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.”
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.
Top 12 Mistakes Owners Make When Starting Short-Term Rentals — And How to Avoid Them
A comprehensive, example‑rich guide by MIRO Rooms Rentals explaining the most common mistakes new hosts make — and how to launch a profitable, guest‑friendly, legally compliant short‑term rental from day one.
A comprehensive, example‑rich guide by MIRO Rooms Rentals explaining the most common mistakes new hosts make — and how to launch a profitable, guest‑friendly, legally compliant short‑term rental from day one.
December 5, 2025
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14 min read
Guide: What Short-Term Rental Providers Should Do at the End of the Year | MIRO Rooms Rentals