Coastal Property Care: Key Maintenance Tips for Key West Vacation Rentals

Published on June 9, 2025

Owning a vacation rental in Key West is a dream — but the tropical island lifestyle comes with a unique set of maintenance challenges. From salt air corrosion to storm preparedness and year-round humidity, your property needs regular care to stay guest-ready and profitable.

At Chady Property Management, we don’t just manage bookings — we protect your investment. In this blog, we’re sharing the top maintenance strategies every Key West Airbnb owner should follow to avoid costly repairs, minimize downtime, and keep guests happy.


Why Coastal Maintenance Is Different in Key West

The island’s beauty comes with a price — and that price is upkeep. Coastal homes are exposed to:

  • Saltwater air, which accelerates corrosion on fixtures, appliances, and exterior surfaces
  • High humidity, leading to mold, mildew, and warping of wood
  • Frequent storms, requiring proactive hurricane prep and quick recovery
  • Heavy guest turnover, which increases wear and tear on interiors

Without regular inspections and preventative care, even a luxury listing can degrade quickly — and bad reviews or cancellations will follow.


1. Routine HVAC & Humidity Control

Key West humidity can wreak havoc on indoor air quality and comfort. Regular AC maintenance is essential — both for guest satisfaction and to prevent mold growth.

At ChadyPM, we provide:

  • Quarterly HVAC servicing to prevent breakdowns
  • Dehumidifier installation and monitoring in key rooms
  • Air filter replacements to maintain air quality
  • Smart thermostats to control climate when guests are away

We help you maintain a cool, dry, and comfortable interior year-round.


2. Salt Air Protection for Exteriors & Appliances

Salt air is harsh — it corrodes metal, damages paint, and reduces the life of your appliances. Regular cleaning and sealing are crucial.

Our exterior upkeep includes:

  • Routine power washing to remove salt residue
  • Protective coatings on railings, doors, and outdoor furniture
  • Appliance inspections for corrosion and electrical safety
  • Stainless steel maintenance kits for coastal appliances

We help your property stay polished, professional, and protected.


3. Storm Prep and Emergency Response

In Key West, hurricane season is a reality — and proper preparation can save you thousands. We take proactive steps to safeguard your rental before storms ever hit.

Our hurricane services include:

  • Storm shutter installation and inspections
  • Pre-storm property checks and guest coordination
  • Post-storm clean-up and damage reporting
  • Insurance photo documentation and vendor coordination

You can’t control the weather — but with ChadyPM, you’re never caught unprepared.


4. Weekly & Monthly Inspections

Whether your calendar is fully booked or your home sits vacant between guests, regular check-ins keep everything running smoothly.

We provide:

  • Weekly walk-throughs for active rentals
  • Monthly property inspections for second homes or seasonal listings
  • Detailed condition reports with photos and repair recommendations
  • Scheduled deep cleans and preventative maintenance tasks

This level of attention prevents small issues from becoming big (and expensive) ones.


5. Guest-Ready Home Standards

Every time a guest checks in, your home should feel brand-new — clean, functional, and worry-free. We maintain strict hospitality standards so your reviews stay 5-star.

Our team handles:

  • Quick repairs between guest stays
  • Inventory checks on kitchenware, linens, and amenities
  • Fixture testing (toilets, faucets, lighting, etc.)
  • Maintenance logs and documentation for tax records and accountability

You get a better guest experience. We handle the work behind the scenes.


Final Thoughts

Key West is a stunning place to own a vacation rental — but it takes diligent maintenance to protect your property, your income, and your reputation. Whether you’re local or out-of-state, the best results come from having a hands-on, local team that understands the island’s unique demands.

At Chady Property Management, we offer full-service care for Key West vacation rentals — including expert maintenance, proactive protection, and year-round peace of mind.

Want your property to stay pristine, profitable, and problem-free?
Contact Chady Property Management and let us keep your island investment in top shape.