Short-Term Rental Property Compliance and Condition Inspection Checklist
This short-term rental property compliance and condition inspection checklist provides a structured between-guest and periodic inspection framework for professionally managed vacation rental and short-term rental properties. STR properties require inspection standards significantly more rigorous than conventional rentals due to constant guest turnover, higher wear rates, and the expectation of hotel-quality presentation for each guest arrival. Local STR ordinances are rapidly proliferating, with
- Industry: Property Management
- Frequency: Between Each Guest Stay / Monthly Full Inspection
- Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes per property
- Role: Property Manager / STR Host / Cleaning Supervisor
- Total Items: 28
- Compliance: Local Short-Term Rental Ordinances and Permit Requirements, State STR Tax Collection Requirements (TOT/Hotel Tax), NFPA 101 Life Safety (Lodging and Rooming Houses), ADA Title III (STR platforms covered as public accommodations in some jurisdictions), Local Fire Marshal Safety Requirements for Lodging
STR Permit and Regulatory Compliance
Verify all permits and regulatory requirements are current.
- STR permit current and displayed (or on file) as required by local ordinance?
- Night cap or annual night limit compliance tracked and not exceeded?
- Transient occupancy tax (TOT) registration current and remittances up to date?
- Owner-occupancy requirement met if required by local ordinance?
- Platform listing accurately represents property features, occupancy limits, and house rules?
Guest Safety Requirements
Verify all guest safety requirements are met.
- Smoke detectors tested and operational in all required locations?
- Carbon monoxide detector present and tested (required if any gas appliances)?
- Fire extinguisher accessible, charged, and current inspection tag?
- Emergency contact info, property address, and evacuation route posted visibly?
- Pool safety barriers and signage compliant with local requirements (if pool present)?
- No safety hazards identified (trip hazards, unstable furniture, exposed wiring)?
Property Condition and Presentation
Assess property condition for guest readiness.
- Property professionally cleaned to hotel standard (no prior guest evidence remaining)?
- All linens and towels clean, fresh, and free of stains?
- All consumables restocked (soap, shampoo, toilet paper, coffee, basic kitchen supplies)?
- All appliances, electronics, and WiFi tested and functional?
- No prior guest damage identified requiring repair before next booking?
- Outdoor areas clean, furniture arranged, and BBQ/grill clean (if applicable)?
Guest Experience and House Rules
Verify guest experience elements are in place.
- House rules, check-out instructions, and local recommendations displayed for guests?
- Lockbox or keypad access code updated and functional for incoming guests?
- Guest welcome manual current with accurate local info, appliance instructions, and house rules?
- Guests informed of local noise ordinance hours in house rules?
- Maximum occupancy limit enforced per platform listing and local permit?
Documentation and Financial Compliance
Maintain STR compliance and financial records.
- Any guest damage documented with photos before cleaning for platform damage claim?
- STR rental income reported correctly for tax purposes?
- STR permit renewal date tracked and renewal initiated 60 days in advance?
- Any neighbor complaints regarding STR activity logged and addressed?
- Inspection results logged in property management system?
- STR-specific insurance (not standard homeowners) in place covering commercial rental use?
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Why Use This Short-Term Rental Property Compliance and Condition Inspection Checklist?
This short-term rental property compliance and condition inspection checklist helps property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for property manager / str host / cleaning supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: between each guest stay / monthly full inspection.
Ensures compliance with Local Short-Term Rental Ordinances and Permit Requirements, State STR Tax Collection Requirements (TOT/Hotel Tax), NFPA 101 Life Safety (Lodging and Rooming Houses), ADA Title III (STR platforms covered as public accommodations in some jurisdictions), Local Fire Marshal Safety Requirements for Lodging, Platform Terms of Service (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com), UK Deregulation Act 2015 (90-day STR rule London), Australia State STR Regulation Frameworks. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Short-Term Rental Property Compliance and Condition Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 5 sections: STR Permit and Regulatory Compliance, Guest Safety Requirements, Property Condition and Presentation, Guest Experience and House Rules, Documentation and Financial Compliance. It is designed for property management operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed between each guest stay / monthly full inspection. Each completion takes approximately 30-60 minutes per property.
Who should use this Short-Term Rental Property Compliance and Condition Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Property Manager / STR Host / Cleaning Supervisor professionals in the property management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.