Cleaning Tips for All Your Spaces

Peak season for vacation rentals is just around the corner! While the influx of guests is exciting, we know it can also feel overwhelming. Keeping your rental spotless and guest-ready is key to earning glowing reviews and repeat bookings. As experts in Airbnb management, Lemon Tree Housekeeping shares seven essential tips to streamline your vacation rental cleaning process during Airbnb peak season, and help you secure those five-star reviews with ease. Create a Streamlined Cleaning Schedule A well-organized cleaning schedule is the backbone of a smooth operation. Use scheduling software or cleaning apps to track check-ins and check-outs, assign cleaning tasks, and ensure no property is overlooked. Automating reminders for your cleaning team can help maintain consistency. Hire a Professional Cleaning Service If you’re handling multiple rentals, outsourcing to a professional cleaning company is a game-changer. Experienced vacation rental cleaners work quickly and thoroughly, ensuring your property is guest-ready every time. They also bring high-quality cleaning supplies and adhere to hospitality industry standards. Stock Up on Cleaning Supplies Running out of essential cleaning products during Airbnb peak season can lead to delays. Keep an inventory of supplies such as disinfectants, microfibre cloths, vacuum bags, and eco-friendly cleaning products. Consider bulk purchasing to save time and money. Keep Duplicate Sets of Linens Speed up turnovers by ensuring you have extra sets of essential items like bedding, towels, and kitchen linens. Instead of waiting for laundry to finish between check-outs, you can swap in a fresh set immediately. This reduces turnover time, and you always know that each guest has crisp clean linens without delay. Inspect Before Every Check-In A quick quality check before guests arrive can prevent negative reviews. Walk through the property or have a supervisor inspect the space to ensure it meets high cleanliness standards. Communicate Cleaning Expectations with Guests Encourage guests to maintain cleanliness by providing clear instructions. A small guide on proper trash disposal, dishwashing, and checkout procedures can go a long way in keeping the space tidy. Get Professional Help for Hassle-Free Airbnb Management Hiring a professional Airbnb management service takes the stress off your plate, ensuring your property stays spotless and guest-ready. A dedicated team can handle everything from deep cleaning and restocking essentials to last-minute turnovers. Lemon Tree Housekeeping is a trusted vacation rental management company serving Nanaimo to Victoria, BC. Whether you need reliable cleaning services or full-service rental management, we’ve got you covered. Contact our Nanaimo or Victoria team today for a quote!

Vacation Property Management for U.S. Investors on Vancouver Island Investing in a vacation rental on beautiful Vancouver Island is an exciting and lucrative opportunity. Imagine owning a vacation rental in a sought-after resort community, surrounded by ocean and mountain views, beaches, parks, and west coast nature. Plus, enjoy access to resort amenities like pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and fitness centres. For U.S. investors, managing a short-term or vacation rental from afar can feel overwhelming, especially when the rules and regulations constantly change. That’s where Lemon Tree Housekeeping comes in. Our expert team is highly trained on short-term rental bylaws both at the municipal and provincial level, and offers full setup and design services for owners who can’t be on-site to prepare their property for guests. As a trusted, locally owned company, we provide full-service vacation property management in Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, and Victoria. From guest communication to professional cleaning and maintenance, we handle every detail, so you can enjoy the rewards of your investment without the stress. Staying on Top of Bylaws and Market Insights Staying on top of BC’s strict short-term rental laws is one of the biggest challenges for both U.S. investors and local property owners. Many cities now require business licenses, approval letters, and proof of primary residence for Airbnb and Vrbo hosts. With years of experience in vacation rental management, Lemon Tree Housekeeping makes it easy to navigate these requirements. We stay up to date on regulation changes, taking the guesswork out of local rental rules so you can focus on enjoying your investment. We assist our clients with obtaining the correct business licenses, property insurance, and ensure your property is registered as per the new provincial legislation. For investment condos at resorts, we have a strong understanding of the strata bylaws and the steps that must be taken to ensure compliance. Plus, our team offers valuable insight into the local market, helping you develop effective pricing strategies and advising on vacation home insurance. Professional Cleaning and Property Upkeep Guests expect a spotless and well-maintained space when booking a vacation rental. Our Airbnb management team makes sure your property is in top shape between stays, giving guests a five-star experience. We do more than just basic cleaning—we handle full setup and design, deep cleaning, property management scheduling and overseeing services, and restocking of supplies, toiletries, and inventory. We also do inspection and damage reports to catch problems in a timely manner, keeping your property in great condition. Smooth Guest Experience and Quick Support Owning a vacation rental from the U.S. means you need a reliable local team to manage guest interactions and any urgent issues. Lemon Tree Housekeeping takes care of guest inquiries, booking management, key box and keyless entry, as well as emergency support. To boost bookings and revenue, we offer long term stays and direct bookings. Guests can also book your vacation rental through all the major booking channels such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Google, Expedia, Trip Advisor and Bookings.com. We’re committed to exceptional service, ensuring your guests feel welcome and well taken care of. Happy guests leave great reviews, return for future stays, and help keep your rental booked. Make the Most of Your Investment with Lemon Tree Housekeeping By partnering with Lemon Tree Housekeeping, you can enjoy the benefits of Vancouver Island’s vacation rental market without the stress of managing it all. Our services keep your property clean, organized, and welcoming for guests, so you can focus on growing your rental income. Let us handle the details while you enjoy the rewards! Contact Us

Winter on Vancouver Island means cooler temperatures and more time spent indoors. The season’s heavy rains and damp conditions can take a toll on your home or vacation rental without proper care. Regular cleaning and winter property maintenance not only protect your property but also create a warm, welcoming space for guests. With some planning and the right cleaning strategies, you can keep your property in excellent shape all season long. Here are five essential winter cleaning tips to help safeguard your property this year. 5 Tips for a Winter Deep Clean Deep Clean and Inspect the Roof and Gutters Heavy rainfall is a hallmark of winter on Vancouver Island, so it’s essential to ensure your roof and gutters are ready for the season. For the roof, remove debris and check for moss, which can trap moisture and damage shingles. Clear leaves and dirt from the gutters to prevent clogs that lead to water overflow and potential leaks. Check your downspouts to ensure water is directed away from your foundation to avoid flooding. These tasks protect your property, and set a positive impression for vacation rental guests. Seal Windows and Doors Unsealed windows and doors can let in moisture, creating conditions for mold growth. Start by doing a winter deep clean of windows to identify cracks or worn seals, and check doorframes for moisture buildup. Apply weatherstripping or caulking to block leaks and retain heat. Proper sealing is key for preventing mold in winter, reducing heating costs, and improving comfort while protecting your property. Maintain Outdoor Spaces Outdoor areas are often neglected during winter, but they’re just as important to maintain. Wash and store patio furniture to prevent mold and mildew. Pressure wash decks and walkways to remove slippery algae and dirt, ensuring safety. Secure loose items like planters or decorations to avoid wind damage. Keeping outdoor spaces clean and well-maintained ensures safety and also enhances your property’s appeal, even during the offseason. Clean Vents and Dust Regularly With the colder weather, indoor air quality becomes even more important. Cleaning vents and ducts regularly helps improve airflow and prevents dust buildup, which can affect heating efficiency. Additionally, regular dusting of surfaces such as baseboards, light fixtures, and furniture reduces allergens and maintains a fresh environment. Schedule Professional Winter Cleaning Services Hiring professionals can make winter maintenance much easier, especially for vacation rental owners. Professional cleaning services can handle heavy-duty tasks like deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and windows, as well as seasonal chores like moss removal and gutter cleaning. Regular professional cleaning helps maintain a consistently high standard, ensuring your property stays fresh and inviting. This proactive approach saves time, and extends the life of your property, reducing the need for costly repairs down the line. Need help with your winter cleaning? Lemon Tree Housekeeping provides expert residential and commercial deep cleaning services to ensure your home or rental is spotless and ready for guests. Contact our Nanaimo and Victoria cleaning teams today for a thorough clean that will leave your space sparkling.

Are you planning a visit to Vancouver Island this holiday season? From dazzling light displays and handcrafted artisan goods to mouthwatering festive treats and enchanting shows, our vacation rental management team has curated a list of the best holiday activities and events from Victoria to Nanaimo. Victoria Festival of Trees The holiday season kicks off with the Festival of Trees happening at the Bay Center in Victoria, BC. Stroll through over 90 one-of-a-kind festively decorated trees in support of BC Children’s Hospital. When: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025 Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street, Victoria Admission: Free The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens One of the most popular holiday events in Victoria, The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens features a spectacular display of lights, including scenes depicting The Twelve Days of Christmas, traditional carollers and a festive brass band, and hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire. When: December 1, 2024 – January 6, 2024 Where: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay Admission: Purchase tickets here 46th Annual Victoria Tuba Christmas Tuba Christmas returns to Market Square in downtown Victoria for one of Victoria’s most beloved holiday traditions! The annual gathering brings together more than 100 tuba and euphonium players from across the region to play your favourite holiday carols. Donations will be accepted for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, a charity that assists the people most in need in the Greater-Victoria community. When: Saturday, December 14th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Where: 560 Johnson Street, Victoria Admission: By donation The 43rd Annual Dickens Fair Do you have your shopping list ready? One of Victoria’s oldest and best-loved Winter Craft Fairs returns for the 43rd year. From candles to pet accessories, explore and shop an amazing variety of affordable handmade and homemade products from Vancouver Island and Gulf Island artisans. When: Saturday, December 7th, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Where: James Bay Community Centre, 140 Oswego Street Admission: $3.00 // Free for Children under 12 (accompanied by an Adult) Duncan The Christmas Express All aboard! Ride the Christmas Express as it travels through thousands of twinkling lights that adorn the 100-acre enchanted woods of the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Enjoy activities like holiday crafts, fire pits, indoor entertainment, a miniature Christmas Village, and concession goodies. When: December 6 – 9, 12 – 16, 19 – 23, 2024 Where: 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan Admission: Purchase tickets here Chemainus Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley In a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the Bennet family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley. An unexpected guest sparks Mary Bennet’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love. When: November 22, 2024 – December 22, 2024 Where: Chemainus Theatre Admission: Purchase tickets here Ladysmith Gifts From the Heart Christmas Arts Market Discover the magic of the season at the Gifts from the Heart Christmas Arts Market! This local community event in Ladysmith is a one-stop-shop for all your holiday gift needs. Come experience the joy of supporting local creators and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. When: December 14 – 15, 2024 Where: Aggie Hall Admission: Free Ladysmith Festival of Lights Experience and enjoy the 37th Annual Light Up in 2024! From the last Thursday in November until the second Sunday in January, Ladysmith is ignited with the life of thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Drive or walk down First Avenue (you may also be able to shop) and take it all in to fill your cup with Christmas spirit. Then do it again. When: November 28, 2024 – January 12, 2025 Where: Downtown Ladysmith Admission: Free Nanaimo 16th annual ​Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is a celebration of music, dance, lights and decorations. Now in its 16th season, it has become a holiday tradition for many across Vancouver Island. This year's singing and dancing extravaganza includes musical medleys of well known songs by Van Morrison, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift as well favorites from the musical Grease, a nostalgia set, a collection of James Bond movie hits, Bing Crosby's classic 'White Christmas' and many more classical hits and Christmas favourites. When: December 17 – 22, 2024 Where: The Port Theatre, 125 Front St, Nanaimo Admission: Purchase tickets here A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol Visual storytelling virtuosos, the WONDERHEADS, present their signature reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Bringing the magic of imagination to the stage, this unforgettable live experience features spectacular giant masks, whimsical puppets, and unfathomable theatrical invention. When: December 23, 2024 at 7:30pm, December 24, 2024 at 12:00pm Where: The Port Theatre, 125 Front St, Nanaimo Admission: Purchase tickets here Winter Weekend Holiday Market The Nanaimo Art Gallery have thoughtfully chosen an expanded selection of handmade items by local artists and makers to help make your holidays memorable. When: December 6 – 8, 2024 Where: Nanaimo Art Gallery Admission: Free Parksville Christmas on the Farm Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is excited to welcome back their annual Christmas on the Farm event. Bundle up and take a wagon ride to the farm from Morningstar Golf Course and enjoy a range of kid’s activities, live music, photo booth, hot chocolate, an on-site poutine truck, games, farm animals, and much more. When: Saturday, December 7, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Where: Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, 403 Lowry's Road, Parksville Admission: $5.00 // 2 & Under: Free Ready to host your Airbnb listings? Do you have an Airbnb property (or several properties) around Victoria or Nanaimo, BC? As your Airbnb management company, Lemon Free Housekeeping can help you manage your property on Airbnb and maximize your monthly income from your Airbnb listings. To learn more, get in touch with our vacation rental management company today!

If you’re a BC homeowner or investor hoping to rent out your property on Airbnb, you’ve probably heard about the new short-term rental legislation. They’re designed to help with housing shortages and keep communities stable, but all the regulations can feel a bit overwhelming.  A short-term rental management company with vacation rental expertise can make the process so much smoother. Discover how Lemon Tree Housekeeping can help you navigate these changes and optimize your vacation rental listings in Nanaimo, Victoria, and across Vancouver Island. What are the new rules for short-term rentals in BC? BC’s new short-term rental rules are designed to crack down on unlicensed rentals on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Facebook Marketplace—especially in areas where affordable housing is in high demand. The goal is to make sure rental activity supports local communities, and that includes ensuring proper licensing.Each municipality has its own rules around zoning, licensing, and taxes, which can vary a lot depending on where you’re located. Some areas may require you to register your property as a short-term rental, while others may have specific zones where rentals are allowed or additional taxes to consider. It can get a bit confusing, and missing even one step could lead to fines or have your listing temporarily removed. Why You Need a Short-Term Rental Management Service With BC’s new regulations, managing a short-term rental is about so much more than just listing a property online. One key aspect of staying compliant is the audit process, which involves gathering various legal documents, approval letters, and booking calendars. This is where professional Airbnb property management services become essential, helping to keep all essential documents organized and in order. Comprehensive Airbnb management services also include maintaining your property to meet health and safety standards, keeping it impeccably clean, communicating with guests, and responding to any emergencies. With our hands-on approach, you can trust that your property will remain in excellent condition and ready to welcome guests. How Lemon Tree Housekeeping Can Help With Vacation Property Management At Lemon Tree Housekeeping, we’re a locally owned company that truly understands BC’s short-term rental legislation. Our team is dedicated to keeping your vacation properties in Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, and Victoria aligned with all the municipal and provincial rules. We stay on top of the latest changes and take care of all the nitty-gritty details, so you can focus on what really matters: maximizing your rental income! Contact Us  

Get ready for a spooktacular season! We've rounded up the best Halloween events on Vancouver Island to ensure you and your family have a hauntingly good time this October. From eerie mini-golf to haunted houses, costume parties, and family-friendly festivities, there's something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join all the ghoulish fun! Victoria Haunted Manor Mini-Golf + Ping Pong Lounge Featuring the Pumpkin King—Haunted Manor offers a spine-tingling twist on the classic mini-golf experience. Navigate your golf ball through an eerie 18-hole course set in a haunted manor with a ghoulish story to tell. When: September 18 – November 3, 2024 Where: 711 Yates St, Victoria, BC Admission: For more information and pricing, click here. Halloween Market The third annual Halloween Market is back! Come and get ready for the spooky season! Shop for handmade items ranging from the spooky to the sweet. 50+ vendors, food trucks, and a sip & shop featuring Howl Brewing. Wicked DJs will be spinning a great selection of your favourite tracks with some spooky goodies mixed in throughout the day. Costumes encouraged! A portion of each admission will be donated to the Habitat Acquisition Trust. When: Saturday, October 26 – 27, 2024 Where: Da Vinci Centre Admission: For more information and tickets, click here. Halloween Firehall Spooktacular Join Esquimalt Recreation and the Esquimalt Firefighters for a spooktacular Halloween evening! Step inside the truck bays for some spine-tingling sights, fantastic activities, and plenty of Halloween excitement. The Esquimalt Lions will be running the concession, offering tasty treats like hot dogs, chips, and other delicious snacks available for purchase. When: Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Where: Esquimalt Fire Hall, 1151 Esquimalt Rd Haunted Mansion – Halloween Show and Party This Halloween Passion and Performance Arts Inc. is bringing you into their Haunted Mansion, an immersive horror experience. Haunted Mansion will kick off with an immersive dance spectacle running from 7:00-8:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. The show will feature performers in dances of all levels from beginner to professional in an exciting evening filled with mystery and mayhem. The party will kick off after the show completes at 8:00 PM. There will be dancing with music spun by DJ Marlon, a photo booth, games, a draglesque experience, incredible food and more. When: Saturday, Oct 26, 2024 from 6:00 PM – 11:59 PM Where: Victoria Conference Centre – Crystal Garden Admission: For more information and tickets, click here. Treat Street Downtown Sidney will be closed to traffic for little ghosts, goblins, and princesses to enjoy a family trick-or-treating event on Halloween eve! Visit various businesses and treat stations around Sidney as well as many local merchants. Free fun for the entire family! 4:30 pm to 6 pm. When: Thursday, October 31 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM Where: Downtown Sidney Festival of Fear and Carnevil Festival of Fear has two main venues, Corn Maze of Horror featuring a Haunted House for kids in the Old West Town, and the Crazy Train. Family friendly fun during the day, but gets much spookier at night. Carnevil is Victoria’s most amazing 6,000 square foot Haunted House of terror (PG13). It is recommended to book your Carnevil ticket 60 to 90 minutes after your selected time for Festival of Fear. When: October 10 – 23, 17 – 31, 2024 Where: Galey Farms Admission: For more information and tickets, click here. Wicked Victoria WICKED WEEK will begin on October 30th with some Spooktacular FUN! Wicked Week is brought to you by our Government Street Partner Merchants and the Greater Victoria Festival Society. When: Sunday, October 27, 2024 Where: Government Street (Yates to Broughton) Admission: For more information, click here. Nanaimo Hauntvilles Horror Hauntvilles Horror has partnered with the Vancouver Island Exhibition for the 2024 Halloween Season! When: October 25, 26 & 31 from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM Where: Beban Park Admission: By donation The Dark Eighties Halloween Dance Party Celebrate Halloween proper in DARK EIGHTIES style at The Dark Eighties Dance Party! The Dark Eighties DJS from Vancouver will be playing your favourite (and some more obscure) DARK 80s anthems until LATE on Halloween night! They’ve done parties in London, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton NYC, Berlin, and even NZ + Australia. Now it’s finally time to bring this party to NANAIMO! When: October 31, 2024 from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM Where: The Queen’s Admission: For more information and tickets, click here. Gothic Halloween Party Enjoy horror themed visuals, vendors including Hexed Hats & Apothecary, free candy, good music, costume prizes, and spooky company. Dark 80's, dark-rave, electro-goth, post-punk, darkwave, future pop, EBM, industrial, and aggrotech at a place that's seen over 100 years of history in Nanaimo, BC Costumes are encouraged but not required. Take your photo against stunning black brick. When: Staurday, October 19, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM Where: The Globe Live Studio Admission: For more information, click here Halloween: It’s Alive!! Dr. Frankenstein has been experimenting in the Museum’s coal mine, and seems to be up to something strange. Visit the Nanaimo Museum to catch glimpses of his lab, and help him find some body parts in a themed I Spy! Costumes are encouraged all month long. It’s Alive!! is fun for all ages and is included with admission by donation. When: October 3 – 31, 2024 Where: Nanaimo Museum Admission: For more information, click here. Halloween Happenings at Country Club Centre Join FREE family drop-in events at Country Club Centre from October 18 – 31. Snap your own Halloween photos at their farmyard styled pumpkin patch, view the LEGO® exhibition on Saturday, October 26, or dress up your little ones in costume and visit Country Club merchants for trick or treats this Halloween. When: October 18 – 31, 2024 Where: Country Club Centre Admission: For more information, click here. Nanoose Bay Halloween Walk 13th Nanoose Bay Halloween Walk at BumbleBees Farm.  This Spooky creative event will be held over three nights, with proceeds going to two local organizations, The Ballenas Whalers Football Society and Nanoose Bay Elementary School. When: Friday, October 25 – 27, 2024 from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM or 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM or 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM Where: BumbleBees Farm, 2525 Northwest Bay Road Admission: For more information, click here. Qualicum Beach Milner Gardens & Woodland Scarecrow Spectacular Milner Gardens & Woodland’s all-new Scarecrow Spectacular brings more fall funfair to our community, providing another occasion for families to come together and make memories. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in costume, wander the Scarecrow Lane through the Haunted Gardens and vote on their favourite spooktacular scarecrow! Accompanied by a menu of harvest-themed food and beverage offerings and other festive activities, it’s sure to be a Graveyard Smash! When: Friday, October 25 – 27, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Where: Milner Gardens & Woodland Admission: $10.00/Adult | $6.00/Youth | Children, VIU Students and Milner Members are FREE Duncan BC Forest Discovery Centre Halloween Train Halloween magic is happening with an exciting event for family fun and entertainment at the BC Forest Discovery Centre with 11 nights of Halloween fun! Activities each evening include crafts in the schoolhouse, train rides, trick-or-treat stations for the little ones, and live entertainment by Andy McCormack and the popular Kathy White Zombie Dancers. When: October 18 – 22, 25 – 30, 2024 from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Where: BC Forest Discovery Centre Admission: For more information, click here. Don't Let the Spooky Mess Haunt You - Reserve Your House Cleaning Today! From all of us at Lemon Tree Housekeeping, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween season filled with thrills, chills, and spooky delights. And when the ghoulish fun is over, let the team at Lemon Tree Housekeeping handle the post-festivity cleanup, proudly serving Victoria and Nanaimo, BC. Contact us today to book your house cleaning appointment. contact us