Do THIS Before You Go Live: A Checklist for Launching Your Short-Term Rental

Hey there, Robuilt family!

Before you hit that "go live" button on your new property, I want to share some simple yet crucial advice that can save you from headaches and ensure your guests have a fantastic experience. Here it is:

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Use everything in your property at least once.

And when I say everything, I mean everything. Here’s why and how you should do it:

1. Test the Bathrooms

• Showers: Are they well-lit or do they feel like dark dungeons? Check the lighting, water pressure, and hot water duration. Run two showers simultaneously to see if the hot water lasts and if the water pressure holds up.
• Bathtubs: Fill every bathtub to ensure there are no leaks or drainage issues.
• Toilets: Use every toilet. Do they flush easily? Any leaks or issues with water flow?
• Sinks: Wash your hands in every sink. Check for leaks and ensure the water pressure is adequate.

2. Fireplace

• Light a fire: Test the fireplace. Is the flue easy to operate? Do you need to provide instructions for guests?

3. Appliances

• Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Oven, Stove, Microwave: Run every appliance. Are they working correctly? Are they intuitive to operate?

4. Furniture

• Beds: Lay down in every bed and move around. Do they squeak? Are they comfortable, or do they feel worn out?
• Chairs: Sit in every chair. Are they sturdy and well-assembled?

5. Storage and Lighting

• Dressers: Open every drawer. Do they slide smoothly, or are they off-track?
• Light Switches and Outlets: Test every light switch and outlet. Are there any that don’t work or are confusing? Identify any “mystery switches” that could cause unnecessary calls to your handyman.

6. Walls and Soundproofing

• Noise Levels: If you're in a condo or townhome, assess how much sound carries through the walls. This will help you set expectations for guests or consider soundproofing options.

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Learn From Experience

Rushing to get your property listed on Airbnb or VRBO can lead to missed details. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Example 1: We once launched a property, only to have the first guest message us at 8 AM on the first morning because the hot water only lasted a few minutes in the shower. It turned out the thermostat on the hot water heater was set to the minimum. A quick fix with a flathead screwdriver could have saved us a $100 handyman call and some early-morning stress.

Example 2: At one of our client’s properties, a guest reported that the dishwasher wasn’t working. The breaker was on, but there was no power. Luckily, my wife remembered seeing a ‘mystery’ switch under the kitchen sink that controlled power to the dishwasher. A quick flip of the switch by the guest, and it came to life—saving a $75 handyman trip.

Example 3: One of my students in HostCamp bought a property long-distance and turned it over to a property manager. Unfortunately, the property had quirks that neither he nor the manager knew about, leading to ongoing guest complaints. We developed a plan for him to visit the property, stay for a weekend, and use everything. By the end of his stay, he felt like he had a tenfold increase in his ability to manage the property effectively.

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Take Action: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

If you find something quirky or unusual about your property, don’t panic. It doesn’t always mean you need to make a costly repair. Sometimes, it’s as simple as providing instructions for guests. However, if you discover issues like dim showers or an undersized hot water heater, it’s better to address these before a guest complains and leaves a sub-5-star review.

The key takeaway here is simple: use every aspect of your property before going live. This hands-on approach is not just a task on your to-do list—it’s a strategic move to ensure your property is ready for guests. By thoroughly testing everything, from the plumbing to the appliances, you can fine-tune your space, avoid emergency fixes, and most importantly, enhance your guests’ satisfaction.

In the end, your goal is to provide an exceptional experience, and your proactive measures can make all the difference between a good review and a great one. So, before you launch your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or any other platform, live in it as if you were a guest. Your diligence will pay off in guest satisfaction, fewer emergency calls, and better reviews.

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Here’s to launching your property with confidence and providing an outstanding guest experience from the very first booking!

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