The role of a House Manager is critical in maintaining a successful Airbnb listing. They're tasked with the proactive identification and resolution of maintenance needs to keep your units in top condition, securing those five-star reviews. As a host or co-host, you should provide clear instructions and expectations for yourself or a house manager to keep the maintenance schedule up to date.
I've included a comprehensive Airbnb maintenance checklist broken down by Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Tasks.
This post will guide you through the creation of a thorough Airbnb maintenance schedule, with a focus on short-term rental pest control and regular maintenance items that can be the difference between a bunch of 3-4 star reviews and SuperHost. These lists will ensure your property is continually in peak condition for guests.
Weekly Checklist
A weekly inspection keeps your Airbnb clean, functional, and prepared for incoming guests. The House Manager should:
- Trash Curb Duty: Have a house manager take the trash cans and recycle to the street the evening before pickup and return them the afternoon of pickup.
- If a guest reservation is for 5+ days, make sure the guest take trash cans to the street and return them after pick-up. I set up an automated message in our PMS (Property Management Software) that asks a guest, if they have been at the house for 5 or more days, they are responsible for pushing the cans to the curb and back up. Because your cleaners won't always clean on the day before trash day, cans that are not emptied can overflow, causing the property to look unmaintained and increasing the changes of pets accumulating. I've personally learned the hard way doing this and had to call a junk hauling service to haul off overflowing trash bins that couldn't wait until the next turn and it cost ~$50/trash can.
Monthly Checklist
Monthly tasks encompass deeper maintenance issues and a focus on pest control.
Pest Control
- Refill rodent bait boxes with a mix of green and yellow bait.
- Apply Micron Insecticide to the exterior of the house to prevent pest infestations.
- Apply Onslaught Insecticide to the interior of the property, taking care to treat all possible pest entrances and hiding spots.
- Setup Boric Acid + Honey bait cans (10x per house). These should be placed in hidden areas using gloves for safety. Ensure these are away from areas accessible to children and pets (e.g., behind the fridge, under the dishwasher, in basements/crawlspaces).
House (Exterior)
- Gutter and Roof Maintenance: Inspect and clear gutters and roof of debris as necessary.
- Hide-a-Key: Confirm hide-a-keys are on-site and securely placed.
House Interior
- HVAC Maintenance: Replace air filters in HVAC systems and clean filters of floor air units.
- Caulking: Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration. Recaulk as needed.
- Security Cameras: Ensure security cameras are charged, plugged in, and recording.
- Water Damage Inspection: Check for water damage or leaks to prevent mold and other related damage.
- Hardware and Fixtures: Check for loose door or cabinet hardware and oil hinges as needed. Replace any faulty light bulbs.
- Appliance Check: Confirm all appliances (washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, fridge, TV, coffee maker, etc.) are functioning properly.
- Inventory: Check for any missing or broken inventory items.
- Kitchen Exhaust Fan: Check and clean the kitchen exhaust fan filter as needed.
Quarterly Checklist
Every quarter, it's important to address potential issues that could worsen over time.
- Dryer Maintenance: Clean and clear dryer exhaust flumes to prevent buildup and potential fire hazards.
- Bathroom Exhaust Fans: Check for mold, clean and spray with Clorox, and clean the grate.
- Outdoor Wood Structures: Spray an anti-mold/mildew formula on wood decks and porches to prolong their lifespan.
- Paint Touch-ups: Attend to any chipped or peeling paint around the property.
Annual Checklist
Annual tasks focus on the property's overall condition and safety measures.
- Exterior Cleaning: Power wash walkways and wash the exterior of the house, including windows/screens.
- Fire Extinguisher: Check the fire extinguisher to ensure it's operational and hasn't expired.
- Water Heater Maintenance: Drain and flush the water heater to prevent buildup and ensure efficiency.
- Safety Alarms: Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're in working order.
By following this Airbnb maintenance checklist, House Managers can ensure the properties they oversee remain in optimal condition, securing those all-important five-star reviews. This schedule also emphasizes the importance of regular short-term rental pest control measures, guaranteeing guests a comfortable and pest-free stay.
Remember, a well-maintained Airbnb doesn't just earn you better reviews; it also saves you from costly repairs in the long run. Sticking to this Airbnb maintenance schedule will ensure your property remains a high-performing, profitable venture.