If you’re not spending as much time at your static caravan as you used to, you might be considering renting it out to get more use out of your investment. Whilst this is a good way to generate some additional income to offset your ownership costs, renting out your static caravan is not as simple as it may seem. There are many processes and legal requirements you need to follow. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know and help you decide whether static caravan rental is right option for you.
Can you rent out your static caravan?
The first thing you need to do when considering static caravan hire is to consult your ownership agreement. This will specify any rules and restrictions your caravan site has on rentals. Some sites won’t allow it, whilst others may charge you a fee or commission.
Once you understand your site owners stance, you can make a decision on whether to continue with renting out your static caravan. If your site allows rentals and the charges won’t eat into your profit too much, continue reading this guide to secure your first booking. If your site doesn’t allow rentals and you’re still looking for a way to make some money from your unused static caravan, why not consider selling it to UK Caravans Direct? We buy static caravans from all over the UK, no matter the age, make or model!
Preparing your static caravan for hire
Clean
Paying guests will expect a high standard of cleanliness, just like you would when you check in to a hotel. This is not something you can afford to cut corners on, so you might consider hiring a professional to ensure it’s done properly.
Maintenance
You must make sure all fixtures and fittings are in good working order to ensure your guests have a safe and enjoyable stay. If there are any jobs you have been putting off because you can live with them, you should get them done before your first guest arrives.
Amenities
You will need to provide base amenities for your guests, including kitchen utensils, crockery and bed linen. You may also consider providing other amenities, such as electrical appliances, to add to the guest experience of staying at your static caravan.
Welcome Pack
Whilst not a necessity, most rentals will treat their guests to a welcome pack. They usually include a small selection of treats local to the area, plus information on the accommodation and things to do during their stay.
Pricing your static caravan
Research
Have a look at other static caravans for rent in the surrounding area and compare prices of those similar to yours. Talk to other owners on your caravan site to see how they price theirs.
Be flexible
You should vary your rates depending on demand to maximise your profit in peak periods and incentivise bookings in off peak periods. Offering discounts on longer stays could help you get the most out of renting out your static caravan.
Security deposit
Charging your guests a reasonable and refundable security deposit will protect your static caravan if any damage occurs during their stay. You will need to keep the money secure and be ready to send it back to your guests if no damage occurs.
Advertising your static caravan
Photographs
You will need good quality photographs to advertise your static caravan, including shots of the caravan site and any local attractions. It is worth investing in a professional photographer to capture these for you.
Description
Writing a detailed and engaging description of your static caravan is paramount in convincing potential guests to choose you over the competition. Keep it simple and include as much information as possible to help guests make their decision.
Booking sites
There are many different booking sites you can use to advertise your static caravan, including booking.com, Airbnb and Camplify. However, it is worth noting that these will charge you listing fees and/or commission on any booking you make through them.
Social media
A free, but time consuming way to advertise your static caravan is through social media. You could set up a page for your static caravan, however this will take a lot of time and effort from yourself to grow and reach potential guests. We would recommend starting off by posting in dedicated Facebook groups for renting out static caravans.
Reviews
Positive reviews are essential to advertising your static caravan. After a guest has enjoyed After a guest has stayed in your static caravan, reach out to them and encourage them to leave a review for potential guests to read. Don’t worry if you receive some criticism, this is a good way to show you value your guests feedback and improve your offering for future bookings.
Managing your bookings
Booking sites
Managing your booking through a booking site gives you the benefit of an online booking system, which allows you to be less involved in the process and gives you peace of mind that your payments will be processed securely.
Direct bookings
Managing your bookings directly allows you to keep full payment from your guests, but requires you to be incredibly organised and contactable to process each booking. You will also be responsible for keeping track of all payments and processing them securely.
The check-in and check-out process
Whilst it is entirely possible to manage the check-in and check-out process remotely by using a lock box and sending instructions to your guests digitally, you will still need to be contactable during this time in case your guests run into any problems.
Legal requirements
Insurance
You will need to upgrade your static caravan insurance to cover rentals. Make sure your insurance includes accidental damage and public liability to protect both you and your guests if an accident or injury occurs.
Health and safety regulations
By law you are required to provide the following to ensure your guests are safe when staying in your static caravan:
- Landlords Gas Safety Certificate
- Portable Appliance Test for all electrical appliances over 12 months old
- Fixed Electrical Installation Certificate
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm
- Smoke Alarm
- Fire Extinguisher
- Fire Blanket
GDPR
You must comply with the UK’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when holding your guests personal data. Ensure that their data is kept secure, only used for the intended purpose and disposed of when no longer needed.
Make Money From Your Static Caravan Today
If done properly, renting out your static caravan can be a great way to make the most out of your investment and generate some extra income to offset your ownership costs. However, as you can see from this guide, it requires a lot of time, effort and potential additional costs from you. If you’ve decided that managing a rental is not for you, why not consider selling your unused static caravan to UK Caravans Direct?
As one of the UK’s largest used static caravan dealers, we have helped thousands of owners sell theirs quickly and conveniently. Once we agree on a price, all that’s left to do is organise collection and payment. Fill out our enquiry form to get your FREE valuation today.