How to Do a Thorough Vacation Rental Inspection

A thorough property inspection is one of the most important things you can do to ensure guest satisfaction and protect your investment. Here is a complete guide to inspecting every aspect of your vacation rental.

Check the Entry Method

Start with the very first thing your guest will experience: getting into the property.

Test the entry method guests will use to ensure it functions correctly. Try accessing the property exactly the way guests will, whether that means using a keypad, lockbox, or key handoff. Note any quirks, such as delays in door unlocking or stiff locks.

If keys stick or locks are old, recommend replacements before they fail at the worst possible time. A guest who cannot get into your property at midnight will not leave a kind review, regardless of how beautiful the interior is.

Turn On Every Switch and Faucet

Light switches and bulbs

Test every light switch room by room. Replace burnt-out bulbs immediately. Consider replacing all bulbs with energy-efficient ones for cost savings, and ensure matching bulbs in multi-bulb fixtures like bathroom vanities. Mismatched bulbs, such as one warm and one cool white in the same fixture, look unprofessional.

Outlet switches

Some switches control outlets rather than overhead fixtures. Mark these clearly. Alert guests through notes or signage so they understand why devices will not charge when certain switches are off. This is a surprisingly common source of guest confusion and complaints.

Faucets

Turn on every faucet to verify hot water availability. Check under sinks for leaks while the water is running. Ensure shower heads spray properly and that water pressure is adequate. A slow leak under a sink can cause significant damage if it goes unnoticed between inspections.

Learn How to Use Every Appliance

Know how to operate all appliances so you can troubleshoot issues and provide clear instructions to guests. Follow your own written instructions precisely, imagining this was the only information you had. If the instructions are confusing to you, they will be confusing to guests.

Document step-by-step usage guides for:

• Oven and stovetop
• Washer and dryer
• Thermostat and air conditioner
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Coffee maker
• Hot tub

Consider regional differences when writing instructions. European ovens use number systems while US ovens display Fahrenheit temperatures. If your property attracts international guests, provide instructions that account for these differences.

Turn On All Electronics

Test all TVs, DVD players, stereos, and gaming systems to confirm they work as advertised in your listing. Verify cable connections for each TV.

Check internet strength throughout the property using a smartphone or tablet. Test the wifi in every room, especially bedrooms and outdoor spaces where guests are likely to use their devices. If signal strength is weak in certain areas, recommend signal boosters or mesh network solutions.

Internet reliability is essential for modern travelers. A property that advertises wifi but delivers spotty coverage will generate complaints.

Check All Safety Precautions

Safety equipment is non-negotiable:

• Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
• Ensure a functional fire extinguisher is present in the kitchen and near any outdoor cooking appliances like grills
• Provide a basic first aid kit in the bathroom
• Verify that emergency exit routes are clear and unobstructed

Document the inspection date for all safety equipment so you know when batteries and extinguishers need replacement.

Note All Damage

Document all existing damage thoroughly. This protects you in two ways: it prevents you from charging a guest for pre-existing damage, and it gives you evidence if a guest causes new damage.

Organize your documentation by room and include both photographs and written notes. Take photos showing surrounding context for large damage areas so the location is clear.

What to inspect:

• Walls: Note scrapes, discoloration, and marks. Recommend repainting if walls look dingy.
• Fixtures: Document leaks, cracks, or discoloration in bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
• Furniture: Check every angle, including sides against walls that are not normally visible.
• Floors: Photograph sections every few feet to establish baseline conditions. Note scratches, stains, or worn areas.
• Appliances: Record existing wear and tear. Recommend replacement if an appliance is significantly worn or outdated.

A comprehensive damage inspection takes time, but it pays for itself by preventing disputes and ensuring you maintain your property to the standard guests expect.

Looking for tools to put these ideas into practice? Explore Properly’s solutions:

• real-time inspection tools — catch issues before guests arrive with photo-verified reports
• Properly for property managers — streamline operations across your entire portfolio
• pricing options — find the right plan for your operation