New vacation rental host checklist

Check you are allowed to host

Airbnb notes that some cities prohibit certain short-term bookings, and that in many cities you must register, get a permit or obtain a licence before you list. Rules vary widely, so check with your local authority first.

Also check your lease, mortgage and any building or homeowner association rules, which can restrict short-term rentals. In the EU, registration numbers must be shown in listings where your country runs a registration scheme.

Make it safe

Airbnb strongly urges hosts to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and to test them regularly, and notes that you may be required to have more than one.

Safety rules also depend on where your rental is. In England, for example, the government's guide for small paying guest accommodation, including self-catering, sets out fire safety duties and includes a fire risk assessment checklist.

Fire safety in England

If your rental is in England, read the government guide for small paying guest accommodation. It is for people responsible for fire safety in places such as small B&Bs, guest houses and self-catering accommodation.

Keep your calendars in sync

If you list on more than one platform, connect their calendars: export each platform's iCal link and import it into the others, so a booking on one blocks the same nights elsewhere. Sync runs on a schedule, not instantly.

For guests, one availability link that combines every platform's dates saves you answering "are you free?" again and again. SingleCal gives you that link for free for one rental.