You've got the linens dialed. The kitchen is stocked. The hot tub is spotless. But when a guest can't connect to the WiFi at 10pm on a Friday during ski season, none of that matters. That one-star review is coming.

We work with short-term rental hosts across Summit, Park, and Lake counties, and the tech complaints are almost always the same — and almost always preventable. Here's what to get right before your next guest checks in.

WiFi That Actually Works

This is number one for a reason. Guests expect fast, reliable WiFi — not "it works in the living room but not the bedroom." In a mountain cabin with log walls, stone fireplaces, and multiple floors, a single router from your internet provider isn't going to cut it.

What to do:

Get a mesh WiFi system (like ASUS ZenWiFi or similar) that covers every room, every floor, and ideally the deck
Name the network something simple and post the password prominently — a framed card on the kitchen counter works great
Test the connection in every room yourself before listing the property
If you're on Starlink, make sure the dish has a clear view of the sky and isn't buried under snow

Pro tip: Set up a separate guest network. This keeps your smart home devices, security cameras, and personal stuff on a different network from whatever your guests plug in.

Smart TV and Streaming

Guests want to watch their shows. If your TV situation is confusing, you'll hear about it.

What to do:

Make sure the smart TV is logged out of all personal accounts between guests
Consider a dedicated streaming device (Roku or Fire Stick) — they're simpler than most smart TV interfaces
Print a one-page guide: "How to use the TV" with the remote explained and streaming app instructions
Label which remote does what if you have a soundbar or multiple devices

The Guest Tech Binder

A simple printed binder or laminated sheet answering the three things every guest asks:

WiFi name and password — big, bold, impossible to miss
How to use the TV — which remote, which input, how to get to Netflix
Who to call if something doesn't work — this is where you put our number

That last one is key. When something goes wrong at 8pm on a Saturday, your guest needs a number to call that isn't yours. We handle those calls so you don't have to.

Printer Access (If You Offer One)

Plenty of guests are working remotely. If you provide a printer, make sure it's:

Connected to the guest WiFi network
Set up with basic instructions posted nearby
Stocked with paper and ink

Most "the printer doesn't work" calls are because the printer is on a different network than the guest's phone or laptop.

Smart Locks and Access Codes

If you're using smart locks for keyless entry:

Change the code between every guest
Have a backup plan if the lock battery dies or WiFi goes down
Test the lock yourself before every check-in

A guest locked out at midnight in January at 9,000 feet is not a situation you want to troubleshoot over text.

Security Cameras and Disclosure

Colorado law requires you to disclose any recording devices on the property. Make sure:

Exterior cameras are noted in your listing
There are zero cameras inside the property
Smart speakers (Alexa, Google Home) are either removed or clearly disclosed

The Pre-Season Tech Checkup

Before each busy season (ski season and summer), have someone walk through the tech in your rental:

Speed-test the WiFi in every room
Update the smart TV and streaming devices
Check all remotes for dead batteries
Verify the printer works
Test the smart lock
Replace any worn-out charging cables

Think of it like servicing the furnace — preventive maintenance that avoids emergency calls and bad reviews.

We Do This

If you manage one rental or twenty, we can set up, maintain, and troubleshoot the tech stack in your properties. On-site in Summit, Park, Lake, and Chaffee counties. We come to the property, get everything dialed, and you get our number for when a guest calls with an issue.

Want to bulletproof your rental's tech? Call us at (719) 838-0435 or reach out through our contact form. We'll do a walkthrough and make sure everything is guest-ready.

Tech Checklist for Short-Term Rental Hosts