The complete property checklist before listing on Airbnb in Mauritius

Before your first guest arrives, your property needs to meet a standard that goes beyond "clean and tidy." Airbnb guests — especially international travellers paying premium rates in Mauritius — expect a level of preparation that matches what they'd find in a good hotel, plus the homely touches that make a rental special.

This is the checklist we use at Your House Host before listing any property. Use it to audit your own home and identify gaps.

Kitchen essentials

A fully equipped kitchen is one of the main reasons guests choose a rental over a hotel. At minimum, you need: a full set of pots, pans, and cooking utensils; enough plates, glasses, and cutlery for your maximum guest count plus two extra; a sharp knife set; chopping boards; a kettle and a coffee maker (or French press); basic condiments (salt, pepper, oil, sugar, tea, coffee); cling film, aluminium foil, and bin bags; dish soap, sponges, and a drying rack; and a bottle opener and corkscrew — one of the most commonly forgotten items.

Bathroom essentials

Each bathroom needs: fresh towels (two per guest — bath and hand); a bath mat; toilet paper (at least two spare rolls visible); hand soap; shampoo and shower gel (refillable dispensers are more sustainable and professional than travel bottles); a hairdryer; a basic first aid kit; and a bathroom bin.

Bedroom essentials

Quality sleep is the foundation of a good review. Every bedroom needs: clean, quality bed linen (minimum 200 thread count); two pillows per person; spare blankets (for cooler months); blackout curtains or blinds; bedside lighting with easy-to-reach switches; hangers in the wardrobe (at least six per person); and a luggage rack or designated suitcase area.

Living areas

Your living spaces should include: reliable, fast Wi-Fi (test the speed — guests will); a TV with streaming capability or cable; comfortable seating for your maximum guest count; adequate lighting for evening; phone chargers or USB outlets; and a small Bluetooth speaker (a surprisingly impactful touch).

Outdoor areas

If your property has outdoor space: outdoor furniture in good condition; pool towels (separate from bath towels); pool safety equipment if you have a pool; a barbecue with tools and fuel; outdoor lighting for evening; and insect repellent (essential in Mauritius).

Safety and documentation

Non-negotiable items: working smoke detectors on every floor; a fire extinguisher; a first aid kit; emergency contact numbers displayed prominently; your MTA licence number; a comprehensive property guide — covering Wi-Fi password, appliance instructions, local emergency numbers, nearest hospital, restaurant recommendations, and house rules; and clear check-in instructions with photos.

The small touches that earn five stars

These aren't requirements — they're the details that turn a four-star review into a five-star one: a welcome snack pack (water, biscuits, fruit) for arrivals; local restaurant recommendations with your personal picks; beach towels and a cool bag ready to go; laundry detergent (families especially appreciate this); a selection of board games or books; and local maps and activity suggestions printed in a welcome folder.