Elevating STR businesses: introducing Rural Stays consultancy services

By Stephanie Flint, Founder, Rural Stays

When I started my journey in the short-term rental (STR) sector, I never imagined how much there was to learn – or how much I would come to love sharing that knowledge with others. From building a high-end cleaning company to managing luxury properties, I’ve gained invaluable insights into what it takes to thrive in this fast-paced and continually evolving industry. Today, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of consultancy services under the Rural Stays brand – a natural next step for a business focused on raising standards across the sector.

Our consultancy services are designed to address one of the most critical (and often overlooked) aspects of STR success: building and developing high-performing cleaning and maintenance teams. Whether you’re managing a single property or overseeing a portfolio, a skilled and motivated team is the backbone of any successful operation. I’ll be working directly with property managers to share best practices in recruitment, onboarding, training, and team management. From tracking performance to enhancing employee engagement and supporting professional development, I’m here to help you create a team that doesn’t just meet expectations but exceeds them.

Recruitment is one of the biggest challenges I’ve seen STR businesses face. Finding the right people for cleaning and maintenance roles – people who take pride in their work and understand the guest-first mindset – is no easy task. Through tailored strategies, I’ll guide you on how to attract top talent, streamline your hiring process, and ensure your team is equipped with the skills they need to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

But building a team is only the beginning. Retaining that team and helping them grow is equally important. Through bespoke training programmes and ongoing professional development initiatives, I’ll work with you to create a culture that values excellence, accountability, and collaboration. Happy, motivated teams aren’t just good for morale – they’re also great for your bottom line.

Beyond cleaning and maintenance, I’ll also be offering consultancy for STR businesses at every level. Whether you’re a property management firm looking to scale your operations or a tech company developing tools for the STR space, I’m here to provide the guidance and expertise you need to achieve your goals. Having seen the sector from all angles, I bring a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

This isn’t just about ticking boxes or meeting minimum standards; it’s about transforming your business into one that thrives in a competitive landscape. With my experience in property management, cleaning operations, and now consultancy, I’m here to help you unlock new levels of efficiency, guest satisfaction, and profitability.

The short-term rental industry is expanding at an incredible rate, but with that growth comes increasing competition. By investing in your team, optimising your operations, and staying ahead of the curve, you can build a business that not only survives but thrives. I’m passionate about helping businesses like yours reach their potential, and I can’t wait to start this journey with you.

If you’re ready to take your STR business to the next level, let’s connect. Together, we can build a foundation for lasting success, whether it’s through enhancing your cleaning and maintenance operations or tackling the bigger picture of property management.

Here’s to building better teams, stronger businesses, and brighter futures in the short-term rental world.