Setting up your short-term rental
A practical checklist for getting your home ready for guests, with the questions to ask each manager when you compare quotes.
- 01
Check the rules and register
Most states and councils have rules for short stays, such as NSW's register and night caps in some areas, and Victoria's short stay levy. Strata by-laws can also apply. Check the rules for your area.
Ask your manager: Does my manager handle registration and levy returns, or do I?
- 02
Get the right insurance
Many home and landlord policies don't cover short-term letting, or only with an add-on. Platform host protection programs aren't the same as insurance. Ask your insurer in writing whether your policy covers paying guests, and check contents and public liability.
Ask your manager: What insurance does the manager expect me to hold, and what does theirs cover?
- 03
Photos that sell the stay
Listing photos drive bookings more than almost anything else. Many managers include professional photos in their setup fee, so check before you book your own photographer.
Ask your manager: Are professional photos included, and who owns them if I change managers?
- 04
Cleaning, linen and consumables
Cleaning is usually charged to guests per stay, but linen hire, consumables and deep cleans may be billed to you. Compare how each manager handles this, as it changes your real costs.
Ask your manager: Who pays for cleaning, linen and consumables, and how are they charged?
- 05
Keys and access
A smart lock or lockbox makes late check-ins easy and saves key handover fees. If you're in a strata building, check the by-laws before installing anything on the front door.
Ask your manager: How do guests get in, and is there a fee for key handover?
- 06
Furnishing and styling
Guests expect a well-equipped kitchen, good beds, fast Wi-Fi and a workspace. Some managers offer styling or furniture packages, often for a one-off fee.
Ask your manager: Is there a styling or setup fee, and what does it include?
Enter your address to see every manager running homes near you, then request quotes from up to five in one go. It's free.
Offers for owners, coming soon
We're lining up offers from insurers, photographers, cleaners, lock suppliers and stylists. Partner offers will always be labelled as partner offers, and they'll only appear on pages like this one. They never affect which managers you see, their ratings or how quotes are compared.
Business owners: become a partner
Offer something useful to owners setting up a short stay? Tell us about it.