THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF HOLIDAY HOMES
REAL EXPERIENCE. FUNNY MOMENTS INCLUDED.

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Holiday rental setup checklist

Ten useful checks for the final walk-through.

Use the checks below, or print a copy to take through the house. No email required.

0 of 10 checked

Setting up an Airbnb or holiday rental in Australia? Use these ten checks for a final walk-through before your first guest, whether they book through a platform or directly. Tick each one when it’s done. The decorative cushions can supervise.

  1. Illustration of opening paperwork, a folder and a house key

    Check the permissions, registration, safety requirements and insurance arrangements that apply to your property and location. This checklist does not replace those checks.

  2. Illustration of a larger bed and two separate single beds

    Check every bed size and sleeping arrangement against your listing. The guest count alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

  3. Illustration of a host making a bed beside a window with gum trees and a kookaburra

    Check mattress comfort, pillows and suitable mattress and pillow protectors. Make every bed guest-ready.

  4. Illustration of a host sorting linen into baskets, with a galah outside the window

    Check you have clean spare linen, a reliable laundry turnaround and a backup plan before the next arrival.

  5. Illustration of a host checking kitchen crockery and cutlery beside Australian native flowers

    Check crockery, cutlery and cookware for your full guest count, with matching replacement stock set aside. Remember the teaspoons.

  6. Illustration of a host cleaning a bathroom basin beside banksias

    Check the fittings, towels, bath mats and guest essentials. Give the hairdryer an obvious home.

  7. Illustration of a host checking the Wi-Fi connection in a coastal holiday home

    Try the Wi-Fi, television and other equipment as a guest would. Leave clear instructions and resolve faults before arrival.

  8. Illustration of guests arriving at an Australian coastal holiday home, with banksias and gum trees

    Follow your arrival directions to the right front door. Check access instructions, keys or codes, and contact details.

  9. Illustration of a host vacuuming an Australian coastal holiday home

    Plan time for cleaning, laundry, restocking and final checks. Keep housekeeping supplies secure and arrange occasional backup.

  10. Illustration of a camera beside a made bed and bathroom

    Finish the setup before photography. Show every bedroom and bathroom, and keep the photographs consistent with the actual home.

Using the free checklist

Can I use this for an Airbnb or another short-term rental?

Yes. These practical checks apply to the home itself, whichever booking channel you use. Adapt them to your property and check the local permissions, safety requirements and booking arrangements separately.

Can I print it or save it as a PDF?

Yes. Use the “Print checklist / save PDF” button above, then choose your printer or the PDF option in your browser’s print window. No email address or purchase is required.

Written by Alex Haven, an Australian holiday accommodation manager. This is independent guidance and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Airbnb.