Airbnb listing checklist: 30 things to check before you publish

Title

• Under 50 characters, best detail first (Airbnb title guidelines)
• Names a real feature or setting, not just "cozy" or "nice"
• No emojis, all caps or repeated symbols (Airbnb Help)
• Does not repeat bed count, town or "new", which search already shows

More detail: Airbnb title length tips.

Description

• Opening lines name your best feature
• Specific distances to the places guests care about
• Covers the space, guest access, parking and check-in
• Mentions limitations such as stairs, noise or shared areas (Setting clear expectations)
• Does not paste the full amenity list (Writing an effective description)
• Matches guest count, beds and rules elsewhere in the listing

Template: Airbnb description template.

Photos

• At least 5 photos to publish, more to show the whole place (Airbnb photo basics)
• Every room or space guests can use has at least one photo (Photo tour)
• Best 5 photos are first, cover photo shows your top feature
• Horizontal, well lit, high resolution, no heavy editing (Photo tips)
• Captions explain what a photo does not show

Shot list: Airbnb listing photo tips.

Amenities

• Every amenity you really have is ticked, not just the setup shortlist (Help your listing stand out)
• Commonly searched basics checked where you have them: wifi, kitchen, TV, air conditioning, washer, dryer, free parking, self check-in
• Safety items listed: smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, fire extinguisher, first aid kit
• Nothing listed that is broken, seasonal without a note, or not really there

Full list: Airbnb amenities checklist.

House rules

• The standard rule areas are set: guest maximum, quiet hours, events, pets, smoking, commercial photography, locking up (Airbnb Help: house rules)
• No fines, cleaner-type chores or separate contracts (House rules policy)
• Local rules such as parking or occupancy limits are noted

Guide: Airbnb house rules guide.

Arrival and messages

• Check-in method is set and clear
• Check-in instructions cover address, parking, entry and wifi (template)
• A welcome message is saved as a quick reply (template, Airbnb Help: quick replies)
• A checkout reminder is scheduled for the day before departure (Airbnb Help: scheduled quick replies)

Final pass

Before you hit publish, or after any big change, step back and look at the listing the way a guest would.

• Read the listing on your phone, since that is where many guests will see it
• Ask a friend what surprised them; that is usually what to add to Other things to note
• Local permit number is in the listing where your area requires it
• Price, calendar and minimum stay reviewed against similar listings nearby

Airbnb says quality factors like photos, reviews and amenities are only part of how search works; price, popularity and location matter too (Airbnb Help). This checklist covers the parts you control in the listing itself.

Airbnb updates its guidance, so check the linked pages for the current wording.