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, of course, 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 (please note: don't 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 can't be double key, only one 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 of your vacation rental 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, just like a hotel

Preparing to Rent your Home

General recommendations: 

• Store all your 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 your guests, with an extra bag
• A washer and dryer are highly recommended (extra fee if you don't have one since we have to take the laundry out)
• Have 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 (as much as possible, matching pieces)
• Pots, pans, lids, strainer, cooking utensils, cutting knives, cutting board, mixing bowls, baking sheets, bake ware
• 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, dust pan, 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 bed spread or quilt for each bed (Five Star provides sheets and regular size pillow cases)
• 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 (we recommend blocking long distance calls)
• 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 much preferred)
• Candles (fire hazard)

 

 

The way you furnish your vacation rental can have a big impact on long-term bookings and revenue. This is one area you can really make your home stand out. Pay attention to details, keep things fully stocked and organized well, make your guests feel at home, and they'll spread the word and come back.

 

Questions? Contact us at:

310-800-5454

310-780-3411

Email Us