Owning a short-term rental in Puerto Rico can be rewarding, but it’s not without challenges. From managing guest expectations to staying compliant with local regulations, there are plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong.

The good news? Many common mistakes are easy to fix—if you know what to look out for. Here are the top mistakes rental property owners make and how to avoid them, so you can maximize your income and keep your guests happy.

1. Pricing Too High or Too Low

Setting the wrong price can leave money on the table—or worse, scare potential guests away.

• Too High: You risk being overlooked in favor of more affordable options.

• Too Low: You’re selling yourself short and leaving profits behind.

How to Avoid This:

Dynamic pricing tools adjust rates based on demand, seasonality, and local events. For example:

• Increase prices during holidays like Christmas or during major events like the San Sebastián Street Festival.

• Lower rates slightly on weekdays or in slower months like September to stay competitive.

At Tropical Stay Management, we use data-driven pricing strategies to ensure you’re earning the most for every booking.

2. Being Slow to Respond to Guests

Did you know that responding to guest inquiries within an hour can double your chances of securing a booking? On the flip side, delays can frustrate guests and lead to bad reviews—even before they check in.

Why This Matters:

Guest reviews are everything in the short-term rental business. One or two poor reviews can tank your property’s visibility on platforms like Airbnb, making it harder for future guests to find and book your listing.

How to Avoid This:

• Set up notifications to respond to guest inquiries as quickly as possible.

• Create a list of pre-written answers to common questions to save time.

With TSM, you don’t have to worry about missing messages. Our team handles all guest communication promptly, so you can focus on other priorities.

3. Neglecting Maintenance

Little problems can turn into big headaches if ignored. For example:

• A broken AC during the summer could ruin a guest’s stay.

• A leaky roof during rainy months could lead to costly damage and cancellations.

How to Avoid This:

• Schedule regular maintenance checks for plumbing, AC, and appliances.

• Hire professionals to address small issues before they become major repairs.

TSM coordinates regular inspections and maintenance for you, ensuring your property stays in great shape year-round.

4. Ignoring Local Regulations

Puerto Rico’s short-term rental laws can be tricky. For example, property owners are required to pay a 9% hospitality tax on gross revenue. Platforms like Airbnb only collect 7%, leaving you responsible for the remaining 2%.

Failing to comply can lead to fines, penalties, and interest charges that add up fast.

How to Avoid This:

• Familiarize yourself with Puerto Rico’s rental regulations, including zoning laws and tax requirements.

• Partner with a property manager like TSM who knows the ins and outs of local compliance and can handle filings for you.

5. Overlooking the Importance of Marketing

Even the best property won’t perform if no one sees it. Listings with poor-quality photos or generic descriptions often get overlooked in search results.

How to Avoid This:

• Invest in professional photography to showcase your property’s best features.

• Write detailed, engaging descriptions tailored to your target audience. For example:

• Emphasize family-friendly features like cribs and high chairs for families.

• Highlight high-speed Wi-Fi and workspaces for digital nomads.

At TSM, we craft professional listings that attract the right guests and keep your calendar full.

Walking on Eggshells: The Importance of Reviews

Reviews can make or break your rental property. One unhappy guest could leave a scathing review that affects your bookings for months. That’s why it’s crucial to:

• Respond quickly to guest inquiries.

• Handle maintenance issues immediately.

• Provide a clean, well-stocked, and welcoming property.

Pro Tip: Even if a guest has an issue, resolving it quickly can turn a negative experience into a positive review.

Final Thoughts

Running a successful short-term rental in Puerto Rico is about more than just listing your property—it’s about avoiding mistakes that could cost you money, time, and bookings.

Don’t want to deal with the stress? Let Tropical Stay Management handle the details for you. From dynamic pricing to guest communication, maintenance, and compliance, we make rental management hassle-free.

Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you avoid mistakes and maximize your rental income.