Your First Airbnb Guest: The Complete Preparation Checklist

Before your first guest arrives, do a deep clean that goes beyond your normal routine. This means: inside the oven and fridge, behind furniture, all windows, grout and tile seams in bathroom, and every surface a guest might touch or see.

Stage your home as if it were a boutique hotel. Remove personal items (family photos, toiletries, kids' toys), declutter surfaces, and create a neutral but inviting aesthetic. Fresh flowers, a neatly folded throw blanket, and coffee-table books about Denmark all add to the impression.

Hire a professional cleaner for the initial deep clean (expect 1,500–3,000 kr. for a full apartment). For subsequent turnovers between guests, a standard 2–3 hour clean (400–700 kr.) suffices if you maintain the baseline.

Airbnb guests in 2026 expect more than a bed and a bathroom. The baseline for a good review includes: fresh bed linen and towels (at least 2 sets per guest), basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap), kitchen essentials (cooking oil, salt, pepper, coffee, tea, sugar), reliable WiFi (minimum 50 Mbps), a hairdryer, an iron, and hangers in the wardrobe.

Going beyond the basics earns you 5-star reviews: a Nespresso machine, local craft beer in the fridge, a curated guide to nearby restaurants and cafés, phone chargers by the bed, blackout curtains, and a Bluetooth speaker.

For a practical overview of what guests look for in Danish holiday accommodation, see Bolius' guide to holiday homes. And remember: every item you provide should be in excellent condition. A stained towel or a broken coffee maker does more damage than a missing amenity.

Clear house rules prevent misunderstandings and protect your property. Keep them concise, reasonable, and visible. Essential rules to include: quiet hours (typically 22:00–08:00), no smoking indoors, shoe-free policy (common in Denmark), maximum number of guests, and pet policy.

Check-in logistics make or break the first impression. Options: in-person handover (warmest but limits your flexibility), smart lock with code sent on check-in day (most convenient), or key box with combination. Whatever method you choose, send clear instructions with photos 24 hours before arrival.

Create a digital or printed welcome guide covering: WiFi password, heating/cooling instructions, appliance guides (dishwasher, washing machine), recycling system, nearest supermarket and pharmacy, public transport information, and your contact details for emergencies. For more on what landlords should provide, see LegalDesk's rental guide.

Danish law requires working smoke detectors in all homes. Beyond legal minimums: install a CO detector if you have gas appliances, place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and ensure all exits are clearly accessible.

Provide basic first aid supplies and an emergency contact list (112 for emergencies, 1813 for non-emergency medical, your personal phone, a backup contact). If your property has a balcony or terrace above ground level, verify that railings meet current safety standards.

Verify that your insurance covers short-term rental guests (see our insurance guide). Inform your ejerforening or andelsbolig if required by your vedtægter. Register for Airbnb's damage deposit to protect against guest-caused damage.

The first 10 minutes after arrival shape the entire stay — and the review. A clean, warm (or cool in summer), well-lit space with a small welcome touch makes guests feel valued rather than just processed.

Simple welcome touches that consistently earn praise in reviews: a handwritten note saying 'Welcome! Here's a few of our favourite spots in the neighbourhood,' a bottle of water in the fridge, local pastries (Danes love providing wienerbrød), or a small bar of quality chocolate.

After check-in, send a brief message: 'Hope you've settled in well! Let me know if there's anything I can help with.' This combines hospitality with a nudge for the guest to flag any issues immediately rather than mentioning them in the review. Use our income calculator to estimate what your well-prepared property could earn.