Checklist: getting a rental ready for a guest's arrival

In short-term rentals, the review decides almost everything — and a review is largely formed in the first few minutes, when the guest walks into the apartment. If the property is flawlessly ready, the stay starts well. If something is off, the first impression is spoiled, and it shows up in the review.

This article is a practical checklist for getting an apartment ready for every guest arrival. It repeats before every check-in — it is the operational routine of a successful rental.

It draws on Slovenian short-term rental practice and on years of experience from the DomCare team supporting rental properties day to day.

Why this checklist repeats every time

Unlike preparing for a long-term rental (done once before the year ahead), guest readiness is checked before every check-in. Every new guest should walk into a property that feels “brand new” — and that takes discipline, especially on turnover day, when one guest has checked out and another checks in the same day.

The guest-readiness checklist

Cleanliness

• A full cleaning cycle after the previous guest
• Fresh bed linen and towels
• Bathroom and kitchen — spotless
• No traces or forgotten items from the previous guest

Supplies

• Toilet paper, soap, cleaning products — restocked
• A basic kitchen starter set (if provided): coffee, tea, salt
• Bin bags and cleaning products in place

Appliances and systems

• Heating or air conditioning set for the season, the apartment at a comfortable temperature
• Hot water works
• Wi-Fi works, login details visible in plain sight
• Appliances are working and clean
• Lighting works in every room

Access

• The check-in method is confirmed: the code is current, the key is in place
• Check-in instructions sent to the guest — with the address, entrance and floor
• A spare set of keys in a secure spot in case something goes wrong
• A local contact for the guest if a problem comes up

Information for the guest

• Where the essentials are: water, heating, bins
• House rules (quiet hours, parking)
• Contacts for questions and emergencies
• Basic orientation: nearby shop, pharmacy

First impression

• The apartment is aired out, no lingering smells
• The overall look is tidy and welcoming
• Nothing broken or visibly worn on display

Special attention — turnover day

The most stressful situation is when one guest checks out in the morning and another checks in that afternoon. The full readiness cycle has to fit into that short window. Here, a well-organised cleaning routine tied to the booking schedule is essential, along with some slack to absorb the hiccups. For more on rental pain points, see the article on short-term rental support.

How DomCare helps

At DomCare, readiness for every guest is handled by short-term rental support working together with cleaning tied to the booking schedule, key holding and meeting guests. The readiness checklist is run before every check-in — that is the operational routine we take on, while you run the commercial side of the rental. We work in Ljubljana, on the Slovenian Coast, in the Bled and Bohinj region, and in the Kranj region.

The easiest way to talk it through: message us through the form or on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

What must be checked before every guest arrival? Cleanliness and fresh linen, restocked supplies, working appliances and systems, valid access (code, key, instructions) and the overall impression — a well-aired, tidy space.

Why does the checklist repeat before every check-in? Every new guest should walk into a property that feels “brand new”. One missed item means a spoiled first impression and the risk of a poor review.

What is the hardest part of getting ready for a guest? Turnover day, when one guest checks out and another checks in the same day. The full cycle has to fit into a short window — which takes a cleaning routine tied to the booking schedule.

Can guest readiness be handled remotely? No — this is physical, on-site work: cleaning, checks, access. A remote owner runs the commercial side, while local support handles the operations.

What should the guest instructions include? The address, entrance, floor, check-in method, Wi-Fi details, where the essentials are (water, heating, bins), house rules and a contact in case of problems.

Guest readiness is not a one-off task but a checklist repeated before every check-in: cleanliness, supplies, appliances, access, information, first impression. Discipline in this routine directly shapes your reviews — and reviews shape your occupancy and income. Pay especially close attention on guest turnover day.

Want to put your rental’s operational routine in order — message us.

Sources and further reading

• Short-term rental support: 5 points where the owner gets rescued — operational bottlenecks
• DomCare — Short-term rental support — what the service covers
• DomCare — Cleaning — cleaning for rentals
• DomCare — About us — our experience supporting rentals