Homeowner Checklist
Ready to turn your existing home into an income-generating vacation rental? Or maybe you're purchasing a home for that purpose?
Five Star Vacation Rentals wants to help you get the most out of your investment. Here are some things to consider:
City and County Ordinance Information
Your vacation rental property will need to be registered with the city or county, depending on your location. Five Star can help you with this, and we can set up the inspections and take care of any required updates.
Our only purpose is to assist you in getting your home ready for rental. We don't profit from any required updates, and you can either use our services or hire your own contractor.
Also, before your home can be rented, it will need to pass a fire inspection with both the city or county and the fire department.
Fire Inspection
The following items are required:
- Smoke detectors: one per level, in the kitchen, each bedroom, and the hallway between bedrooms
- Carbon monoxide detectors: one per level
- If hard-wired, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector must be contained in the same unit
- Exit lights
- Illuminated address sign
- Fire extinguisher (note: do not purchase and install one before your inspection—there are strict regulations)
- Five-gallon, locking, metal ash can for each fireplace
- Lid, metal ash can, and wire brush for barbeque grill
The fire department will bill Five Star, and you'll see this charge on your statement.
City/County Inspection
(Not an inclusive list and subject to change.)
- Switch plates on all outlets
- Deadbolt cannot be double key; use a single key from outside and lever inside
- Window screens in bedrooms
- Hand railings (if four or more steps)
- For child safety, no gaps larger than four inches between railings on decks
- No exposed wiring or extension cords for lighting, heaters, or appliances
- Property free of weeds
- Water heater straps
- Garbage disposal clip
- Chimney clear of tree limbs
Occupancy Limits
The maximum occupancy is 16 people, with no more than one person for every 200 square feet of building area, excluding garages or other accessory buildings.
What Five Star provides
- Linens
- Towels
- Trash bags
- Dish towels
- Paper towels
- Dish soap and dishwasher soap
- Shampoo and bar soap, similar to a hotel
Preparing to Rent Your Home
General recommendations
- Store personal items in locked drawers, cabinets, or closets
- Remove valuables for safekeeping
- Keep outdoor trash cans in a locked area—guests will remove their own trash from the site
- Windows should be in good working condition and lockable, with screens
- Window coverings (blinds, curtains) should be in good working order
- Keep a vacuum on hand for guests, with an extra bag
- A washer and dryer are highly recommended (extra fee if you don't have one since laundry must be taken off-site)
- Provide a barbeque grill with charcoal, wire brush, utensils, and ash can
- Guests will expect a portable heater for cold months and a fan for warm months
- Exterior door mats are a nice touch
- In certain areas, a snow shovel will be necessary
- Include patio furniture
- Keep a flashlight or two with batteries
Your kitchen area should include
- Plates, bowls, coffee mugs, drinking glasses, wine glasses, steak knives, and silverware (matching pieces when possible)
- Pots, pans, lids, strainer, cooking utensils, cutting knives, cutting board, mixing bowls, baking sheets, bakeware
- Wine opener, can opener, hot pads, oven mitts, dish drainer
- Salt and pepper and other regular spices
- Coffee pot and filters
- Toaster
- Microwave oven
- General-purpose and glass spray cleaners
- Trash can, broom, dustpan, mop, bucket
The dining room will have
- Table with enough chairs for occupancy
- Breakfast bar stools for extra seating if possible
Bedrooms should include
- Two blankets, two pillows, and a bedspread or quilt for each bed (Five Star provides sheets and regular-size pillowcases)
- Extra blankets in closet for colder weather
- A TV in each bedroom, with a remote control
- Cable and DVD players are a nice addition, but not required
- A dozen hangers or more per closet
Bathrooms need
- Non-slip bath mats in tub or shower
- Toilet brush, trash can, plunger
- Towels are provided by Five Star
In the living room, please provide
- Blanket and throw pillows
- Color TV with cable, DVD player, and remote control (flat-screen TV preferred)
- Telephone (long-distance calls recommended to be blocked)
- Area for firewood storage, metal ash can, fireplace tools, and lighter
- Non-flammable hearth rug to protect floor from burns
Recommended items to increase bookings and rent
- Flat-screen TVs in all bedrooms with cable access and/or DVD player
- Wi-Fi
- Pool table, foosball table, or game table
- Nice, updated décor
Not recommended
- Recliners and pull-out couches
- Light-colored carpet (a dark, solid-surface carpet is preferred)
- Candles (fire hazard)
The way you furnish your vacation rental can have a big impact on long-term bookings and revenue. Pay attention to details, keep things fully stocked and organized, make your guests feel at home, and they'll spread the word and come back.
Questions?
Contact us at 310-800-5454 or 310-780-3411, or email info@fivestarvacationrental.com.