By Athina · October 2026
From the inventory to the key box. What we go through with every owner before the first guest arrives.
A good first stay starts long before the guest rings the bell. This is the checklist we go through with owners, in Belgium and in Dubai. It is practical, not legal: the official requirements for your region come on top.
Comfort basics
- Good beds and two sets of linen and towels per bed.
- Blackout curtains or blinds in the bedrooms.
- Enough light, sockets near the bed and a working Wi-Fi with the code written down.
- A kitchen with the basics: pans, knives, cups, a kettle and coffee.
Safety and peace of mind
- Check the safety requirements of your region, such as fire safety in Flanders or Brussels, and DET's standards in Dubai.
- Keep valuables and personal papers out of the guest areas, or in a locked cupboard.
- Ask your insurer whether your policy covers short-term rental.
The inventory
List everything in the home, room by room, with photos. It makes cleaning checks faster and it is the starting point if anything goes missing or gets damaged.
Arrival and departure
- A key box or smart lock, so guests can check in at any hour.
- A digital guest guide: house rules, rubbish and recycling, parking, local tips and emergency numbers.
- A clear check-out routine for guests, so the cleaning team can start straight away.
Sources
Places in this article
