10 Things Every Short-Term Rental Host Must Have in Their Apartment

Running a successful short-term rental is about more than a nice space and a competitive price. The difference between a 4-star and 5-star review often comes down to small details — things that make guests feel cared for and comfortable from the moment they arrive. Here are ten essentials every host should have in place.

1. Fast, Reliable WiFi

In 2026, WiFi is non-negotiable. Slow or unstable internet is the single most-complained-about issue across short-term rental platforms. Invest in a mesh router system, display the password prominently near the entrance, and keep a backup mobile hotspot for outages. Note your actual speed (not the ISP promise) in your listing.

2. Quality Bedding

Guests sleep on your mattress and sheets every night of their stay. High-thread-count linens, a good mattress protector, and an extra blanket go a long way toward a restful sleep. A bad night's sleep is almost always mentioned in a review — so is an exceptionally comfortable one.

3. A Fully Equipped Kitchen

Not every guest eats out every meal. Ensure the kitchen has at minimum: a sharp knife, cutting board, pot, pan, plates, glasses, mugs, a coffee maker, and basic condiments — oil, salt, and pepper. A coffee capsule machine is a welcome touch that costs little but earns frequent mentions in reviews.

4. A Clear, Printed House Guide

A laminated one-page guide with the WiFi password, appliance instructions, check-out steps, and emergency numbers reduces your message load by 60–70%. Place it prominently on the kitchen counter so guests find it immediately. Update it whenever something changes.

5. Safety Equipment

A working smoke detector, a carbon monoxide alarm, a fire extinguisher, and a basic first aid kit are non-negotiable. They protect your guests and shield your listing from liability. Check batteries monthly and log when you do — this matters if you ever need to respond to a guest complaint.

6. Basic Toiletries

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, and enough toilet paper for at least two nights. Guests arriving late after a long journey should not need to hunt for essentials. A small stock of basics is low cost and consistently mentioned in positive reviews.

7. Blackout Curtains or Shutters

Early morning light ruins sleep — especially in summer or at coastal properties. Blackout curtains or external shutters make a measurable difference in guest comfort and appear regularly in positive reviews. This is one of the cheapest improvements with the highest guest-satisfaction return.

8. Local Recommendations

A small printed card with your five favourite restaurants, the nearest supermarket, where to park, and how to get to the city centre shows guests you care about their experience beyond just the apartment. This personal touch consistently turns a good stay into a great review.

9. Clear Check-in Instructions

Whether you use a smart lock, a key box, or a personal handover, the instructions must be specific and written down. Send them 24 hours before arrival and again on the morning of check-in day. Confusion at arrival creates lasting stress that colours the guest's perception of the entire stay.

10. A Spare Set of Essentials

Extra toilet paper rolls, spare light bulbs, a universal phone charger, and a power strip. These small redundancies prevent minor inconveniences from becoming negative reviews. Store them in a clearly labelled spot and note their location in your house guide.