The common complaint list
Most complaints are basic comfort problems. Guests can accept a slightly dated sofa. They do not accept a cold shower.
- Heating not working or difficult controls on arrival.
- No hot water, poor shower pressure, or temperature swings.
- Leaks or drips in bathrooms, including WC fill and flush problems.
- Blocked traps or unpleasant smells from sinks and showers.
- Access issues: stiff doors, unreliable locks, key safes that jam.
- Appliance failures that stop the basics working: fridge, cooker, kettle, WiFi router power.
Why these issues hurt reviews
Guests judge the stay in the first few hours. That is when they try the heating, use the shower, and settle in. If the basics do not work, everything else feels worse, even if the property looks great in photos.
How to prevent complaints in practice
You do not need a complicated system. You need a simple routine.
- Test showers, not taps. A shower shows pressure and temperature issues quickly.
- Run heating before guests arrive. Confirm it actually heats the property and is easy to control.
- Fix repeat offenders. Door handles, WC internals, and shower seals are cheap compared to refunds.
- Do a quick mid-season check. High turnover creates wear that no cleaner can solve.
Want fewer emergencies mid-stay?
If you want preventative checks and sensible fixes carried out before guests arrive, we can support holiday let owners and agents across Devon.
FAQ
What causes the most complaints in holiday lets?
Heating, hot water, showers, and basic bathroom issues cause the most complaints, followed by access problems like sticky doors, unreliable locks, and key safes.
Are maintenance issues the main reason for bad reviews?
They are a big driver. Guests often forgive decor. They do not forgive cold showers, heating failures, leaks, or being locked out.
How can owners prevent guest complaints?
Run a simple preventative check before peak periods, fix recurring minor issues, and prioritise bathrooms, heating, access, and anything that affects comfort on day one.