Short-term rental maintenance does not begin when something breaks. It begins with a repeatable inspection, clear evidence and one person responsible for closing each finding. Cartagena's coastal climate also accelerates wear on equipment, hardware, seals and surfaces.
Before every check-in
- Run every air conditioner and check cooling, noise, dripping and odour.
- Open showers, basins and taps; check pressure, drainage and visible leaks.
- Flush toilets and confirm each tank stops filling correctly.
- Test locks, smart locks, keys, intercom and building access.
- Check outlets, switches, lights, fans and essential appliances.
- Look for new damp marks on ceilings, walls, frames and balconies.
- Confirm hot water, internet, refrigerator and cooker operation.
- Take general photos after cleaning and before arrival.
Every month
- Clean air-conditioning filters and record the date.
- Check hinges, locks, railings and exterior equipment for corrosion or salt residue.
- Inspect silicone and seals around showers, sinks, windows and balconies.
- Clean traps and investigate persistent smells or slow drainage.
- Test the residual-current device and visually inspect the panel without touching wiring.
- Look for mould behind furniture, curtains, headboards and poorly ventilated areas.
- Compare inventory, wear and damage with the previous month's photographs.
Every three months
- Schedule technical AC maintenance according to usage and manufacturer guidance.
- Inspect visible waterproofing, joints, terraces, roofs and rain-entry points.
- Have pumps, heaters and hydraulic equipment inspected by competent personnel.
- Address failing paint, plaster and exposed metal before deterioration spreads.
- Check extinguishers, detectors and other items required by the building or operation.
- Update emergency contacts, access authorisations and contractor rules.
How to document a repair
Record the date, property, exact location, symptom, diagnosis, approved scope, materials, responsible person, cost and before/after evidence. If a technician discovers additional work, document the change and obtain approval before extending the scope.
Priority 1: active loss or danger
An active leak, burning smell, exposed cable, blocked access or a failure that makes the property unusable. Isolate the hazard only if you can do so safely and contact the appropriate responsible party.
Priority 2: guest impact
AC that does not cool, an unusable toilet, no hot water or an unreliable smart lock. Give the guest an alternative while diagnosis is coordinated.
Priority 3: preventive
Early corrosion, a worn seal, bubbling paint or a slow drain. Scheduling it early normally costs less than waiting for failure.
The metric that matters
Do not measure only closed tickets. Track repeat failures by property, time to diagnosis, cost by category and the percentage of preventive findings resolved before a booking is affected.
How do you turn a checklist into a schedule that actually gets done?
| Timing | Review | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days / weekly | AC, visible damp, locks, lights, critical inventory, open building issues | Catch work needing a technician or part |
| 24 hours before | Access, Wi‑Fi, water, AC, hot water, fridge, controls and promised amenities | Do not make the guest discover the failure |
| Between stays | Damage, consumables, drains, odors, linens, batteries, remotes, windows/balconies | Close each turnover with evidence |
| Monthly / usage-based | Preventive tasks, corrosion, filters, seals, pumps, panels and safety equipment | Move work from corrective to preventive |
What should change after an unusual event?
After extreme rain, a major leak, extended power failure or earthquake, do not wait for the normal cycle. Open an extraordinary review of affected systems and document changes. After an earthquake, a maintenance check is not a structural evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
How often should an Airbnb maintenance checklist be completed?
Run a turnover review between stays plus weekly, monthly or usage-based preventive checks depending on the system. Increase frequency when equipment works harder or warning signs appear.
What should be checked 24 hours before check-in?
Access, Wi-Fi, water, air conditioning, hot water, refrigerator, controls and every amenity promised to the guest.
How should a property check be documented?
Record status, a photo where useful, owner, required action and close date. Marking everything “OK” without traceability is not a control system.
What changes after an earthquake or major leak?
Open an extraordinary review of affected systems. After an earthquake, a maintenance inspection does not replace structural evaluation.
Does a checklist replace a technician?
No. It detects and prioritizes conditions; diagnosis and intervention should be performed by people competent for the relevant trade.
Sources and operating references
We are speaking with owners and operators to design a useful maintenance system for Cartagena ahead of the planned January 2027 launch.
Discuss the launch