Daily, Weekly, and Monthly STR Maintenance

Running a successful short-term rental (STR) means more than just creating a stylish space – it requires consistent upkeep to keep guests safe, comfortable, and impressed enough to leave 5-star reviews. A clear STR maintenance checklist helps you streamline tasks, reduce last-minute emergencies, and extend the life of your property.

This guide breaks down daily, weekly, and monthly STR maintenance tasks that hosts and property managers can implement to maintain a professional, guest-ready home.

Having a maintenance checklist for your short-term rental helps reduce stress and streamline the running of your property.

Why an STR Maintenance Checklist Matters

A short-term rental is exposed to frequent turnover, which puts more wear and tear on the property than a traditional lease. By sticking to a structured schedule, you can:

• prevent costly repairs before they escalate;

  
  

• maintain cleanliness and safety standards;

  
  

• ensure consistency across every stay; and

  
  

• protect your long-term investment.

  
  

According to Airbnb’s hosting resources, keeping a home guest-ready at all times is essential for attracting positive reviews and repeat bookings.

Daily STR Maintenance

Daily tasks ensure your property is fresh and welcoming after each stay. Whether you handle turnovers yourself or hire a cleaner, these items should never be skipped.

Guest-Ready Cleaning Checklist:

• vacuum and mop high-traffic areas,

  
  

• disinfect counters, sinks, and bathrooms,

  
  

• replace linens and towels with freshly laundered sets,

  
  

• empty all trash and recycling, and

  
  

• do a final walkthrough to spot forgotten items or damage.

  
  

Safety Checkpoints:

• verify that all doors and windows lock,

  
  

• confirm smoke/CO detectors show active status,

  
  

• restock toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and basics, and

  
  

• double-check temperature settings.

  
  

Smart Devices for Daily Monitoring

Many hosts use smart technology to save time and boost security. Devices such as smart locks or motion-sensing thermostats allow you to monitor access and control energy use between stays.

Clean counters, sinks, and bathrooms after each guest and deep clean the drains regularly.

Weekly STR Maintenance

Weekly tasks go beyond surface cleaning and focus on deeper refresh and system checks.

Deep Cleaning:

• wipe baseboards, switch plates, and door handles,

  
  

• launder throws, cushion covers, and rugs,

  
  

• clean the refrigerator and remove leftovers (if supplied),

  
  

• inspect furniture and walls for scuffs or stains, and

  
  

• polish mirrors and windows for a streak-free shine.

  
  

Functional Checks:

• test Wi-Fi speed and reboot router if needed,

  
  

• dust HVAC returns and vents,

  
  

• confirm smart devices and appliances are connected and responsive, and

  
  

• review guest feedback for issues you may need to address.

  
  

Outdoor Areas

If applicable:

• sweep patios/decks/balconies,

  
  

• empty outdoor bins,

  
  

• check small landscaping (or confirm your vendor visit),

  
  

• inspect outdoor lighting for brightness and safety.

  
  

This kind of consistent attention ensures your guests arrive at a home that feels new.

Monthly STR Maintenance

Monthly maintenance addresses areas that don’t need daily attention but are critical to long-term upkeep and safety.

Safety & Compliance

• test fire extinguishers and emergency lights,

  
  

• review camera viewpoints and uptime (where legal),

  
  

• press “TEST” on GFCI outlets in kitchens/baths, and

  
  

• update your emergency contact info sheet for guests.

  
  

Appliance & System Upkeep

• run cleaning cycles on the dishwasher and washer,

  
  

• flush drains with hot water and safe cleaners,

  
  

• replace HVAC filters (more often in peak seasons), and

  
  

• inspect and descale coffee machines, kettles, or water filters.

  
  

Preventative Inspections

• check for leaks under sinks and around water lines,

  
  

• inspect roof edges, gutters, and exterior caulk,

  
  

• schedule routine pest control where needed, and

  
  

• review inventory of linens, towels, and supplies, and replace worn items.

  
  

For more insight on seasonal and preventive inspections, check out resources like HomeAdvisor’s maintenance tips.

Building Your STR Maintenance Checklist

Every property is unique, so your STR maintenance checklist should reflect your rental’s features. Here are a few tips:

1. Create a Documented System

   Keep your checklist digital so cleaners and co-hosts can easily access it. Cloud tools like Google Docs or property management apps work well.

   
   

2. Incorporate Smart Devices

   Products such as Nest thermostats or app-controlled lighting can reduce manual work and improve guest comfort.

   
   

3. Schedule Reminders

   Use shared calendars or task apps to assign deadlines for weekly and monthly items. This ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

   
   

4. Adapt Seasonally

   STRs in cold climates need winter tasks, like pipe checks, while warm-weather rentals may require more pest control or AC maintenance.

5. Align With Your Brand

   Standardize notes and house rules for services and support.

   
   

Sample STR Maintenance Checklist 

Daily:

• clean and disinfect the kitchen/bath,

• swap linens/towels,

• remove all trash/recycling, and

• do a quick safety scan (locks, alarms, supplies).

Weekly:

• deep clean touchpoints and soft goods,

• check Wi-Fi/HVAC vents,

• outdoor sweep and bins, and

• inspect for damage/wear.

Monthly:

• test extinguishers/GFCI,

• check appliance cleaning cycles,

• replace HVAC filter,

• do leak/roof/gutter check, and

• pest control review.

Final Thoughts

Consistent upkeep separates average listings from superhosts. With a simple STR maintenance checklist, you’ll keep your space clean, safe, and reliably guest-ready – building great reviews and repeat bookings.

Think of maintenance as an investment, not an expense. A broken appliance, poor Wi-Fi, or dirty bathroom can turn into a costly refund or a damaging review. On the other hand, a sparkling home with reliable amenities encourages repeat stays, higher occupancy, and the ability to charge competitive nightly rates.

Smart hosts often share their maintenance routines with cleaners and co-hosts to ensure accountability. By using automation tools and smart devices and doing seasonal inspections, you can minimize surprises and maximize peace of mind.

Ultimately, your guests don’t notice the behind-the-scenes effort—but they do notice when it’s missing. Staying disciplined with your daily, weekly, and monthly schedule ensures that every guest walks into a property that feels fresh, safe, and welcoming. That consistency is the foundation of becoming a trusted host with long-term rental success.