Airbnb Host Checklist: 9 Must-Haves For Success

Are you ready to transform your property into a successful vacation rental?

Owning an Airbnb property can be a great way to make money with your rental property. But with over 7.7 million active Airbnb listings on the platform, how can you stand out from the crowd?

The secret to those 5-star reviews and repeat bookings lies in the details. My ultimate Airbnb host checklist will guide you through every aspect of creating the best possible guest experience.

From bathroom and bedroom basics to outdoor spaces and technology, this comprehensive Airbnb host checklist covers everything you need to find success as an Airbnb host.

Key takeaways

• Stock up on the basics for the bedroom and bathroom — your guests will appreciate it.

• Use technology and automation tools to speed up operations, increase revenue, and provide an exceptional guest experience.

• Focus on enhancing safety and security to make your guests feel at ease.

• Boost your Airbnb listing by including high-quality images and use dynamic pricing tools to price your property at the best rate possible.

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Why do you need an Airbnb host checklist?

There are many details that go into being a great host. If you miss one item, it might earn you a bad review, affect your rating, and result in fewer bookings.

Being a top-notch host involves attention to many details. If you are just starting or have been hosting for a while, there’s always room to enhance the guest experience.

This Airbnb host checklist makes sure you cover all the bases. It covers everything from must-have bathroom amenities to family-friendly offerings, helping every guest feel at home.

9 Airbnb Setup Checklists

Let’s get in to the 9 Airbnb host checklists you need for amazing guest reviews:

1) Bedroom and bathroom essentials

The bedroom and bathroom are the heart of your Airbnb, where guests want both comfort and cleanliness. If you want to provide your guests with a comfortable stay, start with Airbnb bedroom and bathroom basics.

Guests who experience a fantastic stay are more inclined to provide positive feedback and book again, and comfort and cleanliness in the bedroom and bathroom top the list. Guests expect hosts to provide a comfortable, clean environment with all the basic amenities they need during their stay, and if you don’t provide them, they won’t be afraid to let other Airbnb-ers know about it.

Bathroom must-haves for your Airbnb

For the bathroom, provide high-quality toiletries such as:

• Natural shampoos

• Body wash

• Soaps

• Conditioners

• One or two bath towels per guest, plus more in the closet

• Toilet paper

Invest in luxury bathroom items, like high-end fixtures, plush towels, and designer toiletries. These amenities can make a significant impact on guest satisfaction.

Keep a close eye on your Airbnb supplies inventory and include a status check in your vacation rental turnover cleaning process. to avoid running out of items.

Airbnb bedroom host checklist

Go beyond the basics to create a warm and inviting bedroom that promotes a good night’s sleep for your guests. Consider these thoughtful additions:

• Invest in a high-quality mattress and pair it with soft, breathable sheets with a high thread count and a plush, hypoallergenic comforter.

• Offer a mix of firm and soft pillows to cater to different preferences.

• Provide ample closet space with sturdy hangers and a dresser or luggage rack.

• Include a full-length mirror, bedside lamps with warm lighting, and blackout curtains to create a relaxing atmosphere.

💡Tip: Use a mattress protector and rotate your mattress regularly to extend its longevity.

2) Your Airbnb kitchen

Attract guests to your vacation rental by offering a well-stocked kitchen with appliances, cookware, and basic pantry items. This allows your Airbnb guests to save on dining-out expenses and enjoy a comfortable, home-like experience.

Appliances and cookware

Even short-term rental guests may want to cook food instead of eating out, so make sure they have that option. Choose the right kitchen appliances and cookware to prepare your property for guests. Here’s a quick list of what your Airbnb kitchen checklist should have:

• Appliances: Coffee maker, toaster, microwave, oven and stovetop, refrigerator, dishwasher, blender, kettle

• Cookware: Pots, pans, baking sheets, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, cutting boards, kitchen knives, colander or strainer, oven mitts, trivets

• Utensils and tools: Can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew, spatulas, ladles, tongs, kitchen scissors

• Tableware: Dishes (plates, bowls, cups, mugs, glasses), cutlery (forks, knives, spoons), ice trays

• Storage and organization: Storage containers, trash can

For cookware, choose durable and easy-to-clean materials such as stainless steel, ceramic, or non-stick options. Investing in top-tier appliances and cookware guarantees longevity and durability.

Pantry essentials for your Airbnb guests

Go the extra mile by adding some pizzazz to your rental kitchen. Start by stocking your pantry with Airbnb essentials, making it convenient for guests to cook their own meals. Include items such as:

• Coffee and tea

• Spices, herbs, salt, and pepper

• Sugar, sweeteners, and basic condiments

• Cooking oils

• Staple canned goods like diced tomatoes, beans, fish, or chicken

Surprise your guests with non-perishable treats like cookies, crackers, nuts, or chocolates for an extra special touch. A well-stocked pantry helps your guests feel more at home and appreciate the thoughtfulness you put into making their stay enjoyable. This attention to detail can lead to positive reviews and more guests for your vacation rental.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3) Inviting common areas

Set up your living and dining areas to create an inviting and comfortable space for your guests. These common areas are a key reason why most guests choose Airbnb over traditional hotel rooms, so make the most of them to give your vacation rental an edge over other accommodations.

Consider the following elements when creating inviting common areas:

• Seating options: Offer a mix of seating options, such as a cozy sofa, armchairs, or bean bags for a casual vibe, ensuring there’s enough seating for your maximum guest capacity.

• Furniture arrangement: Arrange furniture for easy flow and conversation, with a coffee table as a central gathering point.

• Entertainment: Provide entertainment options like a smart TV with streaming services, board games, and books for screen-free downtime.

• Ambiance: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with thoughtful decor, good lighting, and soft textiles like throw pillows and rugs.

4) Guest types to cater to

Every guest has unique needs, and going the extra mile to customize your Airbnb offerings to accommodate different guest demographics can significantly boost your success.

Two of the easiest demographics Airbnb hosts can cater to are families and businesspeople.

Short-term rentals for families

Attracting families with children requires consideration of family-friendly amenities. Airbnb hosts should consider providing items such as:

• Baby bath or bathtub

• Baby monitor

• Changing table

• Kids’ books and toys

• Plastic dinnerware

• Crib

• Play area for children

Implementing childproofing measures, such as safety gates and outlet covers, provides a safe environment for young guests and makes your property more appealing to families.

Consider offering outdoor games and entertainment options for families to enjoy together. This will contribute to memorable guest experiences for all ages and create a welcoming space that attracts more family bookings.

Short-term rentals for business travelers

Business travelers have different priorities when it comes to amenities and services. These guests value:

• A dedicated workspace with ample lighting and nearby power outlets

• Reliable Wi-Fi

• Self-check-in options

• Easy parking

To create a memorable guest experience for business travelers, consider offering additional services and amenities such as daily housekeeping, corporate travel or parking options, and top-brand items and kits. These extras can help create a hotel-like experience that sets your vacation rental apart.

Another option to attract business travelers is leasing your property to corporate housing providers. This can help diversify your guest demographic and potentially secure medium-term rental bookings.

5) Outdoor space enhancements

Outdoor spaces can set your short-term rental apart from the competition. To create an appealing and relaxing environment for your guests, enhance your patios, gardens, and lawns with:

• Comfortable outdoor furniture

• A BBQ or grill

• Outdoor games and leisure activities, such as cornhole, giant Jenga, bocce ball, croquet, and horseshoes.

Offering these amenities and activities can enhance the overall guest experience and make your vacation rental more enjoyable and memorable.

6) Safety and security priorities

Prioritize your property’s safety and security for your guests’ well-being and your own peace of mind.

Install smoke detectors, provide first aid kits, and implement smart locks to help safeguard your property and guests while minimizing potential legal and financial risks.

In addition to these measures, consider installing external security cameras and a security system for enhanced protection.

7) Streamlined check-in/check-out

Simplify your check-in and check-out process to save time and provide convenience for both you and your guests. Offer self-check-in options, such as keyless entry systems, and provide clear instructions for guests upon arrival. Technology and automation tools can help you streamline the process and focus on other aspects of your hosting responsibilities.

8) Cleanliness and hygiene maintenance

Include a cleaning routine in your Airbnb hosting checklist to ensure your property is pristine for each guest. Keep the following cleaning supplies on hand to maintain top-notch condition between guest visits:

• Surface cleaners: Use all-purpose cleaners and disinfectants to clean countertops, tables, and other surfaces throughout the property.

• Floor cleaners: Keep vacuums, mops, and brooms accessible to clean carpets, hardwood, and tile floors.

• Bathroom and kitchen cleaners: Stock up on bathroom and kitchen-specific cleaners, such as toilet bowl cleaners and glass cleaners, to tackle tough stains and maintain hygiene in these high-traffic areas.

• Linen essentials: Make sure you have a sufficient supply of laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and stain removers to keep bedding, towels, and other linens fresh and clean.

• Disposable supplies: Keep a stock of disposable gloves, paper towels, and garbage bags to make cleaning tasks more efficient.

Consider outsourcing cleaning and property maintenance tasks to a professional cleaning service or subcontractor so that your property is always ready for incoming guests.

8) Optimizing your Airbnb listing

An effective Airbnb listing helps attract potential guests and increase your bookings. Optimizing your listing for search engines and guests can help your property stand out from the competition.

Property photographs

One of the most important elements of your listing is high-quality photos. Since pictures are the first thing guests see, they can make or break your listing. A great example of the power of good photos comes from an Airbnb host who saw their bookings stall. After taking fresh photos with better lighting and some new decor, they received six new bookings in just 48 hours! 🚀

You don’t need to be a professional photographer to take great photos of your Airbnb. Here are some tips:

• Use natural lighting whenever possible

• Declutter and stage each room before taking photos

• Highlight unique features or amenities of your property

• Take photos from multiple angles to give guests a comprehensive view

• Consider using a high-quality camera or smartphone with a good camera

For more photography tips, check out this helpful video resource:

Airbnb platform listing

In addition to high-quality photos, there are several other elements that make up an effective Airbnb rental listing:

• Title and description: Write a catchy title and detailed description that accurately showcases your space and its best features.

• Unique selling points: Highlight your Airbnb’s standout aspects, like prime location, top-notch amenities, or special features that set it apart.

• Detailed information: Provide accurate info about your space, including room sizes, bed types, and any potential limitations or quirks.

• Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords like “cozy,” “modern,” or “central” to improve your listing’s search visibility and attract ideal guests.

• Competitive pricing: Research similar listings and set a nightly rate that is competitive and maximizes revenue.

• Guest reviews: Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews, as positive feedback greatly influences potential bookings.

💡Additional tip: Many guests browse Airbnb on their phones, so make sure your listing looks just as good on a small screen as it does on a computer.

9) Short-term rental technology and automation

Managing an Airbnb involves juggling various tasks like handling bookings, communicating with guests, and coordinating cleaning schedules. Fortunately, technology and automation tools can simplify these day-to-day operations, making your life as a host much easier.

Vacation rental property management software like iGMS is designed to streamline your Airbnb business. These tools can automate guest communication, manage listings across multiple platforms, and assign tasks to cleaning and maintenance teams.

Another successful Airbnb host tip is to use pricing tools to optimize your revenue with dynamic pricing tools to help you:

• Adjust your nightly rates based on market demand and seasonality.

• Maximize your earning potential during peak travel periods.

• Confirm that your prices remain competitive within your local market.

Start an Airbnb business checklist

This all-inclusive Airbnb inventory checklist can help you host a successful vacation rental property.

In my hospitality business, I find lists help our team with managing tasks such as cleaning, preparing breakfast, and overseeing check-in/check-out procedures. You can use this checklist in your short-term rental business to become a highly profitable and in-demand destination.

Airbnb hosts provide a home away from home for guests. When you pay attention to detail and put in the work, your guests will appreciate the effort and reward you with more bookings. Key areas like stocking essentials, welcoming spaces, and utilizing technology help provide an exceptional experience. Follow these suggestions, and you’ll be on your way to a thriving short-term rental business.

Airbnb host checklist: FAQ

What do airbnb hosts need?

Airbnb hosts need a verified ID, a clean space with amenities, clear rules, good communication, and a smart pricing strategy. They should also have insurance for property and liability protection.

Things for guests that are expected?

Airbnb guests can expect their host to provide a clean, safe, and accurately described accommodation with essential amenities, clear check-in and check-out instructions, timely communication, and a welcoming attitude. Hosts should aim to create a comfortable and enjoyable stay for their guests.

What is essential for an Airbnb host?

A reliable listing, clear communication, a clean and comfortable space, essential amenities, and a guest-friendly approach are essential for an Airbnb host.

What do I need to list on Airbnb?

To list on Airbnb, you need detailed property descriptions, high-quality photos, basic amenities, house rules, pricing details, and your availability calendar.