Ever walked into a vacation rental where everything felt magical? The plush towels stacked just so, the kitchen stocked with every tool you didn't know you needed, and that welcome note that made you feel like the host had been waiting just for you? That wasn't an accident — it was the result of a meticulously executed Airbnb host checklist.
Behind every five-star rental lies a comprehensive roadmap that transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. Like a master chef’s mise en place before service, getting organized before the first guest arrives sets the stage for every stay that follows.
This definitive checklist of Airbnb essentials breaks down exactly what you need to do, buy, and prepare before launching your listing. Let's dive into our Airbnb checklist for hosts.
Airbnb set up checklist for hosts
This Airbnb set up checklist covers the crucial steps to get your property guest-ready. Take the time to work through these preparations — it’ll save you headaches later and position your listing for success from the start.
1. Confirm compliance with local regulations
Before you list your property, research and comply with all local ordinances governing short-term rentals.
Many cities have specific:
- Permit requirements
- Occupancy limits
- Zoning restrictions
- Tax obligations
Some municipalities limit the number of nights you can rent annually, while others require business licenses or have specific safety regulations. Fail to research these requirements and you might get hit with hefty fines.
2. Furnish your space
Your furnishings and decor set the tone for the entire guest experience. Comfortable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing pieces are a must.
Shopping through Minoan is a great way to simplify the process of furnishing your STR. Minoan is a purchasing platform that gives STR hosts major discounts (up to 60% off) on furniture and essentials. Add items from leading brands to your cart and check out from one place to save time and make furniture shopping a breeze.
3. Stock amenities and toiletries
Beyond furniture, you’ll also have to stock up on replenishables and amenities.
Basic necessities to stock include:
- Bathroom essentials: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap
- Kitchen supplies: Coffee, tea, cooking oil, salt and pepper
- Cleaning products: Dish soap, sponges, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent
- Paper goods: Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues
- Linens: Bedding, towels, pillows
Make your life easier by shopping for amenities from the same place you bought your furniture: through Minoan! Minoan partners with leading brands like Public Goods and World Amenities to give STR hosts the best prices on toiletries and other essentials.
4. Invest in the right technologies
Smart technology investments improve the guest experience and your operations.
Essential tech investments include:
- Fast WiFi
- Smart locks
- Security cameras for exterior areas only (never in private spaces)
- Noise monitoring devices
- Smart thermostats
- Security or alarm system
5. Take high-quality photos of your space
Professional photography can help your booking rates soar, especially for a brand-new listing. Your listing photos become your property's first impression and most powerful marketing tool. Even with a stellar location and perfect amenities, poor photography will sink your listing before guests ever read your description.
Your options for capturing high-quality photos:
- Hire a professional photographer specializing in real estate or Airbnb listings ($200-500 for a complete session)
- Use Airbnb's free photography service if available (currently offered in select major markets)
- Take photos yourself with a DSLR camera or a modern smartphone (which can produce excellent results when done properly)
6. Get vacation rental insurance
Standard homeowners or renters insurance typically doesn't cover short-term rental activity. You’ll need a policy that specifically covers your short-term rental.
Specialized vacation rental insurance protects against:
- Property damage beyond the security deposit
- Liability claims from guest injuries
- Loss of income from cancellations
- Theft of valuables
7. Hire a handyman and cleaning service
Reliable maintenance and cleaning teams are essential partners for every host. Including these professionals in your Airbnb startup checklist ensures you’re prepared to turnover your space after each guest and keep it in tip-top shape.
When hiring a handyman and cleaning crew:
- Interview multiple service providers and check references
- Clearly communicate your standards and expectations
- Create detailed cleaning checklists for consistency
- Establish fair pricing that works within your budget
- Set up emergency protocols for urgent situations
Once you’ve got these service providers on your team, make sure they have visited the property and know what to expect.
8. Establish your pricing strategy
Strategic pricing directly impacts your occupancy rate and profitability.
Consider:
- Seasonal demand fluctuations in your market
- Local events that drive demand (conferences, festivals, etc.)
- Different rates for weekdays vs. weekends
- Length-of-stay discounts for multi-night bookings
- Special pricing for last-minute bookings or gaps in your calendar
Dynamic pricing tools can automatically optimize your nightly rate based on market conditions, saving you time while maximizing revenue. Review your pricing strategy monthly and adjust as you learn more about your market and how your property performs.
9. Create your house rules and a guest guidebook
Every successful Airbnb has some rules in place to protect guests and hosts alike. Clear house rules set expectations upfront without feeling overly restrictive or unwelcoming.
Establish house rules that cover:
- Check-in/check-out procedures
- Maximum guest count
- Pet policies
- Smoking policies
- Quiet hours
- Parking instructions
- Trash disposal
Beyond house rules, you’ll also want to establish a guest guidebook. This will serve as your virtual concierge, answering common questions and giving guests immediate access to the information they need. You can send your guests a digital version of your guidebook before they arrive, and leave a printed version in the rental.
Your guest guidebook should include:
- WiFi network and password
- Instructions for operating appliances and electronics
- Local recommendations for dining and activities
- Emergency contact information
- Transportation options
10. Test it out!
Before handing over the keys to your first paying guest, become a guest yourself! Spending a night in your own rental reveals blind spots that even the most thorough Airbnb host checklist might miss.
During your test stay, evaluate the following:
- Is the bed comfy?
- Do all appliances and electronics work?
- Is the water pressure adequate and temperature control reliable?
- Are noise levels from neighbors or streets noticeable at night?
- Is there enough lighting in each room?
- Do smart locks and security systems function seamlessly?
- Are there enough toiletries, towels, and kitchen essentials?
- Does the WiFi reach every room in the house?
- Is the property too hot, too cold, or just right?
- Can you easily find everything you need without searching?
This overnight stay lets you experience your property through guests' eyes, revealing opportunities to improve that might otherwise be missed.
11. Create and publish your listing
With your space prepared and tested, it's time to create a listing that captures the attention of travelers. Your listing needs to attract clicks, communicate value, and convert browsers into bookers.
Make sure you:
- Craft a thorough property description. It should paint a vivid picture of the experience you're offering. Focus on the unique aspects of your space, the atmosphere you've created, and the specific amenities that set your rental apart.
- Write a catchy, SEO-optimized title. It should incorporate key selling points while including searchable terms. Rather than "Nice 2BR Apartment," try "Sunny 2BR Downtown Loft with Rooftop Terrace & Free Parking." Front-load your most compelling features and use all available characters to maximize visibility in search results.
- Add descriptive captions to your photos. This helps guests understand what they're seeing and why it matters. Captions provide context that pure visuals might miss—"Primary bedroom with memory foam mattress and blackout curtains for deep sleep" tells a more complete story than the image alone.
Once published, your listing isn't set in stone. Monitor how your listing is performing, experiment with different titles, and refine your description based on common questions from guests.
Complete Airbnb supply checklist
Think you’re ready to start welcoming guests to your STR? First, make sure you’ve checked every box on our Airbnb supply checklist!
This list of things needed for Airbnbs organizes everything by room so you can methodically work through each space without missing essentials.
Airbnb bedroom checklist
Nothing impacts a guest’s experience quite like sleep quality. Your Airbnb bedroom should feel like a sanctuary — clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully arranged.
- Comfortable bed and mattress
- Pillows
- Bedding (a set on the bed and at least one spare set!)
- Nightstands
- Dresser or closet space with hangers
- Lighting
- Decor, like plants and artwork
- Luggage rack
- Blackout curtains or blinds
- Alarm clock
- Charging station
- Space heater or tower fan
- Workspace
Airbnb kitchen checklist
A lot of people book Airbnbs specifically for the kitchen, seeking the freedom to prepare their own meals rather than eating out for every bite. Stock your kitchen thoughtfully with equipment that works for both simple breakfasts and full dinner preparations. A well-equipped cooking space often becomes a highlight in reviews, especially for longer stays.
- Cookware
- Cutlery
- Plates, bowls, and glasses
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Coffee maker
- Electric kettle
- Dishwasher
- Blender
- Water filter
- Microwave
- Spices and cooking oil
- Dish towels
- Trash can and trash bags
- Can opener
- Wine opener
- Sponges
- All purpose cleaner
- Fire extinguisher
Airbnb bathroom checklist
Everyone secretly judges a rental by its bathroom. From that first post-travel shower to the morning routine, your bathroom needs to deliver comfort and function in equal measure. Stock it with quality basics and a few thoughtful extras that tell guests you care about the details — even the ones behind closed doors.
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hand soap
- Body wash or bar soap
- Shower curtain
- Trash can
- Mirror
- Plunger and toilet brush
- Shelving or storage
- Toothbrush holder
- Extra toiletries (things like body lotion, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, and floss)
- Bath mat
- Hairdryer
Airbnb dining room checklist
Think of your dining area as the stage for memorable vacation moments like shared meals or game nights. Even if guests don't use it for every meal, creating an inviting space with these essentials ensures they'll have what they need when they choose to gather around the table.
- Dining table
- Chairs
- Placemats or tablecloth
- High chair
- Buffet or sideboard
- Candles or table centerpieces
Airbnb living room checklist
The living room is where guests crash after sightseeing, gather for movie nights, or simply unwind with a good book. Make it irresistibly comfortable with seating that welcomes extended lounging and entertainment options that deliver when the weather turns or energy wanes.
- Comfortable sofa
- Coffee table
- Entertainment options (a TV with streaming services, books, or board games)
- Lighting
- Throw pillows and blankets
- Accent chairs
- Area rug
- WiFi
Outdoor furniture checklist
Whether it's a tiny balcony or sprawling yard, an outdoor space can be your listing's secret weapon. Make the most of whatever space you have with as many of these items as possible:
- Outdoor lounge seating
- Table and dining chairs
- Lighting
- Fire pit
- Outdoor heater or blankets
- Grill
- Hot tub
- Hammock
You’re ready to start hosting
You've made it through the ultimate Airbnb host checklist! Although setting up your rental requires careful planning, the reward is a standout property that delights guests and generates impressive income.
Remember that great hosts never stop improving. Use this Airbnb essentials checklist as your foundation, then let guest feedback guide your evolution. Now go crush it!
