Airbnb Host Checklist: Everything You Need Before Your First Guest

Your listing is live, your first booking is confirmed, and now reality hits. What do you actually need to have ready?

This checklist covers everything from the essentials to the details that separate average hosts from five-star ones. Bookmark it and work through it before your guest arrives.

Property Essentials

Safety First

• [ ] Smoke detectors installed and tested (check local requirements)
• [ ] Carbon monoxide detector if you have gas appliances
• [ ] Fire extinguisher accessible in the kitchen
• [ ] First aid kit stocked and visible
• [ ] Emergency numbers listed (local hospital, police, fire, your number)
• [ ] Clear exit paths, especially in multi-storey properties
• [ ] Working locks on all external doors and windows

Insurance and Legal

• [ ] Short-stay hosting insurance (standard home insurance often doesn't cover it)
• [ ] Check local council regulations for short-stay rentals
• [ ] Understand your tax obligations (declare rental income)
• [ ] Review your strata or body corporate rules if applicable
• [ ] Register with local authorities if required (varies by city)

For Australian hosts, we cover regulations in detail in our short-stay hosting in Australia guide.

The Space

Bedroom

• [ ] Quality mattress and pillows (this is where reviews are won or lost)
• [ ] Fresh, clean sheets (white or neutral colours photograph well and look clean)
• [ ] Spare blanket for different temperature preferences
• [ ] Bedside table with lamp on each side
• [ ] Power outlets accessible from the bed (or extension leads)
• [ ] Blackout curtains or blinds
• [ ] Hangers in the wardrobe (at least 10)
• [ ] Luggage rack or space to put a suitcase

Bathroom

• [ ] Fresh towels (two per guest minimum: bath towel and hand towel)
• [ ] Soap, shampoo, and conditioner (refillable dispensers are better than tiny bottles)
• [ ] Toilet paper (at least two spare rolls visible)
• [ ] Hair dryer
• [ ] Bath mat
• [ ] Mirror (full-length is a bonus)
• [ ] Bin with liner

Kitchen

• [ ] Basic cookware: pot, pan, baking tray
• [ ] Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses (enough for max guest count plus spares)
• [ ] Cutlery set
• [ ] Sharp knife and chopping board
• [ ] Kettle and/or coffee maker
• [ ] Tea, coffee, sugar, and milk for the first morning
• [ ] Salt, pepper, and cooking oil
• [ ] Dishwashing liquid and sponge
• [ ] Clean tea towels
• [ ] Cling wrap, foil, paper towels
• [ ] Bin with liner

Living Area

• [ ] Comfortable seating
• [ ] TV with streaming access (Netflix, Stan, or similar)
• [ ] Reliable WiFi with good speed
• [ ] Board games or books (optional but appreciated)
• [ ] Blanket for the couch

Guest Information

Digital Guidebook

• [ ] Create a digital guidebook with all property information
• [ ] Include WiFi name and password
• [ ] Add check-in and check-out instructions
• [ ] Write house rules
• [ ] Add appliance instructions for anything non-obvious
• [ ] Include local recommendations
• [ ] Print and place a QR code linking to the guidebook
• [ ] Test the QR code with your phone

Access

• [ ] Key or lockbox set up and tested
• [ ] Clear directions to the property (including landmarks)
• [ ] Parking instructions
• [ ] Building access if applicable (codes, fobs, intercom)

Cleaning and Turnover

Before First Guest

• [ ] Deep clean everything (or hire a professional cleaner)
• [ ] Clean inside all cupboards, drawers, and the oven
• [ ] Wash all soft furnishings (cushion covers, throws)
• [ ] Clean windows inside and out
• [ ] Check for any maintenance issues (dripping taps, stiff doors)

Turnover Checklist (for every changeover)

• [ ] Strip and remake beds with fresh linen
• [ ] Clean bathroom thoroughly
• [ ] Clean kitchen (wipe surfaces, clean appliances, empty fridge)
• [ ] Vacuum and mop all floors
• [ ] Empty all bins
• [ ] Restock consumables (toilet paper, soap, coffee, tea)
• [ ] Check all lights work
• [ ] Reset thermostat to a comfortable temperature
• [ ] Run dishwasher or hand wash any dishes left behind
• [ ] Check for damage or missing items

Technology

• [ ] Strong WiFi (test speed; 25+ Mbps is the minimum guests expect)
• [ ] Backup WiFi instructions if the router needs resetting
• [ ] Smart lock or lockbox for self-check-in
• [ ] TV set up with clear instructions (which remote does what)
• [ ] Bluetooth speaker (a nice touch)
• [ ] Phone chargers by the bed (various types)

Your Listing

• [ ] Professional-quality photos (natural light, wide angles, tidy spaces)
• [ ] Accurate description (underpromise and overdeliver)
• [ ] Competitive pricing (check similar listings in your area)
• [ ] Accurate amenities list
• [ ] House rules clearly stated in the listing
• [ ] Instant Book enabled (increases visibility on Airbnb)
• [ ] Response time target: under 1 hour during waking hours

Communication Templates

Prepare these messages so you're not writing them from scratch each time:

1. Booking confirmation: Thank them, confirm dates, mention you'll send check-in details closer to arrival
2. Pre-arrival message (1 to 2 days before): Check-in instructions, guidebook link, directions, your contact number
3. Check-in day message: Welcome, remind them about the guidebook QR code, offer help
4. Mid-stay check-in (for stays 3+ nights): Quick message asking if everything's going well
5. Post-checkout: Thank them, invite a review

The Extra Mile

These aren't essential, but they're what guests mention in five-star reviews:

• [ ] Welcome note (handwritten feels personal)
• [ ] Local treats (Tim Tams in Australia, biscuits in the UK, a small bottle of wine)
• [ ] Personalised local recommendations in your guidebook
• [ ] Umbrella by the door
• [ ] Torch for properties in rural areas
• [ ] Beach towels if you're near water
• [ ] Sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor properties
• [ ] Takeaway menus from local restaurants
• [ ] A guide to your neighbourhood (or better yet, an interactive map in your digital guidebook)

Before They Arrive

In the 24 hours before your first guest:

1. Do a final walkthrough using this checklist
2. Test the lockbox or smart lock
3. Scan the QR code and check the guidebook loads
4. Turn on the air con or heating to a comfortable temperature
5. Turn on a few lights so the property looks welcoming on arrival
6. Send your pre-arrival message with check-in details
7. Take a deep breath. You're ready.

You've Got This

First-time hosting nerves are completely normal. The fact that you're reading a checklist means you care about getting it right, and that mindset is what makes a great host.

Set up your digital guidebook with Guest Loop, work through this checklist, and you'll be giving your first guest a five-star experience from the moment they walk through the door.