round.

Example

A Berlin company added post-cleaning photo verification — complaints dropped by 70%.

What to Do

• Update checklists.
• Add mats, dryers.
• Ensure cleaning team handles peak dates.

8. Review Guest Feedback: Guests Tell You What to Fix

Feedback is a free improvement roadmap.

Why This Matters

It reveals root issues: pillows, noise, cold, lighting.

Example

A Riga host saw three pillow complaints in a row — replaced them, rating returned to 4.9.

What to Do

• Identify repeated complaints.
• Categorize into urgent / planned / investment.
• Add them to next year’s strategy.

9. Check Legal Compliance: Rules Change Every Year

Short-term rental regulations are tightening globally.

Why This Matters

New requirements often go live on January 1.

Example

Italy introduced self check-in restrictions in 2025 requiring in-person guest verification — many hosts were fined.

What to Do

• Confirm utility payments.
• Update contracts.
• Check city requirements for next year.

10. Set Strategy for the New Year: Growth Requires a Plan

Without strategy, business runs on autopilot.

Why This Matters

ADR, occupancy, and upgrade goals keep operations structured.

Example

A Tallinn company planned upgrades ahead — curtains, coffee machines, small repairs — revenue increased by 18%.

What to Do

• Set KPI for ADR and occupancy.
• Map improvements.
• Prepare the blog’s SEO plan.

11. Marketing: Winter Favors Those Who Stay Visible

Guests search for ideas and guides, especially in new cities.

Why This Matters

Quality content increases trust and direct bookings.

What to Do

• Update your website.
• Publish winter guides.
• Prepare Reels and Stories.
• Send an email newsletter.

12. Update Photos & Videos: Winter Visuals Build Trust

Guests want to see what the apartment looks like in winter.

Why This Matters

Winter photos convey honesty and accuracy.

What to Do

• Shoot 16:9 winter photos.
• Update 1:1 for Booking.
• Film 9:16 Stories + check-in videos.

13. Test Automation: Mistakes Are Expensive in Winter

Channel manager, calendars, auto-messages — everything must be flawless.

Why This Matters

Errors lead to double bookings and financial losses.

What to Do

• Test calendar sync.
• Review auto-messages.
• Verify payment flows.

14. Close Upcoming Bookings: Reduce Guest Anxiety

Guests worry more before holiday trips.

Why This Matters

Half of low Airbnb ratings come from poor pre-arrival communication.

What to Do

• Send welcome messages.
• Confirm arrival time.
• Provide self check-in instructions.
• Warn about snow/ice.

15. Year-End Report for Owners: Transparency Builds Trust

If you’re a management company, December is ideal for owner communication.

Why This Matters

Good reporting reduces churn and encourages investment in upgrades.

What to Do

• List completed work.
• Show revenue dynamics.
• Propose next-year improvements.
• Provide income forecasts.

Conclusion: The End of the Year Is a Growth Point, Not a Pause

Top short-term rental providers use December to reset: they fix weak spots, refresh photos and text, optimize operations, communicate with guests and owners. These actions create a snowball effect — every small improvement boosts ratings, trust, bookings, and revenue in the next year.