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New-host property checklist

A room-by-room inventory for preparing a furnished short-term rental. Use the filters to separate basic operating and safety items from optional additions.

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“Operating and safety” means the item is treated as a baseline in this checklist. The property’s actual requirements depend on its layout, guest count, amenities, and jurisdiction.

Bedroom Essentials

  • Bed frame with sturdy mattress (queen minimum recommended)Baseline
  • Mattress protector / waterproof cover (one per bed)Baseline
  • Pillows — minimum 2 per person the bed sleepsBaseline
  • Pillow protectorsBaseline
  • Fitted sheet, flat sheet & pillowcases — 2 complete sets per bedBaseline
  • Duvet / comforter appropriate for seasonBaseline
  • Extra blanket (stored in closet or chest)Baseline
  • Bedside table(s) with lampBaseline
  • Mirror (full-length preferred)Baseline
  • Dresser or closet with hangers (min. 10 per bedroom)Baseline
  • Blackout curtains or blindsBaseline
  • Alarm clock or phone charging stationOptional
  • Luggage rack or benchOptional
  • Nightlights or bedside reading lightsOptional
  • Power strip / surge protector with USB portsOptional

Bathroom Essentials

  • Bath towels — 2 per guestBaseline
  • Hand towels — 1 to 2 per bathroomBaseline
  • Washcloths — 1 to 2 per guestBaseline
  • Bath mat (non-slip)Baseline
  • Shower curtain + liner (if applicable)Baseline
  • Toilet paper — minimum 4 rolls per bathroom stockedBaseline
  • Liquid hand soap (pump dispenser)Baseline
  • Shampoo & conditioner (travel-size or full bottle)Baseline
  • Body wash or bar soapBaseline
  • Hair dryer (1800W+)Baseline
  • Toilet brush & holderBaseline
  • Waste bin with linerBaseline
  • Plunger (stored nearby or under sink)Baseline
  • Cleaning spray & spare paper towels under sinkBaseline
  • Makeup / magnifying mirrorOptional

Kitchen Essentials

  • Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses — full set for max occupancy + 2 extraBaseline
  • Silverware / flatware — knives, forks, spoons for full occupancyBaseline
  • Cooking pots (small, medium, large) & lidsBaseline
  • Skillets / frying pans (small & large)Baseline
  • Baking sheet & casserole dishBaseline
  • Chef's knife, paring knife, bread knifeBaseline
  • Cutting boards (min. 2 — one for meat, one for produce)Baseline
  • Mixing bowls (set of 3)Baseline
  • Measuring cups & spoonsBaseline
  • Colander / strainerBaseline
  • Can opener & bottle openerBaseline
  • Vegetable peeler, spatulas, wooden spoons, tongs, ladleBaseline
  • Oven mitts / pot holdersBaseline
  • Dish rack or drying matBaseline
  • Dish soap, sponge & scrub brushBaseline
  • Dish towels (min. 4)Baseline
  • Plastic wrap, aluminum foil, zip-lock bagsBaseline
  • Paper towelsBaseline
  • Coffee maker + filters (or pod machine)Baseline
  • Toaster or toaster ovenBaseline
  • MicrowaveBaseline
  • Salt, pepper, olive oil, basic spice selectionBaseline
  • Dishwasher pods (if dishwasher present)Baseline
  • Trash can with bags; recycling binBaseline
  • Kettle (electric preferred)Optional
  • BlenderOptional

Living / Common Area

  • Sofa or sectional sized for guest countBaseline
  • Coffee tableBaseline
  • TV (smart TV, 40"+ recommended) + remoteBaseline
  • Streaming service login or cable access infoBaseline
  • WiFi router with strong signal throughout propertyBaseline
  • WiFi name & password prominently displayedBaseline
  • Adequate lighting: overhead + lampsBaseline
  • Window treatments for privacyBaseline
  • Charging station or accessible outletsBaseline
  • Throw blankets & accent pillowsOptional
  • Bookshelf with reading materialOptional
  • Board games, cards, or activity optionsOptional

Cleaning & Laundry

  • Washer & dryer (or clear instructions if shared / off-site)Baseline
  • Laundry detergent + dryer sheets stockedBaseline
  • Iron & ironing boardBaseline
  • Vacuum cleaner in working orderBaseline
  • Mop & bucket or SwifferBaseline
  • Broom & dustpanBaseline
  • All-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, glass cleanerBaseline
  • Spare trash bags (all sizes used on property)Baseline
  • Cleaning glovesOptional

Safety & Security

  • Smoke detector — every bedroom & common areaBaseline
  • Carbon monoxide detector (required in most jurisdictions)Baseline
  • Fire extinguisher (kitchen & easily accessible)Baseline
  • First-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain reliever, etc.)Baseline
  • Keypad / smart lock or lockbox for self check-inBaseline
  • Backup key stored off-site or in secondary lockboxBaseline
  • Emergency contact list posted inside (host, fire, police, hospital)Baseline
  • Flashlight + spare batteriesBaseline
  • Pool / hot tub safety equipment (if applicable)Baseline
  • Night lights in hallways & bathroomsOptional

Guest Information & Hospitality

  • Welcome binder / house manual (house rules, check-out instructions)Baseline
  • Local area guide (restaurants, attractions, grocery stores)Baseline
  • Parking instructions clearly writtenBaseline
  • Trash & recycling day + instructionsBaseline
  • HVAC / thermostat instructionsBaseline
  • Appliance instruction cards (washer, coffee maker, TV, etc.)Baseline
  • Spare keys or entry codes for guestsBaseline
  • Small welcome gesture: snacks, coffee, local treatsOptional
  • Reusable grocery bagsOptional
  • Umbrella(s) for guest useOptional

Technology & Utilities

  • High-speed WiFi (25+ Mbps minimum; 100+ Mbps recommended)Baseline
  • Reliable cell signal or WiFi calling enabledBaseline
  • Smart TV with guest-friendly interfaceBaseline
  • Outdoor lighting with dusk-to-dawn or motion sensorsBaseline
  • Smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee, etc.)Optional
  • Backup phone chargers / charging cables for guestsOptional

Outdoor / Patio (if applicable)

  • Outdoor seating (chairs + table)Baseline
  • Grill with propane / charcoal + lighter + grill brushBaseline
  • Lawn & landscaping maintained prior to each stayBaseline
  • Outdoor trash / recycling receptaclesBaseline
  • Hose or outdoor water accessBaseline
  • Outdoor lighting (string lights, lanterns, etc.)Optional
  • Bug spray & sunscreen (complimentary kit)Optional
  • Outdoor umbrella or shade structureOptional