There are a lot of little details that go into making your short term rental or vacation rental rent ready, whether you are just starting out or handling guest turnovers. We all know how critical it is to maintain expectations and produce a positive experience in order to get those 5-star reviews!
Below we have shared a comprehensive and high-level vacation rental checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Interested in a more detailed checklist to help with turnovers?
Before Guest Arrival
Prepare your property:
- Clean and organize
- Make sure appliances all work
- Test heating, AC, hot tub and pool heating, ventilation, etc.
- Check plumbing for any leaks
Furnishing and decor:
- Inspect furniture for any damages and wear-and-tear
- Clean bedding and linens
- Sufficient towels and toiletries for each guest
Safety Measures:
- Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working
- First aid kit available
- Emergency contact information and local emergency details
Check-in / Welcome
Key Exchange:
- Arrange a secure and easy way to provide guests with keys
- Make sure smart locks are programmed correctly
Welcome Pack with essential information:
- House rules
- WiFi information
- Local attraction and services
- Beach passes
- Emergency contact numbers
Guest Amenities
Kitchen Supplies:
- Stock the kitchen with essential utensils, cookware, and dishes
- Provide basic pantry items like salt, pepper, oil, coffee
Entertainment:
- TVs
- Streaming services
- Board games
- Deck of cards
- Guide to local attractions and activities
Cleaning Supplies:
- Basic cleaning products
- Vacuum cleaner
- Basic cleaning tools
During the Stay
Regular Maintenance:
- Establish a maintenance schedule for cleaning and inspections
- Promptly address any issues reported by guests
Communication:
- Provide a contact number or platform for guests to reach out with concerns or questions
- Send a follow-up message after check-in to ensure everything is satisfactory
TIP: Being on-call and scheduling vendors can be time consuming and stressful. It could be worthwhile to look for a property management company that handles this.
Check-out
Check Out Instructions:
- Clearly communicate check-out procedures
- Include guidelines for tidying up and returning keys
Property Inspections:
- Conduct a thorough inspection after each guest checks out
- Address any damages or missing items promptly
Post-Stay
Guest Feedback:
- Encourage guests to provide feedback and leave reviews
- Use feedback to make improvements and address concerns
- Rate guests
Housekeeping:
- Clean and reset the property for the next guests
- Replace linens and restock supplies
Download our detailed checklist now!
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