How to read your holiday rental owner statement

Check the period and accounting basis

Start with the dates covered by the statement. Ask whether it records stays completed, payments received or another basis. A booking made this month may relate to a later stay, and a payment can arrive in a different period. Keep the previous statement nearby so an opening balance or carry-forward amount can be followed.

Use a reconciliation checklist

1. 01

   Accommodation activity

   Compare listed stays with the booking record. Identify cancelled bookings, refunds and adjustments rather than assuming every reservation paid in full.

2. 02

   Management and channel charges

   Match the calculation basis to your agreement. Ask for clarification when cleaning or platform costs appear in a different section.

3. 03

   Property expenses

   Check supplier invoices, restocking and approved repairs. Note any credit, reimbursement or item still awaiting evidence.

4. 04

   Owner transfer

   Follow the statement's calculation to the net amount and compare it with the bank entry. Record any timing difference or held amount to query.

Ask a precise question

Instead of 'Why is my payment lower?', identify the line and period: 'Please explain the adjustment against booking reference X and which earlier statement it relates to.' Use secure correspondence for financial records. Do not put guest names, account details or complete statements into a public enquiry form.

Keep reporting separate from forecasting

Mellow publishes monthly booking and financial statements as part of management. Ask the team to walk through the first report and confirm its current payment timing. A single strong or quiet month does not establish an annual trend. Keep tax and accounting records as advised by your accountant; this checklist helps you read an operational statement and is not tax advice.