Airbnb Getting Started Checklist

Before you list

1. Confirm you are allowed to host. Check your lease, HOA, and municipality. Short-term rental rules change fast and vary by block.
2. Decide your operating model. Self-managed, co-hosted, or fully managed. This single decision shapes everything else.
3. Get insured. A landlord or homeowner policy often excludes paying guests. Look into proper homeshare or short-term rental coverage.

Preparing the space

4. Photograph in daylight after a full clean and stage.
5. Write a listing description that tells the truth. Describe what the space is, not what it isn't.
6. Set house rules before the first booking, not after a problem.
7. Stock a starter supply: linens for two changeovers, towels, basic toiletries, cleaning products, and a spare key.

Going live

8. Price conservatively for your first 30 days. Reviews matter more than revenue at the start.
9. Pre-write your welcome and checkout messages. Speed of reply is a competitive advantage.
10. Do a trial run. Have a friend stay one night and report everything that annoyed them.

A smooth launch is unglamorous: it is mostly checklists, spares, and honest writing. Do those well and the first reviews take care of themselves.