Explore 10 tips on what to expect when renting a villa or other type of holiday property for rent in Malta or Gozo
More and more people are doing it. Many tourists are preferring holidaying in a property for rent in Malta or Gozo like a villa for rent or an apartment to let rather than living it up in a 5-star hotel. It is just one other way of experiencing life as the Maltese locals and at the same time, you may even cut down on expenses.
Holiday rentals in the Malta property market are on the increase, at least on this side of the hemisphere. Whilst each country has its own rental quirks and methods, here is what to expect when choosing to rent a villa or any other type of luxury property in Malta or Gozo whilst on vacation.
The villa for rent or other types of holiday rentals should be clean, neat and tidy. Most Maltese and Gozitan owners are pretty proud of their homes and will present their property at its best. Therefore, cleanliness shouldn’t be a problem. However, when renting a holiday property, one can expect anything.
Usually cleaning services or linen change services are not offered during your stay if this is seven days or less. If you prefer daily cleaning services or at least more often than once a week, then you need to request this specifically and it will probably be at an extra cost.
Most self-catering holiday villas in Malta come equipped with a washing machine. If you are not interested in using that and would rather have a daily laundering service, you will have to request it apart.
You should confirm beforehand whether you need to take your own towels and linen. Some landlords will not supply these, whilst they will supply quilts and blankets.
If you are travelling with young children and need extra beds or cots, be clear as to what you need. Some landlords will advertise an extra bed without specifying whether it is suitable for an older or a younger child.
If you are renting out a self-catering apartment for rent or a farmhouse to let in Gozo, for instance, then you should find basic kitchen utensils like cutlery, plates, pots and pans.
Some landlords will leave basics such as sugar, milk, biscuits, water, tea and coffee in the kitchen. Clarify with your landlord what you will be getting especially if you plan to arrive late at night with no chance of taking off to a restaurant.
If it’s winter, clarify whether hot water will be readily available in your holiday rental. Whilst this is the norm, there may be instances where hot water geysers are not switched on in time to allow an unwinding wash after your voyage.
Also, make sure the heating in your holiday rental is installed. Maltese winters can be pretty cold and humid. This will come as a surprise to people arriving from much colder countries where central heating takes the chills out of indoor living.
Since central heating is not the norm in Malta, you will find air-conditioning and gas or electric heaters. Here hot water will be readily available. Whilst this is the norm, there may be instances where hot water geysers are not switched on in time to allow an unwinding wash after your voyage.
For spring/summer/early autumn, fans or air-conditioning are a must. Don’t settle for one fan for the entire apartment if more than two bedrooms are used. Each bedroom will need freshening up.
Smoking in public areas and establishments is illegal in Malta and Gozo. If you are a smoker, it is wise to make sure smokers are welcome in the property you are renting out.
If you or somebody you are travelling with has a disability or health condition which requires special facilities, ask the property for rent or holiday rental owner whether these can be accommodated.
There are a number of holiday rentals available that should cater for any budget. Ask a real estate agent in Malta for some professional advice on the best villa for rent in Malta when on vacation or for a short business trip. In most cases, they should have a short-let specialist available that would be on call to assist you with all your needs. Read more about renting a property in Malta for summer.