36. Airbnb Quality Control Checklist for 5-Star Reviews
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Hey, it’s Brittany! Welcome back to The Airbnb Roadmap! Today I’m diving into something wildly underrated but absolutely essential to your short-term rental success: quality control.
We’re talking about the behind-the-scenes details that make or break your reviews—like burnt-out lightbulbs, gross trash cans, and remotes with dead batteries (yep, I’ve missed them all). I’m walking you through the exact five-part system my husband and I use to make sure our properties stay in top shape—even when life is chaotic and we’re juggling renovations, new properties, and baby snuggles.
If you’ve ever been blindsided by a guest complaint you thought you had covered, this episode is going to help you tighten things up and level up your guest experience.
🔑 Key Takeaways for STR Quality Control
- Cleanliness:
Don’t just rely on “looks clean”—check under beds, inside drawers, tops of fans, and even the bottom of trash bins. Guests will notice. - Functionality:
Run the dishwasher, flush toilets, check faucets for leaks, and definitely test light switches (learn from my mistakes). Every detail matters. - Inventory:
Keep a running list of everything that’s supposed to be in the unit—towels, coffee pods, working remotes—and make sure what’s listed on Airbnb is actually there. - Guest Touchpoints:
Check your welcome book, scent diffusers, Wi-Fi instructions, and QR codes. The little things set the tone. - Curb Appeal:
First impressions start in the driveway. Is the grass cut? Are the cafe lights working? Is the porch swept? Don’t let a messy yard tank your reviews.
🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?
Because quality control isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. If you want fewer guest complaints, stronger reviews, and smoother operations, this checklist will give you a rock-solid foundation (plus a few laughs along the way).
📌 Mentioned in the Episode
- Sign up with Hospitable: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $30 when you sign up under the link below! Save time and money today!
- Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST
- Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates.
🤝 Let’s Connect
Thinking about improving your STR quality control systems? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.
🛠 Work With Me
Want help setting up or scaling your Airbnb? I offer coaching and services designed for new and growing hosts. Learn more here.
⏱ Chapters
00:00 – Life update: Baby Melanie & Property #4
02:26 – The underrated importance of quality control
06:23 – Cleanliness: Where cleaners miss & what guests notice
08:45 – Functionality: My light switch mistake & what to test
15:37 – Inventory: What you say you have must match the listing
19:09 – Guest experience: QR codes, smells, and welcome books
20:45 – Curb appeal: Grass, lighting, keypads & more
23:39 – Creating systems: Google Forms & the Turno app
25:55 – Frequency of quality checks & final thoughts
🔁 Subscribe and Share
If this episode helped you catch a few blind spots in your Airbnb, share it with a fellow host and leave a review! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes that help you grow your short-term rental business with clarity and confidence.
