As the days get warmer, summer lake house season approaches. You`ll get the itch to lounge by the lakeside, but so will tourists looking for a spot like your property. 

If you have a cute cottage on the water and want to start renting it out, there are some things to consider before listing your home and opening your doors for the season. 

Register for the Legal Basics, Like Insurance and Taxes 

First, when you are renting out a home to visitors, you will want to make sure that you are abiding by the rules and regulations surrounding taxes in your jurisdiction. For example, in New Hampshire, you are required to register for the NH Meals and Rooms Tax and comply with other local town ordinances. You will also have to buy insurance for short-term rentals since typical homeowner insurance policies won't cover commercial rentals. 

Ensure Safety of the Home and Property 

You'll have to keep the premises safe for your guests. Do a walk-through of the place and make sure you have enough smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers for the size and design of the lake house. Come up with a plan and rule guide for safe use of the home, land, and water access to ensure the well-being of your visitors. That should include details about the safe use of boats, docks and any shared boundaries with neighbors.

Initiate a Deep Clean and Fundamental Maintenance 

As you make your lake house guest-ready for the season, you can't forget the basics. A deep clean, from windows to carpets to all the nooks and crannies, will be essential. You can hire cleaners to do this for you or roll up your sleeves and make a day or weekend out of it. Fix anything that needs fixing so your guests don't have to comment on it later in a negative review. 

Furnish With Decor That's Aesthetic but Durable 

A well-decorated lakeside cottage will help you with making your listings successful and booked out as much as possible. Blending beauty with functional is key when you will be renting out your home to guests. You'll want to prioritize durability, with brands and materials that will stand the test of time through wear and tear of multiple uses. Consider opting for leather for furniture or high-quality fabrics. Consider furniture that doubles as storage, and any high-use utensils and implements made from durable material. 

Dress Up the Lake Experience 

As the key selling point of your lakeside cottage, you will want to ensure the water experience is optimized and a relaxing experience. Consider ways you could make the outdoors area more entertaining or more comfortable. Add a barbecue, patio seating, swing, fire pit, and items for the water like canoe, floaties, kayak, paddle boats, or SUPs. 

Create Documentation for the Client Experience 

As you prepare for your lake house summer rental, the finishing touches should be compiling a binder book for your guests so they can access all the information they could need while visiting. You could include house rules, instructions for using the wifi, TV, appliances, and relevant information about parking, water, laundry, and trash. Print those out and place in a binder. You could also include a list of numbers for emergencies in a variety of forms, and contact details about contractors if ever they're needed. 

FAQs About Preparing a Lake House for Summer Rentals

Do I need special insurance to rent out my lake house?

In most cases, yes. Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover short-term rental activity, so you may need a policy or endorsement designed specifically for vacation rentals. Coverage requirements can vary based on your insurer, property, and how often you rent the home.

What should I include in a lake house guest welcome binder?

A helpful guest binder should include house rules, Wi-Fi details, appliance instructions, parking information, trash and recycling guidance, emergency contacts, and any safety information related to the property. If your rental includes lake access, add clear guidance for docks, boats, water equipment, and any shared property boundaries.

How can I make my lake house more appealing to summer renters?

Focus on comfort, durability, and the overall guest experience. Clean thoroughly, complete needed repairs, choose furnishings that can handle frequent use, and create inviting outdoor spaces with seating, grilling areas, or fire pits. Extras like kayaks, paddleboards, or other lake-friendly amenities can also make your listing stand out.

Get Your Lake House Guest-Ready

From paperwork and safety to maintenance and aesthetic, there are several steps to take when preparing your lake house for the summer season if you're looking to turn it into a rental experience. Don't forget to make the outdoors and lake an interesting draw to appeal to your visitors and prepare them with a comprehensive guestbook for all their information needs.

Courtney Edgar is a lifestyle journalist and copywriter based in Montreal. Her work has been published in HuffPost, Pop Sugar, Atlas Obscura, Explore Mag, and more.