How do I prepare my cabin for rental season?

Start six weeks before Memorial Day with the Shell-Core-Surface sequence: structural inspection of the roof, siding, and foundation first, then mechanical systems (HVAC, propane, water heater), deck and hot tub safety, pest control, and water systems. Finish with a deep clean, listing photo updates, and county permit verification. The full checklist above covers all 30 items in order. You can also read our spring maintenance checklist for year-round upkeep tasks.

Do I need a permit to rent my cabin in Fannin County Georgia?

Yes. Fannin County requires an Accommodation Excise Tax Certificate from the Lodging Division, with annual renewal. The county also enforces noise ordinances with quiet hours (10pm to 6am weeknights, 11pm to 6am weekends) and can fine non-compliant owners up to $1,000 per the 2024 STVR Ordinance.

How often should I service the hot tub at my rental cabin?

Drain and flush the hot tub at minimum once per season (before summer) and ideally every 3 to 4 months during heavy rental use. Replace filters when they show discoloration or reduced flow. Have a licensed electrician inspect wiring connections annually, and keep a written maintenance log for liability protection.

What are the biggest mistakes cabin owners make before summer rental season?

The three most common mistakes I see: skipping deck inspections (mountain humidity causes faster wood deterioration than owners expect), ignoring carpenter bee damage until it becomes structural, and not updating listing photos after completing seasonal prep. All three directly reduce booking revenue during the highest-demand months of the year.

What maintenance does a vacation rental need before summer?

Mountain cabins in North Georgia need everything a standard vacation rental needs (HVAC service, deep clean, restocking) plus region-specific items: carpenter bee treatment, bear-proof trash enclosure inspection, well water testing, septic system check, and deck safety inspection. The mountain environment adds 8 to 10 maintenance items that national checklists miss entirely.

What should every cabin have for summer guests?

Beyond the basics (clean linens, stocked kitchen, working Wi-Fi), Blue Ridge summer guests expect a functional hot tub, a safe and stained deck with outdoor dining furniture, a fire pit area, clear directions to local attractions like Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River, and a guest manual with current house rules including quiet hours per county ordinance.

Cabin Summer Rental Prep Checklist