How do I prepare my property for an inspection?

Quick prep checklist

• Clear walkways, stairs, exits, and other guest travel paths.
• Confirm handrails, gates, locks, and fencing are secure and in good condition.
• Test smoke alarms and make sure fire extinguishers are visible and usable.
• Stock and place a complete first aid kit in an accessible area.
• Fix exposed wiring, unsafe outlets, and lighting issues.
• Check sinks, toilets, showers, and guest-facing appliances for safe operation.
• Remove mold, moisture problems, pests, odors, and smoking damage.
• Deep clean bedrooms and inspect beds and mattresses closely.
• Make sure interior guest areas are free from recording devices.
• If you have a pool or hot tub, post rules, secure chemicals, and verify barriers and covers are in place.

Preparing for an inspection does not need to be complicated. The easiest way to think about it is this: the inspector is checking whether your property feels safe, clean, functional, and ready for guests in the spaces they actually use. The core inspection items focus on the basics every certified property should have in place, not the bonus features tied to specialty badges.

Start with the outside of the home. Make sure walkways and entrances are clear of leaves, snow, debris, and anything else that could cause a guest to slip or trip. If you have stairs, handrails should be secure and in good condition. Trim overgrown bushes and shrubs, and look for anything that feels like a general safety issue, such as uneven surfaces or poorly maintained outdoor areas. If your property has a patio, grill, or other guest-accessible outdoor equipment, it should look clean, well maintained, and free of obvious hazards.

Fire safety is one of the biggest parts of the inspection. Guests should be able to exit quickly and safely in an emergency, so exits and exit paths need to be easy to use. Doors along the exit route should open smoothly, and upper-floor bedrooms should have escape ladders where needed. Fire alarms or smoke detectors should be installed and working, and fire extinguishers should be easy to find, in good condition, and ABC rated. A stocked first aid kit should also be available in an accessible location. A good rule of thumb is to walk through your property as if you were a guest seeing it for the first time during an emergency: would it be obvious where to go and what to use?

Electrical and utility safety matter just as much. Inspectors are looking for safe wiring, so fix any exposed wires, avoid overloaded outlets, and do not rely on daisy-chained extension cords. Wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and exterior outlets should have GFCI protection. Replace old incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs where possible. Utility areas should also be in good order: breaker panels should be accessible and look professionally maintained, heating systems should appear safe and functional, and any flammable materials or chemicals should be stored properly.

Inside the home, focus on function and condition. In kitchens and bathrooms, sinks should drain properly and have reasonable water pressure. Toilets and showers should work correctly and be clean. If you provide appliances like a stove, refrigerator, microwave, washer, or dryer, they should be safe, usable, and clean. The inspection is not just about whether something turns on. It is also about whether it appears well cared for and suitable for guest use.

Cleanliness is another major inspection category. Inspectors will be looking for mold, moisture issues, pests, strong odors, and visible smoking damage. Bedrooms get extra attention here, especially around mattresses and bedding, so make sure sleeping areas are free from bedbugs and bedbug-related damage. More broadly, every guest-accessible room should look maintained and inspection-ready: clean surfaces, no obvious neglect, and no visible damage that would make a guest question the property’s safety or quality.

Guest privacy is also checked by your inspector. All interior rooms should be free from any audio or video recording devices. This is a straightforward standard, but it is an important one. If you use any exterior security devices, make sure they are properly disclosed and not installed in any areas where a guest would expect privacy.

If your property has a pool or hot tub, spend extra time there before the inspection. Pool and hot tub rules should be posted clearly for guests. Chemicals should be locked away and inaccessible to children. The area should be visibly clean and well maintained. Pools should have proper fencing, controlled entry, and a gate that latches or locks securely. Hot tubs should be covered when not in use. These are common places where hosts lose time during prep, so it is worth checking them carefully in advance.

The best final step is to do a full walkthrough yourself. Stand in each room and ask: is it safe, clean, working, and ready for a guest today? If the answer is yes across the property, you are likely in good shape for the GuestGuard inspection.