Part 1: Before Your First Guest
Get these right before you list. Skipping any of them will either cost you money, expose you to liability, or result in a bad first review.
Legal & Business Setup
- ✓Check local STR regulations
Many cities require permits, registration, or a business license to operate a short-term rental. Some zones prohibit them entirely. Check with your city's planning or zoning department before listing.
- ✓Obtain an STR permit or license
Cities like Nashville, Denver, and Chicago require registration. Operating without one can result in fines and forced closure.
- ✓Review your HOA rules
Many HOAs prohibit or restrict short-term rentals. Check your CC&Rs before listing — violations can result in fines or forced removal from the platform.
- ✓Get short-term rental insurance
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover commercial rental activity. Get a dedicated STR policy or landlord policy. Airbnb's AirCover provides some coverage, but it has limits.
- ✓Open a dedicated bank account
Separate your rental income and expenses from personal finances. This is table stakes for clean tax records. See our guide to STR tax deductions for why documentation matters.
- ✓Set up an expense tracking system
Every repair receipt, supply run, and mileage log is a potential tax deduction. Start tracking before the first guest, not at tax time.
Safety Requirements
- ✓Install smoke detectors on every level
Required by law in most jurisdictions and by Airbnb's policies. Test each one and note the manufacture date — replace any older than 10 years.
- ✓Install CO detectors near sleeping areas
Required in homes with gas appliances, attached garages, or fireplaces. Replace every 5–7 years.
- ✓Place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen
ABC-rated, mounted visibly, and inspected annually. Note the inspection date.
- ✓Post emergency numbers and escape routes
Include local emergency numbers, the property address (guests often don't know it), and evacuation routes for each sleeping area.
- ✓Install a keypad or smart lock
Unique codes per guest, changed automatically after checkout. No key handoffs, no lockouts.
- ✓Childproof hazardous areas if applicable
Pool fencing, stair gates, cabinet locks for cleaning supplies. Disclose all safety features in your listing.
Property Setup
- ✓Document every appliance and its age
Model numbers, serial numbers, purchase dates, and warranty status for everything in the property. You'll need this for repairs, replacements, and insurance claims.
- ✓Professional listing photos
The single highest-ROI investment for a new listing. Good photos increase click-through rates by 30–50% on Airbnb. Hire a professional photographer.
- ✓Create a house manual
WiFi password, how to operate appliances, trash day, parking instructions, check-out procedures. Reduces messages from guests and cuts negative reviews from confusion.
- ✓Deep clean and photograph every room
Pre-guest baseline photos are your protection against false damage claims. Timestamp them.
Part 2: Guest Supplies Checklist
Guests rate cleanliness, comfort, and communication above everything else. These supplies directly affect your star rating.
Bedroom
- • Fresh sheets (minimum 2 sets per bed)
- • Extra blankets and pillows
- • Blackout curtains or shades
- • Hangers in closet
- • Luggage rack
- • Bedside charging station
- • Alarm clock or clock radio
Bathroom (per bathroom)
- • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- • Bar soap or hand soap
- • Fresh towels (2 per guest minimum)
- • Hand towels and washcloths
- • Toilet paper (2+ rolls per bathroom)
- • Hair dryer
- • Trash can with liner
Kitchen
- • Coffee maker + coffee, tea, filters
- • Dish soap, sponge, dishwasher pods
- • Paper towels
- • Cooking oil, salt, pepper
- • Pots, pans, cooking utensils
- • Plates, cups, glasses, silverware
- • Can opener, corkscrew
- • Trash bags (several extra)
Common Areas
- • TV with streaming access (Netflix, etc.)
- • Fast, reliable WiFi (label the password)
- • USB charging outlets or power strips
- • Board games or books (guests appreciate extras)
- • First aid kit
- • Extra light bulbs
- • Umbrella for guests
Part 3: Turnover Checklist (After Every Guest)
Your turnover process is the difference between a 4-star and 5-star review. Standardize it so nothing gets missed, whether you clean yourself or use a cleaning team.
Inspection (before cleaning)
- ✓ Walk through every room and note any damage before cleaning
- ✓ Photograph any damage immediately with timestamps
- ✓ Check for missing items (remotes, linens, kitchen items)
- ✓ Check appliances are working (fridge, dishwasher, washer/dryer)
Cleaning
- ✓ Strip and launder all linens and towels
- ✓ Clean kitchen thoroughly — inside microwave, stovetop, oven, fridge
- ✓ Clean all bathrooms including toilet, shower, sink, mirror, floor
- ✓ Vacuum and mop all floors
- ✓ Wipe down all surfaces, light switches, door handles
- ✓ Empty all trash cans and replace liners
- ✓ Clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces
Restocking
- ✓ Restock toilet paper (2+ rolls per bathroom)
- ✓ Restock soap, shampoo, conditioner in all bathrooms
- ✓ Replenish coffee, tea, sugar, condiments
- ✓ Replace dish soap and paper towels as needed
- ✓ Place fresh trash bags in all cans
Final walkthrough (before next guest)
- ✓ Test all lights and fans
- ✓ Check TV and streaming services work
- ✓ Confirm WiFi is working
- ✓ Set thermostat to a comfortable default
- ✓ Confirm keypad code is updated for new guest
- ✓ Take final photos of the space as handed off
Part 4: Ongoing Property Management
Monthly checks
- ✓ Review all expenses and categorize for taxes
- ✓ Log all mileage from the previous month
- ✓ Inspect HVAC filter — change every 1–3 months
- ✓ Review guest feedback and update house manual as needed
- ✓ Order supplies before they run out
Annual tasks
- ✓ HVAC service and tune-up (fall and spring)
- ✓ Clean dryer vent (fire hazard if neglected)
- ✓ Test and replace batteries in smoke and CO detectors
- ✓ Inspect fire extinguisher
- ✓ Review and renew STR permit
- ✓ Renew STR insurance and compare coverage
- ✓ Update appliance inventory and warranty status
- ✓ Generate Schedule E report for taxes
Manage Your Rental Like a Business
Keen Owner tracks your STR expenses, manages turnover checklists, logs mileage, handles vendor work orders, and generates tax reports — all in one place. Try it free.
See Keen Owner for STR Hosts