Airbnb Host Checklist: Things to Do Before Listing Your Home

Standing out as an Airbnb host takes more than just a clean space and a comfy bed. It’s about creating an experience your guests won’t forget—from the moment they book to the day they check out. Guest satisfaction is the #1 way to make more money on your rental.

Whether you’re new to hosting or refining your short-term rental, this ultimate Airbnb host checklist is packed with practical tips to help you impress every guest. From must-have amenities to thoughtful extras, you’ll learn how to turn a good stay into a great one.

Let's dive in and discover how you can deliver the ultimate Airbnb experience and keep those five-star reviews rolling in.

Quick Airbnb Tips

• Focus on basic amenities first: good bed linens, clean bathroom with toilet paper, working kitchen
• Take bright, clear photos that show what your Airbnb property looks like
• Leave a small welcome package—it makes a huge difference when a guest arrives
• Set up self-check-in and a smart TV and streaming services for convenience
• Use a professional cleaning service between each guest's stay—no exceptions
• Price your short-term rental right by checking what similar vacation rentals charge
• Keep the house rules simple but clear for all Airbnb guests

Must-Have Amenities That Make Guests Happy

When Airbnb hosts provide accommodations, guests expect certain basic amenities to make them feel at home. Skip these essential amenities, and you'll see it in your reviews. Most bad reviews for an Airbnb rental come from missing items that guests expected to find in their short-term rental.

Bedroom Basics for Great Sleep

Sleep matters a lot to your Airbnb guests. A bad night's sleep can ruin a whole trip.

Make sure you provide:

• Fresh, clean bed linens on a comfortable mattress
• Extra pillows with different firmnesses
• Bedside lamps that work
• Curtains or blinds that block light
• Clothes hangers in the closet (at least 6–8 per guest)
• Small fan for hot sleepers
• Extra blanket(s) for cold sleepers

That lumpy pull-out sofa might be fine for a night, but your first guests will notice and mention it in reviews. Start with the mattress if you need to upgrade one thing in your Airbnb property.

Bathroom Items Every Guest Needs

The bathroom must be super clean and well-stocked for your guests' stay.

Your Airbnb guests should find:

• Clean bath towels (at least 1 per guest)
• Hand towels
• Plenty of toilet paper (at least 2 extra rolls)
• Hand soap
• Shampoo and body wash
• Hair dryer
• Plunger (inconspicuous but available)

Tip: Small bottles of nice shampoo and conditioner feel more welcoming than a giant pump bottle from the discount store. These little touches matter to your vacation rental guests and help maintain your status as a successful Airbnb host.

Kitchen Setup for Happy Cooks

Many guests choose Airbnb over a hotel so they can cook some meals. Make it easy for them.

Stock your kitchen with:

• Pots and pans that aren't scratched up
• Sharp knives (dull knives are frustrating and dangerous)
• Cutting board
• Coffee maker with coffee and sugar/sweetener
• Mugs, glasses, and dishes
• Basic seasonings like salt and pepper
• Dish soap, scourer, and paper towels
• Wine opener and bottle opener

Don't make guests hunt for these basics. Keep them visible and easy to find.

Creating an Airbnb Listing That Gets Bookings

Your Airbnb listing is your chance to excite guests about staying at your short-term rental. Your listing needs to be honest, but it should also highlight what makes your Airbnb property special for potential guests browsing the Airbnb platform.

Photos That Show Your Place Right

Photos make or break your listing. Bad photos mean fewer bookings—it's that simple.

Tips for better photos:

• Take pictures during daylight
• Open all the curtains and turn on the lights
• Clean and declutter before shooting
• Capture every room, including bathrooms
• Show amenities guests care about (workspace, kitchen, TV)
• Add close-ups of special features

You don't need a professional photographer, but you do need clear, bright photos that show your space accurately.

Writing a Title That Grabs Attention

Your title needs to stand out when guests scroll through dozens of listings.

Good title tips:

• Keep it under 50 characters
• Highlight your best feature ("Mountain View Studio with Private Hot Tub")
• Mention the type of property (condo, house, etc.)
• Add location if it's a selling point ("Walk to Downtown")
• Skip words like "nice" or "cozy"—they don't tell guests anything useful

Don't try to be clever—be clear about what makes your place special.

Creating a Description That Sells Your Place

Your description should be detailed but easy to scan. Most guests skim, not read.

Make your description better by:

• Starting with a quick overview of the space
• Breaking text into short paragraphs
• Using bullet points for amenities
• Being honest about potential downsides (like stairs or noise)
• Mentioning nearby attractions or restaurants
• Describing the vibe of your place
• Including your licence number and parking info—they're required by BC's short-term rental regulations

Remember: You don't want just any guests—you want the right guests who will enjoy what your place offers. How do you get guests who won’t leave bad reviews about street noise? You tell potential guests about the street noise, so the only guests who book with you have already decided they don’t care.

Do you list on Airbnb alternatives? If so, tailor your description to each one. For example, VRBO gets more traffic from families, so spend some extra word count highlighting child-friendly features.

Making Guests Feel Special

Happy guests leave good reviews and often book again. Small touches make a huge difference in how guests feel about their stay.

Welcome Package Ideas That Work

A thoughtful welcome package shows you care. It doesn't need to be expensive.

Simple welcome package ideas:

• A handwritten note welcoming guests
• Local snacks or treats
• Coffee or tea packets
• A printed guide to the house and area
• Small bottle of wine (if appropriate)
• Local attraction brochures or maps

The personal touch matters more than the cost. Even a simple welcome note makes guests feel valued.

Entertainment Options Guests Love

After a long day of travel or sightseeing, Airbnb guests want to relax.

Entertainment must-haves:

• Fast, reliable WiFi with the password clearly posted (got fibre optic? Advertise it!)
• Smart TV with streaming services already set up
• A few books or magazines
• Simple board games or cards
• Information about local activities

Smart TVs that already have Netflix or other streaming services logged in (using a guest account) are a huge plus for the guest experience.

Self-Check-In That Makes Life Easier

Self-check-in is now expected by most guests. It gives them flexibility and privacy.

Best self-check-in methods:

• Keypad door locks (share code the day of arrival)
• Lockbox with physical key
• Smart locks with temporary codes
• Clear, simple instructions sent ahead of time

Take photos of each step in the process to make it foolproof. Always have a backup entry plan in case technology fails.

Keeping Your Airbnb Property Safe and Clean

Safety and cleanliness are non-negotiable for a successful Airbnb host. They're the foundation of good hosting and critical to a positive guest experience in any short-term rental.

Safety Features Every Rental Needs

Safety features protect your guests and your property.

Must-have safety items:

• Smoke detectors in every room
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Emergency contact list
• Clear exit instructions
• Good outdoor lighting

Check these items regularly. Dead batteries in smoke detectors won't help anyone.

Cleaning Standards Guests Expect

Cleanliness is the leading factor in guest reviews. A dirty Airbnb rental will kill your hosting business.

Focus your cleaning service on:

• Bathrooms (spotless, no hair, fresh-smelling)
• Kitchen (clean appliances, no food residue)
• Bedding (fresh bed linens, no stains)
• Floors (vacuumed/mopped)
• Dust-free surfaces
• Fresh-smelling air (no artificial scents)
• Fully stocked with toilet paper

Consider hiring a professional cleaning service—they often catch things you might miss until a guest arrives for check-in. The cost of a quality cleaning service is worth it for consistent 5-star cleanliness reviews on the Airbnb platform. Most property managers use professional cleaners to maintain high standards.

Smart Pricing and Booking Management

Pricing can make or break your Airbnb hosting business. Too high, and your vacation rental will sit empty. Too low, and you're leaving money on the table. Successful Airbnb hosts master this balance for their short-term rentals.

How to Price Your Place Right

Setting the right price takes research and adjustments. Keep a running document of what works and what doesn’t.

Pricing tips:

• Check what similar places in your area charge
• Start slightly lower to get initial reviews
• Charge more for weekends and local events
• Offer discounts for longer stays—vacancies cost more than lower prices
• Adjust seasonally (higher in peak seasons, lower in off-seasons)
• Use Airbnb's pricing tools or third-party software like PriceLabs

Don't forget to factor in cleaning costs, supplies, and your time when setting prices.

Managing Guest Messages Without Stress

Good communication makes hosting easier and leads to better reviews.

Message management tips:

• Set up saved responses for common questions
• Reply quickly, even if just to say "I'll get back to you soon."
• Be friendly but clear about rules and expectations
• Use the Airbnb app for all communication (keeps everything in one place)
• Set boundaries for your response times

Many hosting headaches come from poor communication. Clear, quick responses prevent most problems.

Benefits of Direct Bookings

While Airbnb is a great platform, direct bookings can increase your profits.

Direct booking advantages:

• No platform fees 
• Build direct relationships with repeat guests
• More control over policies and pricing
• Ability to offer special deals to returning guests

Collect emails (with permission) from happy guests who might want to return. Pass on some of your savings from avoiding platform fees to entice them further.

Airbnb doesn’t like it when you advertise direct booking on your listing—it can get your listing removed. Instead, mention it in the welcome brochure you leave inside the rental, put a QR code by your coffee maker, or have some business cards guests can take home with them.

When you’re advertising your rental, use the same pictures across sites. This lets Internet-savvy travellers reverse-search your Airbnb images to find your direct booking site.

Customizing Your Space for Different Airbnb Guests

Different short-term rental guests have different needs. Small adjustments can make your Airbnb property perfect for various types of travellers and reduce guest turnover between bookings.

What Business Travellers Need

Business travellers have specific requirements that are easy to meet.

Business-friendly Airbnb features:

• Fast, reliable WiFi
• Dedicated workspace with a comfortable chair
• Plenty of outlets
• Iron and ironing board
• Coffee maker
• Quiet space for calls
• Simple check-in process

These guests often become repeat visitors if your place meets their needs.

Making Your Place Child-Friendly

Travellers with children look for different amenities than solo travellers or couples.

Child-friendly Airbnb additions:

• Safety covers on outlets
• Secured cabinets for cleaning supplies
• Pack-n-play or crib
• High chair
• Kid-friendly dishes
• Night lights
• Some toys or books for younger ages
• Information about local child-friendly activities

Being child-friendly opens your place to a whole new market of guests. Just make sure these features can be hidden away for guests who won’t want them.

Luxury Touches That Impress Guests

Some simple upgrades make your place feel much more luxurious.

Luxury Airbnb amenities:

• High-quality bed linens
• Plush towels
• Nice toiletries
• High-end coffee maker with beans
• Comfortable seating
• Dimmable lighting
• Full-length mirror
• Extra phone chargers
• Smart home systems guests can control

These touches cost a bit more but lead to much better reviews and higher booking rates.

Maintaining Your Airbnb Property Properly

Regular maintenance prevents small problems from becoming big emergencies during a guest's stay. Smart property managers know that preventive care saves money in the long run.

Regular Inspection Checklist

Check these items regularly to catch problems early:

• HVAC systems (heat and air conditioning)
• Plumbing (look for leaks or slow drains)
• Appliances (make sure everything works)
• Locks and security features
• Smoke and CO detectors
• Furniture condition
• Light bulbs
• WiFi speed

A monthly walkthrough takes less than an hour but can prevent major guest complaints. Keep your rental prepared for emergencies.

Finding Good Maintenance Help

Build a team of reliable helpers before you need them.

Here are some maintenance contacts to have ready before something goes wrong:

• Plumber
• Electrician
• Handyman for small repairs
• HVAC technician
• Locksmith
• Cleaning service

Save their contact info where it's easy to find in an emergency. Many will respond faster to regular clients.

Keeping Your Place Updated With the Seasons

Seasonal updates keep your place fresh and relevant.

Seasonal ideas for Airbnbs:

• Switch out linens for appropriate weather (lighter in summer, warmer in winter)
• Add seasonal decor (simple, not overwhelming)
• Provide seasonal items (beach towels in summer, extra blankets in winter)
• Update guidebooks with seasonal activities
• Check your HVAC system before extreme weather seasons

These small changes show guests you're an attentive host who cares about their comfort.

Offer the Ultimate Airbnb Experience

Being a great Airbnb host isn't complicated, but it does take a lot of work and attention to detail, which is one big difference between short-term and long-term rentals. Focus on the basics first, like providing a clean space, a comfortable bed with quality bed linens, clear communication, and house rules. Then build on the excellence with special touches that enhance the guest’s experience.

Remember that your goal as a successful Airbnb host is happy guests who leave good reviews on the Airbnb platform and book your vacation rental again. Every decision you make for your Airbnb property should support that goal.

Start with this comprehensive Airbnb host checklist and adapt it to your specific short-term rental and guest needs. You'll soon develop your style of hosting that keeps your calendar full and your reviews glowing. The best property managers and Airbnb hosts provide consistent, quality experiences that keep guests coming back.