Stress-Free Short-Term Rental Management

Home Safety & Guest Experience Checklist

Keep Your Property Safe, Spotless, and 5-Star Ready

🔒 SAFETY & SECURITY

Fire Safety

• Smoke detectors installed on every level (test monthly)

• Carbon monoxide detector installed (test monthly)

• Fire extinguisher easily accessible (check expiry date)

• Clear emergency exit routes

• Emergency contact information posted visibly

• Fire escape plan displayed

Electrical Safety

• All outlets functional and not overloaded

• No exposed wiring or damaged cords

• GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchen

• Circuit breaker box clearly labeled

• Surge protectors provided where needed

Physical Safety

• Handrails secure on all stairs

• Non-slip mats in bathtubs/showers

• Adequate lighting in all areas (especially stairs/hallways)

• Window locks functional

• Door locks secure and working properly

• Balcony/deck railings stable and safe

• Remove tripping hazards (loose rugs, clutter)

First Aid & Emergency

• First aid kit stocked and accessible

• Emergency numbers posted (911, poison control, local hospital)

• Property address clearly visible for emergency services

• Flashlights with working batteries

• Basic medical supplies available

🧹 CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE

Kitchen

• All surfaces sanitized (counters, sink, stove)

• Refrigerator cleaned inside and out

• Microwave cleaned

• Dishwasher empty and clean

• All dishes, glasses, and utensils washed and put away

• Coffee maker cleaned

• Garbage disposed of, fresh liner installed

• Floor swept and mopped

Bathrooms

• Toilet cleaned and sanitized

• Shower/tub scrubbed (no soap scum or mildew)

• Sink and counter sanitized

• Mirror streak-free

• Fresh towels provided (2 per guest minimum)

• Toilet paper stocked (at least 2 rolls per bathroom)

• Floor cleaned and mopped

• Drains clear and functioning

• Bathroom mat fresh/clean

Bedrooms

• Fresh, clean linens on all beds

• Mattress protectors in place

• Extra blankets/pillows available

• Closets/drawers empty and clean

• Surfaces dusted

• Floor vacuumed/mopped

• Windows cleaned

• Adequate hangers provided

Living Areas

• All surfaces dusted

• Floors vacuumed/mopped

• Furniture spot-cleaned

• Windows and mirrors cleaned

• Remote controls sanitized

• No clutter or personal items left behind

• Cushions fluffed and arranged

Laundry Area

• Washer and dryer clean

• Lint trap emptied

• Laundry detergent provided

• Instructions for use posted

✨ GUEST EXPERIENCE ESSENTIALS

Welcome & Comfort

• Welcome guide/house manual available

• WiFi name and password clearly posted

• Temperature set comfortably (68-72°F / 20-22°C)

• All lights working (replace burnt bulbs)

• Fresh air (open windows before arrival if weather permits)

• Pleasant, neutral scent (avoid strong air fresheners)

Kitchen Essentials

• Coffee/tea supplies stocked

• Cooking basics available (oil, salt, pepper, sugar)

• Paper towels available

• Dish soap and sponges

• Trash bags stocked

• All appliances clean and working

Bathroom Essentials

• Soap/body wash provided

• Shampoo and conditioner (travel sizes minimum)

• Hand soap at every sink

• Toilet paper (at least 2 rolls per bathroom)

• Tissues available

• Hair dryer provided and working

Comfort Extras (5-Star Touches)

• Extra blankets easily accessible

• Iron and ironing board available

• Hangers provided (10+ per closet)

• Nightstands with lamps/outlets for charging

• USB charging ports or adapters

• Local guidebook or recommendations

• Umbrella available

📱 TECHNOLOGY & AMENITIES

Entertainment

• TV working properly

• Streaming services logged in (if offered)

• Remote controls with working batteries

• Instructions for TV/entertainment system

Internet & Communication

• WiFi working reliably

• Password visible and correct

• Router accessible if troubleshooting needed

Climate Control

• Heating/AC working properly

• Thermostat instructions provided

• Fans available if needed

• Space heater (if applicable and safe)

🌿 OUTDOOR SPACES (if applicable)

• Patio/deck swept and clean

• Outdoor furniture clean and functional

• BBQ cleaned (if provided)

• Yard/garden tidy

• Outdoor lighting working

• Garbage/recycling bins emptied

• Pool/hot tub clean and safe (if applicable)

📋 MAINTENANCE & FUNCTIONAL CHECKS

Doors & Windows

• All locks working properly

• Doors close and latch securely

• Windows open/close smoothly

• Screens intact (no holes)

Plumbing

• All faucets working (no drips)

• Hot water available

• Toilets flush properly

• No visible leaks

• Drains flowing freely

• Water pressure adequate

Appliances

• Refrigerator cooling properly

• Stove/oven working

• Microwave functional

• Dishwasher running

• Washer/dryer operational

• Coffee maker/kettle working

📝 FINAL PRE-ARRIVAL CHECK (Day Of)

• Final walkthrough completed

• Temperature comfortable

• Lights on in key areas (entrance, living room)

• Welcome note left (optional but nice touch)

• Fresh flowers/plant (optional 5-star touch)

• Check weather - provide umbrella if rain expected

• Guest communication confirmed (check-in details sent)

• Parking instructions clear

• Lockbox code/keys ready

🎯 POST-CHECKOUT INSPECTION

• Check for damages or missing items

• Note any maintenance needs

• Review guest experience

• Document condition with photos (if needed)

• Collect and wash all linens/towels

• Begin turnover cleaning process

💡 PRO TIPS FOR 5-STAR REVIEWS

✨ The "White Glove Test": Run your hand along surfaces - zero dust means you've done it right

✨ The "Fresh Nose Test": Ask someone unfamiliar with the property to check for odors

✨ The "Guest Perspective": Arrive as if you're a guest - what would you notice first?

✨ The "Bare Feet Test": Walk barefoot on all floors - they should be spotlessly clean

✨ The "Photo-Ready Test": Every room should look listing-photo perfect

⚠️ NEVER SKIP THESE

🚨 Safety items (smoke/CO detectors)
🚨 Fresh linens (beds, towels)
🚨 Deep cleaning (bathrooms, kitchen)
🚨 Functional checks (WiFi, heating/cooling, hot water)
🚨 Clear communication (check-in instructions, house rules)

📊 Checklist Completion Log

Property: ________________
Check Date: ________________
Checked By: ________________
Guest Arrival: ________________
Notes/Issues: ________________