Short-stay success isn’t luck, it’s preparation. Before you list, walk through this readiness guide to make sure your space is compliant, safe, irresistible, and operationally smooth from the very first booking.
1) Compliance & Protection
Start with the boring-but-critical basics. Confirm you’re allowed to host: check municipal bylaws, body corporate/HOA rules, and building regulations. Set up short-stay-appropriate insurance that covers guest liability and accidental damage (your standard homeowner’s policy usually doesn’t). Register for any local taxes or permits, and decide how you’ll handle remittances. If you use cleaners or contractors, keep invoices; you’ll want those records for both tax and warranty claims.
2) Safety First—Non-Negotiables
Safety is your brand’s foundation. Install working smoke alarms (and CO alarms if you have gas), test them, and log the test date. Keep a stocked first-aid kit and a visible fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Fit solid door and window locks, plus a well-lit entry path and stair edges. Provide an emergency card (laminated is best) with local contacts, your phone number, the property address, nearest hospital, and basic outage instructions (water shut-off, breaker box).
3) Guest-Ready Presentation
Think “hotel cleanliness, home warmth.” Do a deep clean, then maintain a strict turnover checklist. Replace tired linens; invest in two full sets per bed to avoid turnaround stress. Neutral scents, clutter-free surfaces, and a few elevated touches (plush towels, quality pillows, blackout curtains) go further than a big décor spend. In the kitchen, stock the essentials guests actually use: sharp knives, corkscrew, cutting board, oil/salt/pepper, tea/coffee setup, and enough matching crockery and glassware for your max occupancy.
4) Frictionless Arrival & Clear House Rules
Self-check-in with a smart lock or lockbox reduces late-night panic—for you and your guests. Message a 3-part arrival flow: (1) exact address and Google Maps pin, (2) parking/entry instructions with photos, (3) lock code and Wi-Fi details. Create a concise, friendly house manual: how to use appliances, TV/streaming, air-con/heating, waste/recycling, quiet hours, and check-out steps. Keep rules respectful and specific (e.g., “No parties; max 4 registered guests on site,” rather than vague warnings).
6) Positioning & Pricing
Define your core guest: business traveler, family, or weekend couple? Stage and describe the space for that profile. Shoot professional, well-lit photos with accurate color and angles. Price using comps and seasonality; add a modest cleaning fee that reflects actual cost, not profit padding. Consider a two-night minimum on peak weekends and a discounted weekly rate to reduce churn and increase occupancy quality.
Quick Readiness Checklist
- Permissions, insurance, and taxes confirmed
- Smoke/CO alarms tested; extinguisher and first-aid kit in place
- Solid locks, lit entry, clear address signage
- Hotel-level clean; two linen sets per bed; quality towels
- Kitchen stocked for real cooking + coffee/tea station
- Smart lock or lockbox; photo-rich arrival guide; fast Wi-Fi info
- Clear, friendly house manual and check-out steps
- Pro photos, accurate listing, comp-based pricing, response plan
If you can confidently tick these off, your property isn’t just listable,it’s primed to earn 5-star reviews and repeat bookings from day one.
