Read to Setup Short-Term Rental? A Guide for High-Earning Pros
You just got the keys. The excitement is probably buzzing through your veins. You’re already picturing five-star reviews and a calendar booked solid for your new short-term rental.
But before you start a marathon shopping spree or fill your online cart, you need to pause. We have seen hundreds of hosts go through their initial short-term rental setup. The choices you make right now will define your success or failure.
You have already invested so much money into this rental property. Now is not the time to drop the ball. A thoughtful short-term rental setup is what separates the forgettable stays from the ones that generate positive reviews and repeat bookings.
We’ve rounded up all of our Airbnb Hosting Must-Haves right here in our Amazon Store. Click here to grab everything you need to curate your property and start earning 5-star reviews.
The 3 Non-Negotiables for a Winning STR
- The 3 Non-Negotiables for a Winning STR
- A Complete Guide to Your Short-Term Rental Setup
- What to Skip to Save Money and Time
- Adopt a Business Owner’s Mindset
- Conclusion
The 3 Non-Negotiables for a Winning STR
After more than a decade in this business, we’ve learned what truly matters for a successful vacation rental. It boils down to three foundational elements that will set you apart from the competition. These are the investments that pay for themselves again and again with every single guest.
Ignore these, and you risk blending into the competitive short-term rental market. Focus on them, and you create an experience that crushes local hotels and outperforms other term rentals. This attention to detail directly impacts your occupancy rates and rental income.
This is how you build a lasting term rental business.
Non-Negotiable #1: A Heavenly Sleep Experience
If you’re going to splurge anywhere, do it here. The primary service you offer is a place to sleep. Making that sleep incredible is your most important job as a rental host.
I can’t tell you how many times I scroll through listings and see the same cheap, black metal bed frame. Please, do not be that host. A flimsy frame is a negative review waiting to happen for your short-term rental property.
Your beds will get used, so a sturdy foundation is critical for every short term rental. You don’t want a call at 2 a.m. about a broken bed. Worse, a guest might suffer through a squeaky frame every time they move and just mention it in their review, hurting your rental business.
Finding the Perfect Mattress
Choosing a mattress is tough because everyone has a different preference. Your job isn’t to find a mattress that’s perfect for you. It’s to find one with a universal appeal that pleases the most people.
Do your research on the best options for a vacation rental property. Look for medium-firm hybrid mattresses, as they often strike a good balance of support and comfort. Experts from sources like the Sleep Foundation often suggest these types for combination sleepers, which covers a wide range of potential guests.
Don’t be fooled by thickness alone when looking at mattresses for term rentals. Read reviews specifically about durability to confirm it won’t develop lumps or sags after a year of heavy use. This initial investment protects you from future costs and complaints.
Pro Tips for the Best Beds
Here are two simple rules we follow for our rental properties. First, if you have the space for a king-sized bed, get a king-sized bed. Guests see a king bed as a luxury upgrade and will often choose your listing because of it.
Second, protect your investment. A high-quality, waterproof mattress encasement is not optional for a short-term rental business. Get one that isn’t crinkly and loud, but soft and breathable, protecting against spills and extending the mattress’s life.
We also add a comfortable mattress topper for an extra layer of plushness. It’s an inexpensive way to make a great mattress feel truly exceptional. This simple step can dramatically improve the guest experience and lead to better reviews.
A Complete Guide to Your Short-Term Rental Setup
Beyond the bed, the other items you choose build upon that foundation of comfort. The right choices create a seamless experience for your vacation rentals. The wrong ones introduce friction and frustration for your guests.
Non-Negotiable #2: Hospitality-Grade Linens and Towels
Please learn from our mistakes. In the beginning, I bought sheets from a big-box store. They were rough, wrinkled terribly, and felt cheap because they were.
Then I “upgraded” to some popular sheets online, which wasn’t much of an improvement for our short term rentals. After gaining more property management experience, we know better. This is a common pitfall for new property owners.
You want to look for linens specifically made for the hospitality industry. These products are built to withstand constant washing by your cleaning service while remaining soft and comfortable. They are an absolute game-changer for your operations and guest satisfaction.
The best part is that you no longer need to be a large hotel to access them. There are fantastic suppliers who sell directly to hosts like us, making professional-grade supplies accessible for any airbnb business. This elevates the entire feel of the living area and bedrooms.
Another benefit of using commercial suppliers is consistency. When you need to replace a single pillowcase or towel, you can order the exact same one. The colorways don’t change seasonally like they do at retail stores, which helps you avoid a mismatched look that appears unprofessional.
Non-Negotiable #3: A Genuinely Fully Stocked Kitchen
A kitchen is one of the biggest reasons travelers book a short-term rental instead of a hotel. They want to share meals, prepare snacks, and enjoy a morning coffee without getting dressed and going out. Don’t disappoint them with a kitchen that’s barely functional.
What does “fully stocked” mean? We use this rule of thumb: your kitchen should have everything needed to prepare a full holiday dinner. This approach confirms you have all the tools a guest might need for a successful vacation. This is a key part of good term rental management.
Quantity matters, too. If your home sleeps eight people, don’t just supply eight plates and eight forks. We recommend at least doubling everything to allow guests to go through a full day of meals without needing to run the dishwasher constantly.
Here is a checklist to help stock your kitchen:
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Cookware | Pots and pans in various sizes, baking sheets, casserole dishes. |
| Dinnerware | Plates, bowls, mugs, and glasses (at least double the max occupancy). |
| Flatware | Forks, knives, and spoons (at least double the max occupancy). |
| Utensils | Spatulas, ladles, whisks, mixing spoons, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew. |
| Tools & Gadgets | Mixing bowls, colander, measuring cups/spoons, cutting boards, good knives. |
| Small Appliances | Coffee maker (with filters/pods), toaster, blender, microwave. |
| Consumables | Salt, pepper, cooking oil, coffee, tea, sugar, paper towels, dish soap. |
| Storage | Food storage containers for leftovers, aluminum foil, plastic wrap. |
Having enough for everyone means guests are not frustrated when they can’t find a clean coffee mug. This attention to detail shows you care about their stay. It’s a small thing that prevents minor annoyances that can impact short-term rentals.
What to Skip to Save Money and Time
Just as important as what you should buy is what you should avoid. You can save yourself a lot of money and make your property easier to clean by being selective. It is all about intentional design, not just filling space.
Decorative Clutter and Knick-Knacks
We know it’s tempting to add cute signs and small decorative items to make a place feel homey. But these things often just become clutter. They collect dust, make professional cleaning more difficult, and give your guests less space for their own belongings.
Have you ever checked into a place and realized there’s nowhere to put your toiletry bag on the bathroom counter? Or that the bedside table is covered in decor, leaving no room for your phone? Leave surfaces clear.
A clean, uncluttered space feels more calming and is far more practical for a traveler. This approach makes turnover cleaning faster for your cleaning service and reduces the chance of items getting broken. This simple strategy can have a huge impact on your operations.
Generic, Mass-Market Artwork
You have invested a significant amount of money in this real estate asset. Don’t furnish it with the same piece of art that five other listings in your town bought from a big-box store. Your goal is to stand out in the term rental market, not to look like a carbon copy of your competition.
At one point, I realized I had the same black-and-white photo of a bull that was in half the properties in my city. It was a clear sign that I took an easy, uninspired route. Be more thoughtful with your short-term rental property.
Instead, look for pieces from local artists or online marketplaces like Etsy. Consider large-scale abstract art, interesting photography, or even creative alternatives like a well-designed accent wall. This is how you create a memorable property that shows up in your guests’ social media feeds and boosts your marketing strategy.
Adopt a Business Owner’s Mindset
To succeed in this industry, you need to shift your thinking. You are not just decorating a spare home. You are designing and running a commercial hospitality product as a business owner.
This means every purchase is an investment in your small business. Buying a quality mattress isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in five-star reviews and higher occupancy rates. Buying durable, commercial-grade towels isn’t overspending; it’s an investment in operational efficiency that saves you time and money.
A successful term rental business requires a solid foundation, including legal and operational structures. This thinking protects your investment and sets you up for long-term growth. It’s about more than just the physical property include.
As you’re dialing in your setup and pricing strategy, don’t overlook how Airbnb’s extra guest fee could quietly sabotage your bookings. We break down the hidden costs, algorithm impact, and guest perception issues in our guide: Should You Charge Per Guest on Airbnb? This is a must-read if you’re unsure whether to charge per guest or build everything into a simple nightly rate.
Legal, Licensing, and Compliance
Before you list your property on any rental sites, you must understand the local rules. Check with your city and county regarding short-term rental regulations. This includes understanding local zoning laws and any specific reporting requirements.
You will likely need a business license to operate legally. Some jurisdictions require a general business license, while others have specific permits for short term rentals. Failing to secure the right permits can result in hefty fines and a shutdown of your rental business.
Also, check the rules of your homeowner’s association (HOA), if you have one. Many HOAs have strict rules that impact short-term rentals or ban them entirely. Regulatory compliance is a critical step you cannot afford to miss.
Insurance and Financials
Your standard homeowner’s insurance policy likely does not cover commercial activities like a vacation rental business. You need to get a specific short-term rental insurance policy. This protects you from liability and property damage related to your hosting activities.
It’s also wise to have a basic business plan. Open a separate bank account for your rental income and expenses to simplify bookkeeping. Understanding the potential tax benefits and rental tax obligations from the start will save you headaches later.
Systems and Software
Managing a short term rental involves more than just handing over keys. Day-to-day management includes handling bookings, communicating with guests, and scheduling cleanings. A good property management company can handle this, or you can manage it yourself.
If you self-manage, property management software is a lifesaver. These software solutions can automate many tasks for a rental host. They help manage calendars across multiple platforms, handle online booking, and streamline guest communication.
Good management software can also help with dynamic pricing. This adjusts your nightly rate based on demand, seasonality, and local events to maximize your rental income. Efficient payment processing is another feature where guests pay securely online, making the whole process smoother.
One of our favorite ways to create five-star moments is with a “Forgot Something?” basket. It’s a small touch that goes a long way in guest satisfaction. Think phone chargers, toothpaste, razors, and stain remover pens. Download our free checklist to see exactly what to include: Forgot Something? Basket Guide. Hosts rave about how much this tiny detail impacts reviews!
Takeaways
Your success in the short-term rental business comes down to a simple formula. Focus relentlessly on the things that impact guest comfort and create a clean, functional space. The sleep experience, the quality of your linens, and a truly usable kitchen are the pillars of a fantastic stay.
When you combine these physical elements with a solid business structure, the great reviews will follow. This includes proper licensing, insurance, and using software to streamline operations. This is how you create a professional rental management system, whether you hire a property manager or do it yourself.
A strategic and thoughtful short-term rental setup isn’t just about pretty pictures. It is the core of a profitable and sustainable hosting business that provides a wonderful experience for every guest. It’s the difference between a short-lived hobby and a thriving long-term investment.
Calling All Hosts: The Hosting Handbook
If you loved this post we invite you to check out our one-stop-shop solution for hosts everywhere —the Hosting Handbook! While you can download all the easy to consume, step-by-step tips we use in our own hosting business and create the ultimate “book” the Hosting Handbook is so much more than that! If you’ve consumed or content for years (or just met us!) this is the reference guide for all the amazing and tactical tips we have for running a profitable and, more importantly hospitable, short-term rental. How do we price for pets? How do we fold our towels? What sheets do we buy? How do I purchase a short-term rental? All these questions (and more!) can be answered in the Hosting Handbook! Check it out now!
Happy Hosting!
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