Putting your home up on Airbnb is a great way to make passive income, but it can require a bit of elbow grease and attention to detail to make sure your listing is ready for someone else to stay in. Chores offers Airbnb management services to homeowners so they don’t need to worry about it, but if you want to do it yourself, follow our checklist and you’ll be making money in no time.
The number one rule of Airbnb prep–if you would want it yourself at an Airbnb you’re staying at, don’t cut any corners!
Safety First
Check around your house for any potential safety hazards–loose wires, uneven floorboards, broken locks, and any other things that need to be fixed to make it a safe environment for your tenants.
Test the batteries on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure fire extinguishers are all up to date.
Leave a first-aid kit in the unit and very clear instructions on where to find it–the first guess to find themselves with a cut on their finger will thank you for it! Leave your email address and phone number in a prominent place in your Airbnb so guests can call you with any emergencies.
Presentation
This should be an obvious one, but we’ve stayed at plenty of Airbnbs where apparently it wasn’t–clean! If you want a five-star rating, your spot should always be clean, with strict cleaning schedules in between guests.
Take plenty of high-quality photos from multiple angles throughout the home once it’s cleaned. The more photos your listing has, the more likely a user is to book it.
Keep your space as decluttered as possible. Guests want to feel like the space is theirs, and your personal belongings scattered across the house, even if they’re organized, make it feel like they’re staying in someone else’s home instead of their own.
Lock away your valuables and as many belongings as you can in a designated closet, or rent an off-site storage space.
Amenities
Don’t underestimate the power of a comfortable place to sleep for your guests. Get mattress toppers, high-quality sheets, and good pillows. You’ll be able to charge more, and your guests will appreciate a good night’s sleep!
Provide basic toiletries, shampoo, and soap. Many people either forget to pack these or expect that their Airbnb will have it.
Make sure garbage and recycling cans are empty, garbage bags are stocked up, and you have plenty of cleaning supplies.
Go above and beyond by providing guests with basic staples, such as coffee, tea, eggs, and bread.
Extra sheets and towels should always be available in a linen closet so you never have to rely on laundry being done for your home to be ready for the next guest.
Have resources ready for your renter such as local takeout menus, home rules, things to do in the area, WiFi logins, and anything else that pertains to their stay.
Consider a basket with a bottle of wine, snacks, and a guest book for tenants to sign.
Other Considerations
Have contracts, or at least know which contractors you would want to use for when things go wrong (and they will). When something goes wrong with a renter in the home, you need to get the appropriate contractor to the house as soon as possible.
When a renter leaves, thoroughly inspect the home for any damages that might incur costs on your end so you can charge the tenant or keep a portion of their deposit.
