Short-term rental isn’t just about posting a listing and giving out a door code. It’s a job where the devil is in the details. Guests judge everything: the smell in the bathroom, the temperature in the bedroom, and whether they know how to use the oven. And they do it fast—sometimes within the first five minutes of arriving.
That’s why, before any guests cross the threshold, you need a checklist. A clear, organized, and proven one. It’ll help you avoid those last-minute messages like “Is there a hairdryer somewhere?” or “Are you aware the dishwasher doesn’t work?” Instead: peace of mind, great reviews, and guests who want to return.
1. Cleanliness – The Most Important Points
“Looks fine” doesn’t cut it. Cleanliness is the first thing guests notice—and mention in reviews. Vacuuming the floors isn’t enough—you need to clean thoroughly. Even if they don’t sleep in the closet, they’ll notice dust on the shelf.
| Room | Check thoroughly | Often overlooked |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | Mirror, toilet, shower | Toilet brush, drain, extra toilet paper |
| Kitchen | Counters, sink, floor | Inside kettle, microwave, range hood |
| Bedroom | Bed linen, pillows | Dust on lamps, bed frame |
| Living Room | Table, sofa | Curtains, remote, baseboards |
| Balcony | Table and chairs | Floor, cobwebs, leaves |
Tip: After cleaning, walk through the apartment as if you were the guest. Sit on the couch, open a drawer, peek behind the curtains. That’s where unpleasant surprises often hide.
2. Does Everything Work? Really, Everything?
Household appliances are like employees—they may look great, but if they don’t do their job, they just cause frustration. Before your guest arrives, make sure:
- The Wi-Fi works and the password is clearly visible (e.g., on a card or sticker),
- The TV turns on and the remote works,
- The AC heats/cools and doesn’t make noise,
- The dishwasher cleans dishes—not just makes noise,
- All lights work in every room.
Mini appliance checklist:
| Appliance | What to check before arrival |
|---|---|
| TV/AC remote | Works and has batteries |
| Kettle / coffee maker | Boils water |
| Oven | Heats up and doesn’t smell |
| Microwave | Start button works |
| Hairdryer | Doesn’t smell or overheat |
| Light bulbs | Working in bathroom, hallway, bedroom |
You don’t want a text at 10 p.m. saying they can’t make tea.
3. Essentials – Better Too Much Than Too Little
Guests don’t want to feel like they’re staying in a warehouse. They expect the basics to be provided. Not just towels and toilet paper, but also sponges, dish soap, salt, and sugar. Sounds trivial? Lack of these is a frequent reason for bad reviews.
Kitchen
- Dish soap and clean sponge
- Pots, plates, utensils, glasses
- Kettle + tea + a few sugar packets
- Wine opener, strainer, cutting board
- Trash bin with extra liners
Bathroom
- Toilet paper (at least 2–3 rolls)
- Bath and hand towels
- Soap or dispenser
- Hairdryer
- Bathroom rug
Bedroom
- Fresh sheets, extra pillowcases
- Pillows and a blanket
- Bedside lamp on both sides
- Power strip / USB charger
4. Safety and Comfort
Guests rarely ask where the fire extinguisher is—but if something happens, they’ll look for it immediately. Better safe than sorry.
- First aid kit in a visible place
- Fire extinguisher or fire blanket (especially in gas kitchens)
- Smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector
- Instructions for power outages
- Spare bulbs, batteries, and manuals for appliances
It’s not about going overboard—it’s about being responsible.
5. First Impressions: Smell, Light, and Atmosphere
When you walk into an apartment and it feels like home—that’s everything. Guests notice it too. If the air smells like an old mop or the room feels stuffy, even a designer couch won’t save you.
Before arrival:
- Air out the space, no matter the weather
- Set warm, cozy lighting (lamps over overhead lights)
- Add a natural scent—citrus, lavender, or a neutral freshener
Also, make sure the guest doesn’t have to fumble around to find an outlet for the bedside lamp.
6. Information – Don’t Assume the Guest Knows
One of the most common mistakes. You know the intercom needs to be held a little longer. The guest doesn’t. You know the gate remote has a delay. The guest will press it ten times.
Prepare a simple instruction sheet. A4, readable font, clear layout:
- Wi-Fi password
- How to turn on TV/AC/oven
- How to use the gate/lock
- What to do with the keys at checkout
Bonus: add your contact number or your co-host’s. No one wants to dig through emails to find it.
7. Little Extras That Make a Big Impact
It doesn’t take much. A welcome card or a couple of coffee capsules can make a lasting impression. These details stick—and often appear in reviews.
Examples:
- Two coffee capsules to start
- Small map with local attractions
- Discount code for a future stay
- Blanket for cool evenings
- Board games, books, local brochures
It’s not about cost—it’s about making the guest feel considered.
📌 We’ve prepared a ready-to-use PDF checklist for our clients, so you can go through your apartment step-by-step before every booking. We also offer ongoing rental support—so you don’t have to do everything yourself.
Summary
A well-prepared apartment is half the battle in short-term rentals. The other half? Taking care of the little things—the ones that seem obvious to you but might ruin a guest’s stay. Does everything work? Is it clean? Will the guest find what they need?
If you can answer “yes” before they arrive, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of complaints, stressful calls, and bad reviews.
This checklist isn’t just a technical tool—it’s a way to build trust, consistency, and professionalism. And that’s exactly what modern guests are looking for—even if they’re only staying one night.
Want to be even more effective? Work with us—we’ve prepared a full checklist to make each turnover much easier.
Relax and Earn
Let us help you! Leave the management of your apartment to the experts and enjoy passive income.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Even if everything was ready a few days ago, things can change—dust settles, a window was left open, a remote battery dies. A quick check is the best investment in a stress-free review.
Depending on the size of the apartment—between 15 to 30 minutes. With a good checklist and routine, it takes less time than your morning coffee and commute.
Act like a hotel: inform the guest, apologize, and offer an alternative. Example:
“The dishwasher is being stubborn today—we’ve set out fresh sponges and dish soap, and the repair technician is coming tomorrow.”
The worst thing you can do? Stay silent.
Absolutely. Missing corkscrews, dirty sponges, no instructions for the TV—these are common reasons for average reviews. They might not complain in person, but they’ll mention it after checkout.
Use a checklist—paper or digital. We’ve prepared a ready-to-use document (full checklist) that you can fill in for every turnover. That way, nothing slips through the cracks.
That’s great—but have your own standards and check occasionally yourself. Even the best team might miss something, and ultimately, the responsibility lies with you.
No—but they work like good tips. Not required, but memorable. A small gesture can be the difference between a 4/5 and a perfect 5/5 review.