Vacation rental inspection checklist
Vacation rentals turn over faster than any other rental format — sometimes daily. That volume makes documentation both more valuable and easier to skip. This checklist runs a full inspection in the compressed window between checkout and check-in, producing photo evidence of the property's condition each turnover.
Who it's for
Vacation-rental hosts on Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com; short-term rental management companies; and cleaners running multiple properties per day.
Key facts
- Compressed turnover-window format
- Damage documentation before cleaning starts
- Restocked consumables count
- Handoff packet to host or owner
The full checklist
- 1Pre-clean damage inspection
Photograph any damage or excess mess before touching anything.
- 2Confirm guest departure
Verify no belongings left, no pets, keys returned to lockbox.
- 3Kitchen — used or damaged items
Broken dishes, missing utensils, appliances left dirty, spills inside fridge or oven.
- 4Bedroom damage check
Sheets, mattress, pillows, headboard — any staining or damage documented.
- 5Bathroom damage check
Towels, shower curtain, tile, grout, drain condition.
- 6Living area damage check
Sofa, chairs, remote controls, decorative items, artwork.
- 7Deep clean starts
Photograph the mid-clean state only if damage is discovered during cleaning.
- 8Restock consumables
Toilet paper, paper towels, soap, coffee, tea — count and photograph the restocked state.
- 9Amenity function test
Wi-Fi, TV, thermostat, smart lock code rotated, appliances.
- 10Final walk photo set
Wide + detail shots of every room in the guest-ready state.
- 11Send handoff packet
Share the DoneTrace PDF with the host or owner. Any damage is already documented in the packet.
Pro tips
- Photograph damage before cleaning — it's much harder to prove the damage was from the guest after the room is spotless.
- Automate the restock count into your turnover pricing so nothing quietly stops getting refilled.
- Guest-ready photos double as fresh listing photography if the unit is staged.
Frequently asked
How often should we run this?⌄
Every turnover. Even a 90-minute STR turn should include this checklist — the marginal time is 5–8 minutes with a phone.
How does this help with damage protection programs?⌄
Airbnb AirCover, VRBO damage protection, and most STR insurance require dated pre- and post-stay evidence. This checklist produces it.
Is this different from an Airbnb checklist?⌄
It's the same core workflow. The Airbnb checklist page is optimized for Airbnb-specific host operations; this is the general STR version.
Run this checklist in DoneTrace
Every step is a photo-backed proof point. Get an audit-ready PDF the moment you finish.