Equipping a Self Catering Property (Furnished Holiday Letting)

This article provides details of the furnishing and equipment for a furnished holiday let apartment or self catering property. As well as describing what to provide in the property, there are tips as to how make life easier for whoever is looking after the property.

Please note when furnishing a property you must adhere to the Furniture and Fire Safety Regulations. The Department for Business and Regulatory Reform has a quick facts page on the Furniture Flammability Regulations Quick Facts.

Living Room

Sofabed & Sofa/chairs: there should be seating for the number of people the flat can sleep

SideTable, coffee table or nest of tables

TV, DVD player, broadband or wifi

Waste bin

Cushions, prints, rugs, accessories (vases)

Books, DVDs and games can be provided for the odd rainy day

Smoke Detector

Broadband and wifi are popular because many people like to work, access email etc whilst away from home.

Upholstered furnishings must comply with the Furnishing (Fire) Safety Regulations 1988. This applies to furnishings that have been upholstered (ie: mattress, couch, cushions). All new furniture comes with a label verifying its safety. If you choose to use second-hand (or used) furniture, ensure that it has the appropriate fire-safety labels attached to it.

Dining table and chairs to seat the number of people the flat will sleep (the dining table can be a table with leaves that fold down to minimise the space it takes in the room)

Crockery, wine glasses, juice glasses and cutlery for the number of people the flat will sleep

Place mats and coasters

Tip: Treat crockery and glasses as consumables and expect the odd breakage. Have a spare set. IKEA is good and cheap.

Kitchen Oven, hob, extractor fan

Fridge or Fridge freeze

Dishwasher

Washing machine/dryer

Microwave

Toaster

Saucepan set,frying pan

Cafetiere, Teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl

Cruet Set

Can Opener, Cork Screw and Bottle Opener

Basic set of kitchen utensils e.g. Kitchen knives, Vegetable peeler, Grater

Scissors

Serving dishes, fruit bowls

Chopping boards

Waste bin

Ironing Board

Iron

Vacuum Cleaner

Mop, Bucket, Broom, Dustpan and brush

Washing up brushes and dishcloths, T-towels

Fire extinguisher and fire safety blanket

Tip: The kitchen appears to be used mostly for drinks, storing snacks and breakfast with the toaster being used lots, etc. Washing machines are often requested and rarely used. Make cleaning equipment visible if you want people to use it

Bedrooms Beds

Mattress covers and duvets to cater for all the bed combinations.

Pillows and pillow protectors: 2 for each person the property will sleep

Bed linen and Towels

Sheets for each bed size

Pillow cases for each pillow

Bath Towels

Hand Towels

Flannels

Wardrobes and hangars

Bedside tables

Bedside lights for each bed (or side of bed)

Sets of drawers

Waste bin

Prints, accessories

Smoke detector

Radio Alarm Clock

Hair Dryer

Tip: Short term let properties do not need lots of clothes storage. People do not normally carry a full wardrobe of clothes! Single beds that can be arranged as doubles increases the flexibility of your property making it attractive to a wider market. Duvets a size larger than the bed (e.g. double duvets on single beds or king size duvets on double beds feel luxurious) A travel cot can be useful. Duvet covers for each duvet size

Tip: Have at least 2 sets of bedding for every possible bed combination (e.g. 4 singles, 2 king size sets for twin beds that cab be combined to make a king sized double) so that a set can be washed while the other set is in use. Similarly have 2 sets of towels for the maximum number of people the property can accommodate: so if it sleeps 4 have 8 sets of towels. Fitted sheets make it easier to make the beds up during the changeover. Ironed bedding provides a good look and feel.

Bathroom Towel rail

Toilet brush for each toilet

Toilet roll holder

Accessories

Bin (preferably covered)

Bath Mat

Tip: The bathroom is important and used lots, make sure it looks good and is hard wearing. Most visitors prefer showers to baths, of course it is best if you could provide both. Ensure that the showers are protected properly from water dripping outside of it.