Essential Tips for Managing Short-Term Summer Rentals

June marks the beginning of Charleston’s peak vacation season. With more visitors arriving to enjoy the coast, short-term rental activity kicks into high gear—and with it comes the need for more attentive, efficient property management. Managing summer rentals successfully means staying on top of turnover, guest expectations, and local compliance. Whether you're new to short-term rental management or looking to refine your strategy this season, here are five essential areas to focus on:

Tighten Your Turnover Routine

Stock Up on Summer Essentials

Embrace Digital Tools

Stay Compliant with Local Regulations

Provide a Local Experience

Let’s take a closer look at how to tackle each of these areas:

Tighten Your Turnover Routine

During the summer, back-to-back bookings can leave little room for error. That’s why a fast, consistent cleaning and reset process is essential. Make sure your cleaning team is well-prepared to deal with sandy floors, wet towels, and high-touch areas. Pay special attention to HVAC filters—guests are likely to be using the air conditioning heavily, and clogged filters can affect comfort and performance. Keep extra sets of linens and towels available so you can swap out quickly if laundry time is tight. Consider creating a checklist to ensure nothing gets overlooked between stays.

Stock Up on Summer Essentials

Guests staying in Charleston in June will likely spend time at the beach, in the sun, and outdoors. Equip your rental with thoughtful, seasonal extras like beach chairs, fans, sunscreen, or reusable water bottles. Leave chilled drinks or a welcome snack in the fridge for a warm Southern touch—bonus points for local favorites like sweet tea or pimento cheese. These small comforts not only improve guest satisfaction but can also help boost your ratings and reviews.

Embrace Digital Tools

Streamline your communication and operations with smart home technology and automation tools. Keyless entry systems make check-in easier, especially when guests arrive after hours. Automated messages—like check-in instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and local tips—ensure consistency and reduce your workload. Make sure your listing calendar, pricing, and availability are synced across platforms, and that guests receive prompt replies to questions or concerns.

Stay Compliant with Local Regulations

Charleston has specific rules in place for short-term rentals, and staying compliant is critical. Ensure that your rental is properly licensed, that you’re following occupancy limits, and that any on-site parking is clearly explained to guests. Ignoring these regulations can result in costly fines or disruption to your rental operations. At CREC, we help owners navigate local ordinances to keep your rental running smoothly and legally.

Provide a Local Experience

Vacationers often choose short-term rentals to get a more authentic feel for the area. Help your guests explore the best of Charleston by sharing a guide to your favorite coffee shops, events, beaches, and attractions—especially those happening in June. Whether it's a printed welcome packet or a digital guide sent before check-in, giving your guests a curated list of experiences can make their stay more memorable—and help your property stand out. At CREC Property Management, we understand the demands of managing short-term rentals during Charleston’s busy summer season. From guest communication to maintenance and compliance, we’re here to support every detail—so you can enjoy the benefits of a successful summer rental season without the stress. Let us help you make the most of Charleston’s high season.