The Ultimate Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Short-Term Rentals

So you’ve decided to become a host—amazing! Now it’s time to shift from “homeowner” to “hospitality mindset.” Preparing your space for guests isn’t about perfection. It’s about comfort, safety, and making guests feel like they made the right choice the moment they walk in.

Let’s walk through what you need—from the basics to the often-overlooked details.

First: safety, security, and peace of mind

Before stocking your shelves with welcome snacks or fluffing pillows, start with the essentials:

• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms (check local laws for placement)
• Secure locks on all entry points (smart locks are a bonus)
• Fire extinguisher in an accessible location
• Clear emergency contact info, including local emergency numbers

Not only will these make guests feel safer—they’ll also help you meet platform requirements on Airbnb and Booking.com.

The must-have amenities checklist

You don’t need to offer luxury. You need to offer reliability.

Bedroom:

• Clean bedding (duvet, pillows, fitted sheet)
• Spare blanket and pillow
• Nightstand and lamp
• Power outlet near the bed (guests charge their phones overnight)

Bathroom:

• Fresh towels (2 per guest minimum)
• Toilet paper (enough for their full stay)
• Hand soap, shampoo, and body wash
• Plunger and toilet brush (trust us)

Kitchen:

• Plates, glasses, mugs, utensils for guest count
• Basic cooking gear (pot, pan, knife, cutting board)
• Kettle and/or coffee maker
• Salt, pepper, cooking oil

For a deeper dive on amenities that guests really care about, check our guide on delivering a great guest experience.

WiFi and workspace: the modern essentials

Fast, stable WiFi is no longer a bonus—it’s expected.

Be sure to:

• Leave a printed card with your WiFi network name and password
• Label the router location
• Consider offering a small desk or surface with a chair and outlet nearby

More people are traveling while working, so a dedicated spot—even a repurposed corner—goes a long way.

Small upgrades that make a big difference

These aren’t required, but they’re guest-pleasers that often lead to better reviews:

• Full-length mirror
• Hooks or storage for coats/luggage
• A welcome booklet with local tips
• Blackout curtains or blinds for better sleep
• Board games or books for rainy days

Want to create an experience guests remember (and rave about)? We’ve got more tips in creating a high-performing listing.

Cleaning and maintenance standards

The number one thing that gets you bad reviews fast? Dirt.

Create a cleaning checklist—or use tools like Turno to schedule cleanings and manage quality if you work with pros.

Don’t forget to:

• Empty bins between guests
• Clean fridge, microwave, and under beds
• Check for hair in the bathroom (guests always notice)

More on this in our guide to setting up a reliable cleaning routine.

Final check: what would YOU want?

Before you list your property, stay in it. Even just for a night.

Pretend you’re a guest:

• Can you easily find what you need?
• Is the lighting cozy or harsh?
• Are there surprises that could confuse or frustrate someone new?

Walking through your own space from the guest’s perspective is the best way to catch what a checklist might miss.

Ready for guests?

Now that your space is ready, it’s time to start thinking about how to show it off. Next up: how to write a listing that gets bookings.

Or if you want to explore more from the start: Getting Started with Hosting

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