For Homeowners

Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Owner Resources

Everything you need to know about getting started, preparing your property, and thriving as a Tahoe Signature owner-partner.

Onboarding Checklist Supplies & Setup Permits & Compliance What to Expect Pro Tips

Step by Step

Your Onboarding Checklist

From your first conversation with our team to your first booking, here's exactly what happens and what we need from you. Most new owners are surprised by how little is required on their end.

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Initial Consultation

Schedule a call with our team. We review your property, location, and goals.

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Property Walkthrough

A local specialist visits your home to assess condition, compliance status, and revenue potential.

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Sign Management Agreement

Review and sign our straightforward management agreement. No hidden clauses.

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4

Confirm STR Permit

Ensure your Short-Term Rental permit is active (we can assist with applications).

Owner action required
5

Insurance Review

Confirm your homeowner's insurance covers short-term rental use. We can recommend providers.

Owner action required
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Photography Appointment

We schedule and fully manage the professional photo and 3D tour session.

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Listing Setup

We write your listing copy, set up all platforms, and build your pricing strategy.

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Your First Booking

Your property goes live across every channel, and we manage bookings, guests, and operations from here.

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Typical Timeline

Day 1–3
Initial consultation & property walkthrough
Day 4–7
Agreement signed, permit confirmed, insurance reviewed
Day 8–12
Photography & 3D tour completed
Day 13–16
Listings built, pricing strategy finalized
Day 17+
Live on all platforms. First booking received.
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Your Owner Portal

Once live, you'll have 24/7 access to your personal dashboard: booking calendar, revenue reports, maintenance logs, and monthly statements all in one place.

login Access Your Portal

Property Preparation

Supplies & Setup Guide

A guest-ready home is a high-earning home. Here's what we recommend having in place before your first booking.

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Kitchen Essentials

  • check Full cookware set (pots, pans, baking sheet)
  • check Complete cutlery, plates, bowls for guest capacity
  • check Wine & champagne glasses
  • check Coffee maker (drip + single-serve preferred)
  • check Blender, toaster, can opener
  • check Quality cutting boards and knives
  • check Dish soap, sponges, dishwasher pods
  • check Trash bags (all sizes)
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Bedroom & Linens

  • check Hotel-quality white duvet sets (2 per bed)
  • check Mattress protectors for all beds
  • check Extra pillows (2x guest count)
  • check Blackout curtains or blinds
  • check Bedside lamps with USB ports
  • check Full-length mirror in at least one room
  • check Luggage rack
  • check Extra blankets in all closets
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Bathroom Basics

  • check Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths (3 sets per bathroom)
  • check Hair dryer in each bathroom
  • check Shower caddy / shelving
  • check Non-slip bath mats
  • check Extra toilet paper (generous supply)
  • check Soap dish & liquid soap dispenser
  • check Mirror with good lighting
  • check First aid kit
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Safety & Compliance

  • check Smoke detectors on every level
  • check Carbon monoxide detectors (required by CA law)
  • check Fire extinguisher in kitchen
  • check Emergency exit plan posted
  • check STR permit posted prominently (required)
  • check Pool/hot tub safety rules posted (if applicable)
  • check Keyless smart lock installed
  • check Ring camera or security system (exterior)
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Comfort & Experience

  • check High-speed WiFi (300Mbps+ recommended)
  • check Smart TV with streaming apps in living room
  • check Smart TV in each bedroom (optional but preferred)
  • check Board games, cards, puzzles
  • check Tahoe-area guide books and menus
  • check Outdoor furniture and BBQ if applicable
  • check Ski boot dryer if near resort
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Seasonal Prep

  • check Summer: Fans, sunscreen, beach/lake gear
  • check Winter: Snow removal contract or supplies
  • check Winter: Boot trays at all entries
  • check Winter: Ice melt for walkways (tenant access)
  • check Year-round: Extra firewood or pellets
  • check Dehumidifier for wet season
  • check Area maps and seasonal activity guides
  • check Emergency contact list posted in home

Stay Legal

Permits & Compliance

Short-term rentals in the Tahoe region are regulated. Here's a plain-English overview of what's required.

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Nevada County STR Permit

Required for most unincorporated areas including Tahoe Donner, Donner Lake, and surrounding communities. Annual renewal. Requires a site inspection for new permits.

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Placer County STR Permit

Required for properties in Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, and other North Shore Placer County areas. Subject to quota limits, so apply early.

Visit official site open_in_new
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Town of Truckee Business License

Properties within Truckee town limits require both a Nevada County permit and a Town of Truckee business license.

Visit official site open_in_new
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Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

TOT is collected from guests on all short-term rentals and remitted to the county. Rates vary by jurisdiction (8–12%). We handle collection and remittance on your behalf.

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HOA Approval

If your property is in an HOA (e.g., Schaffer's Mill, Tahoe Donner Association), you must confirm STR is permitted under your CC&Rs before listing.

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Homeowner's Insurance

Standard homeowner's policies typically exclude short-term rental activity. You'll need either a specific STR endorsement or a specialized STR policy (e.g., Proper Insurance, CBIZ).

Need help navigating permits? We have guided many owners through the permitting process across the jurisdictions we serve. Contact us for guidance →

Your First Year

What to Expect as an Owner

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Monthly Statements

You'll receive a detailed revenue statement each month showing gross bookings, management fees, maintenance expenses, and your net payout. Statements are also accessible 24/7 in your owner portal.

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Proactive Communication

We don't wait for you to ask. If there's a maintenance issue, guest feedback worth sharing, or a seasonal recommendation, we'll reach out. You'll never be in the dark.

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Direct Deposit Payments

Owner payouts are processed monthly by direct deposit. Expect your first payment 30–45 days after your first guest checkout.

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Property Walkthroughs

We conduct photo-documented walkthroughs after every guest departure and before every arrival. You can request copies anytime.

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Personal Use Blocks

Your calendar is yours to use. Block any dates for personal stays through the owner portal with no fees or restrictions.

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Dedicated Point of Contact

Every owner is assigned a dedicated property manager: a real local person you can call, text, or email directly. No call centers.

From Our Team

Pro Tips for New Owners

Small investments and smart decisions that can make a real difference in guest experience, property performance, and long-term value.

1

Invest in a Quality Mattress

Beds are consistently one of the most-mentioned items in guest reviews. A comfortable mattress paired with quality linens creates a better guest experience and often leads to stronger reviews and repeat bookings.

2

Prioritize Comfort Over Décor

Before investing in decorative upgrades, focus on comfort. Comfortable seating, durable dining furniture, blackout curtains, quality bedding, and functional outdoor spaces deliver more value than trendy design elements.

3

Exterior Lighting Matters

Many guests arrive after dark. Well-lit pathways, stairs, entryways, and outdoor gathering areas improve safety, reduce liability, and create a welcoming first impression.

4

Consider a Hot Tub if Your Property Lacks One

In mountain destinations like Tahoe, a hot tub remains one of the most requested amenities. It can help increase occupancy, support higher nightly rates, and improve shoulder-season performance.

5

Partner With Your Management Team

The most successful owner partnerships are built on trust, communication, and shared goals. While owner input is always valuable, allowing your management team to handle day-to-day operations helps us respond quickly to market conditions, guest needs, maintenance issues, and revenue opportunities.

6

Stay Ahead of Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is almost always less expensive than emergency repairs. Addressing small issues early helps protect your investment, minimize guest disruptions, and avoid costly downtime.

7

Upgrade the Outdoor Experience

Guests choose Tahoe for the outdoors. Comfortable patio furniture, a quality BBQ, outdoor dining space, fire pit (where permitted), or a relaxing seating area can significantly enhance the guest experience and increase booking appeal.

8

Think Long-Term When Making Improvements

When considering upgrades, focus on investments that improve guest satisfaction, durability, and revenue potential. The best improvements are often the ones guests use every day, not necessarily the ones they notice immediately.

9

Treat Your Vacation Home Like a Business Asset

The highest-performing vacation rentals are owned by people who view their property as both a personal retreat and an income-producing asset. Strategic investments, proactive upkeep, and a long-term perspective generally produce the strongest results.

Next Steps

Ready to Get Started?

Tell us about your property and let's build your revenue plan together.

List Your Home Ask a Question Preparing Your Home Guide