What Not to Keep in Your Short-Term Rental: A Guide for Hosts and Owners
As a short-term rental host, it’s easy to focus on what to provide: stylish decor, a stocked kitchen, thoughtful extras, but just as important is what you shouldn’t leave in your Airbnb. Keeping your rental free from risky or high-maintenance items not only streamlines operations but can protect your property and your peace of mind.
Even with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offering host protection through programs like AirCover, there are important caveats. Not all damage is covered, especially when negligence, safety issues, or restricted items are involved. Let’s explore what to avoid keeping in your property, and how to avoid costly mistakes that no reimbursement can fix.
What to Keep Out of Your Rental (And Why)
1. Sentimental or Irreplaceable Items
Your grandmother’s quilt, your childhood art, or rare collectibles should never be part of your guest-facing setup. Damage or loss of sentimental items isn’t something insurance, or AirCover, can fix.
Pro Tip: Decorate with personality, not with memories. Use easily replaceable, durable items that match your vibe without the emotional risk.
2. Hazardous Materials and Harsh Chemicals
Leaving bleach, drain cleaners, or strong solvents unlocked is a liability. Even if you trust your guests, you’re still responsible for their safety in your space.
AirCover caveat: If a guest is harmed or causes damage using chemicals you left out, you could be held liable, and your claim may be denied.
3. Bulk Quantities of Supplies
You don’t need to leave 24 rolls of toilet paper or every Costco paper towel pack you own in the bathroom closet. Too much visible inventory can invite waste – or theft.
Instead: Leave a reasonable supply out and keep the rest in a locked “cleaner’s closet.”
4. Open, Expired, or Used Food Items
Leftover ketchup bottles and dusty spice jars may seem thrifty or helpful, but they look unhygienic and can raise health concerns. Read more about Should You Leave Condiments in the Fridge? A Guest and Host Perspective.
Stick to individually sealed essentials like new salt & pepper grinders, a small bottle of olive oil, or coffee pods.
5. Weapons, Tools, or Wildlife Deterrents
Even decorative swords, stun guns, or heavy-duty hunting knives are a no-go. And while you might need bear spray in mountain locations, it must be stored properly – preferably out of guest reach.
One host’s story: A guest used a can of bear spray left under the sink, indoors, resulting in respiratory issues and an ER visit. Airbnb did not cover the medical expenses or the additional cleaning, citing unsafe storage of a dangerous item.
6. Personal Files and Paperwork
No tax documents, business contracts, checkbooks, or keys should be accessible to guests.
Lock up owner storage or use a separate “owner’s closet” not listed in the guest-accessible areas.
7. Upholstered Items That Are Difficult to Clean
Couches that stain easily, rugs that can’t be washed, and pillows that aren’t guest-ready are all high-risk. Pet dander, makeup, or food spills are harder to manage on delicate fabrics.
Choose wipeable surfaces, performance fabrics, and removable/washable covers where possible.
Real Stories: When Hosts Weren’t Reimbursed
Case #1: The Open Bar Gone Wrong
A generous host left an unlocked cabinet with high-end liquor, thinking it would impress guests. One guest had a party, another was injured, and glass bottles were smashed across the property.
Airbnb’s response: Denied the damage claim because alcohol was left unsecured, and the guest hadn’t technically violated house rules.
Lesson: Be clear with house rules and keep alcohol out of guest reach. Consider the age of your guests: are there minors less than 21 years old?
Case #2: Chemical Confusion
A host left heavy-duty drain cleaner under the bathroom sink, thinking it might be helpful. A curious child opened it and burned their hand. The guest demanded compensation and left a 1-star review.
AirCover’s response: No coverage, citing negligence in product placement.
Lesson: Avoid storing any strong chemicals where guests could access them.
Case #3: Too Much TP = Stolen Supplies
A host stocked a month’s worth of paper goods to “overdeliver,” but guests took extras home. The turnover team arrived to find all paper towels and 14 rolls of TP missing. This was a common occurrence to read about in the host message boards in 2020 during Covid.
Airbnb’s response: Not considered damage or theft; supplies are not protected under AirCover.
Lesson: Only leave what’s reasonable for the stay duration. Lock the rest.
About AirCover: What It Does – and Doesn’t – Protect
Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts includes:
- Up to $3 million in damage protection
- $1 million in liability coverage
- Coverage for lost income due to cancellations
- Coverage for pet damage (when allowed)
But AirCover does not cover:
- Normal wear and tear
- Damage caused by negligence (like unsafe storage)
- Cash or securities
- Lost or stolen supplies
- Damage from prohibited items
VRBO’s liability protection is similar, but also excludes sentimental items, unlocked valuables, and improper use of the space.
Final Thoughts: Less Is More
Keeping certain items out of your Airbnb is one of the best ways to protect your investment, avoid uncomfortable guest scenarios, and make the most of host protection programs.
Here’s a helpful mantra:
If it can’t be replaced or safely used by anyone, it shouldn’t be in the rental.
Have you had an experience with AirCover? We’d love to hear about it!
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