Home is where the heart is, but if you have love to spare, you can rent one of yours out as a vacation house. Becoming a landlord for temporary stays is an excellent way to earn passive income.

Some differences exist between making a place feel like a permanent or a vacation home. Here are the most significant.

1. Amenities

When you live somewhere, you can get what you need when you need it. Your vacation rental serves as a private hotel for your guests. You can supply a few amenities, but the more you do, the more likely people will want to stay there.

Some of the most frequently searched-for amenities are the following:

Full Kitchen

Renters who invest in vacation homes typically stay at least a week. Eating out can get expensive, and just having snacks around can get old. A full kitchen gives them space to prepare some of their favorite meals during their stay.

Most people don't want to waste room in their luggage by packing dishes, cutlery and pans. Do your guests a favor by keeping the kitchen stocked. Dishwashers are a nice bonus, but supplying dish soap, sponges and towels can help them keep things clean.

Many renters who don't intend to cook still want a coffee maker. Setting up a tea and coffee bar can help them prepare for a day of activities. A set of wine glasses can allow them to wind down at night. However, it's best to have them supply their alcohol.

HVAC

Air conditioning and heat are a major bonus for renters. Everyone has different preferences, and the home can provide a retreat from outdoor temperatures.

A central heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) can keep the home at a consistent temperature range. However, providing some window AC units or portable heaters also helps. A fireplace can help set the ambiance.

Pool or Hot Tub

A pool or hot tub makes the vacation home worth it for many travelers. They take some maintenance, but you can often recoup those costs by increasing the rental price. Many families will pay extra for a private pool or hot tub.

Wi-Fi

Billions of people rely on the internet to connect and entertain. Free Wi-Fi access is a must for many renters — providing it will help you compete.

You can also ditch cable television options by providing internet. More people are streaming their favorite shows, and you can opt for a smart television guests can use to log into their favorite services. Many apps provide local news and weather so your renters can get acquainted with the area.

Washer and Dryer

Accidents happen. A stocked laundry area can give your guests peace of mind. It also lets them pack less clothing, saving them space and money.

Pet-Friendly

There are many pros and cons to allowing animals in your rental. Many families who travel to a vacation home will want or need to bring their dog with them. Adding a small cleaning charge to the rental price could attract more guests.

2. Interior Design

The interior design can be more location-based and less personal than what you'd have in your home.

Remove personal photographs, kids' drawings, and anything identifying you and your family more than your listing information. It's a security measure and reduces the risk of guests accidentally harming it.

Plants can bring color to the home and help your guests relax. Artificial versions are the way to go unless you frequently visit the location. Choose faux plants and greenery that match the area to have cohesion between the rental and its environment.

Colors can also impact your guests' comfort. Warm tones can encourage relaxation, but too bright shades can bother their eyes.

Consider lighter colors for your walls if you want to make your rental seem larger.

You don't want to put fragile furniture items in your rental because you never know what might happen. Wear and tear from different guests, luggage and pets could cause you to replace things more often than in your home. Consider investing in heavy duty furniture, fabrics, and materials that can be cleaned easily and withstand frequent usage from visitors.

3. Security

A sound security system is a must. Placing cameras around the property's exterior can protect it from burglaries or other criminal activities. Smart cameras can stream directly to your device regardless of your location. It instantly lets you know if there is a problem, and you can save the video as proof for authorities.

Keyless entry can also protect your property. You can set a unique code for each guest that arrives and turn it off once their stay is complete. This prevents the chances of a key going missing and an unauthorized person entering the home.

Exterior lighting can help your guests stay safe. It allows visitors to see where they are going after dark and can scare potential intruders away from the property. You can save money by purchasing solar lights without a power source.

Landscaping can also impact the home's security. Strategically placing bushes and thick shrubs near potential intrusion points can deter criminals from entering.

If your vacation home is on the coast or in other areas prone to natural disasters, consider choosing thick doors and windows that can withstand high winds and rain. Providing guests with information about what to do in an emergency and stocking a first-aid kit is an excellent way to protect your guests.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors are a must in your rental unit. They will alert your guests if they need to evacuate the home due to a fire or toxic gas.

Ensure your guest home is up to the local fire code and provides multiple exits for everyone who stays there. A fire escape can give everyone the best chance to get out if you have a second floor.

4. Insurance

Renting your vacation home makes it a business activity, so your homeowners insurance will not cover it. You can get vacation property rental insurance to protect your house in emergencies.

This insurance can cover stolen or broken items and damage caused by weather.

The cost depends on location and the amount to replace the home. The protection you gain is more than worth it.

Making a Vacation Home

A vacation home can be a lucrative business opportunity. Making it comfortable and safe will bring guests back year after year, boosting your income and making people happy.