New Host Guide: Property Walkthrough Checklist for Short-Term Rentals

One thing we’ve learned at Berkshire Vacation Rental Co after setting up more than thirty short term rentals. The key to success is to SLOW DOWN. Rushing to set up will cause problems down the road. Making sure a property is set up properly before going live will eliminate countless headaches.

What we are always trying to remind ourselves is that any problem is generally our fault. If we keep this mindset as hosts, it pushes us to solve the problem rather than complain about an old house or annoying guests. A few examples . . .

• Guests are using up A TON of toilet paper

  • Solution: Does the property have a locked owners closet

• Guests messaging us late at night for extra bedding / blankets

  • are there backup linens for any sleeping areas in clearly marked places and outlined in the guest packet

• Bears got into the trash (last summer’s theme)

  • when the property was being set up, was there a clear trash removal plan outlined and is all trash outside going into animal proof bins?