Featured Snippet (Quick Answer): A holiday let inventory list is a detailed checklist of a short-term rental’s contents, condition, and essential guest items, supported by clear photos. A strong holiday let inventory list template includes a room-by-room holiday let inventory checklist, high-risk items (linens, kitchenware, electronics), keys/access, safety items, and a holiday let inventory photos checklist to confirm condition at each turnover. In London short-term lets, a consistent inventory list for holiday rentals helps reduce missing items, protects your property, and supports fair outcomes when guests dispute damage.
Holiday let inventory list: why short-term lets need stricter evidence
Short-term letting is not “normal renting, but shorter.” It’s closer to running a tiny hospitality business — one where guests arrive with suitcases, expectations, and the belief that extra wine glasses appear by magic. That’s exactly why a holiday let inventory list needs to be stricter than a standard tenancy inventory.
In Greater London, turnover can be rapid: Friday check-outs, Friday check-ins, a cleaner on a schedule tighter than the Victoria line at rush hour, and a host trying to keep ratings high. A well-built holiday let inventory list protects you from the two classic short-let surprises:
- “We definitely didn’t break that.”
- “It was already missing when we arrived.”
If you want the broader foundation of documenting condition and contents (beyond short lets), see our overview of property inventory.
Short term let inventory list vs standard rental inventory: what changes
A short term let inventory list has two extra pressures:
- Speed: you need repeatable documentation that can be refreshed quickly between guests.
- Volume: there are simply more “small things” that can go missing (spoons, towels, HDMI cables, remote controls… reality is relentless).
A standard tenancy inventory leans heavily on baseline condition and long-term wear patterns. A holiday rental inventory list must cover baseline condition and guest-facing completeness — because in short lets, a missing corkscrew is a bigger operational problem than you’d like to admit.
If you’re also running a more traditional landlord portfolio alongside holiday lets, our landlord inventory page helps clarify how long-term inventory evidence is usually structured.
What to include in a holiday let inventory (the non-negotiables)
If you’re searching what to include in a holiday let inventory, start with this principle:
A holiday let inventory list should be detailed enough that a cleaner, co-host, or third party can confirm what’s present and what condition it’s in — without guessing.
Your holiday let inventory list should always include:
- Keys and access
- keys, fobs, building entry codes (where applicable), parking permits
- Safety essentials
- smoke/heat alarms (presence), fire blanket/extinguisher (where provided), first aid kit location
- Utilities and connectivity
- Wi-Fi details (where stored), TV/remote(s), any smart home controls
- Room-by-room contents
- furniture, appliances, kitchenware, linens, décor items (the “small things” count)
- Condition notes
- visible marks, chips, stains, wear areas
- Photos
- a repeatable holiday let inventory photos checklist so evidence is consistent every turnover
If you want to connect the short-let approach to evidence standards used in professional reports, this guide is useful: inventory report explained: what it is, what’s included & why it matters.
Holiday let inventory checklist: the structure that prevents “missing item” chaos
A good holiday let inventory checklist is more than a list — it’s a system that stops you forgetting the tiny items guests notice immediately.
Use this structure inside your holiday let inventory list template:
- Property overview
- address, check-in/check-out process notes, where the inventory is stored
- Access and keys
- number of keys/fobs, any lockbox code change record
- Living areas
- furniture, TV/remotes, lamps, décor, books/games (if provided)
- Kitchen
- appliances + core kitchenware (plates, mugs, cutlery, pans, kettle, toaster)
- Bedrooms
- bed frames/mattresses, wardrobes, hangers, linens sets, spare bedding
- Bathrooms
- towels count, hairdryer, toiletries (if supplied), cleanliness/condition notes
- Utility/storage
- hoover, mop, cleaning products policy, spare bulbs, bin bags
- Photo log
- room wide shots + close-ups of high-risk items
For service context and how professional documentation is typically delivered, see property inventory services.
Holiday let inventory list template: keep it consistent across every turnover
A holiday let inventory list template should be designed for speed without sacrificing evidence. The trick is to make it repeatable:
- Use the same room order every time
- Add “counts” for items that disappear most (towels, pillows, cutlery)
- Include a quick tick section plus a “notes and photos” section per room
- Keep a dedicated line for replacements (date + what changed)
If you’re running short lets in London and want to keep operations smooth, consistency is what protects your time as much as your property.
If you’d like help implementing a professional standard (or you’d rather not spend your Sunday counting teaspoons), call us on 020 8016 2986.
Daley Property Inventory Services
124, Cromwell Road, International House, Kensington, London SW7 4ET
Email: info@propertyinventory.org.uk
In Part 2, we’ll go room-by-room with a complete checklist, cover Airbnb inventory checklist UK specifics (linens, consumables, guest-facing items), and map out a practical holiday let inventory photos checklist so your evidence stays consistent even when your turnover schedule is not.
Room-by-room holiday let inventory list: the complete checklist for short-term lets
A holiday let inventory list works best when it mirrors how a guest experiences the property: entrance first, then living space, then kitchen, then bedrooms and bathrooms. That way your cleaner, co-host, or you (half-asleep after a 6am key drop) can follow it without missing anything.
Below is a practical inventory list for holiday rentals you can copy into your holiday let inventory list template and reuse every turnover.
Entrance / hallway
Add these to your holiday let inventory checklist:
- keys, fobs, lockbox (where used), and any access instructions location
- doormat, shoe rack (if provided), coat hooks
- entry phone/intercom condition (if applicable)
- wall/floor condition notes (scuffs happen fast in short lets)
Tip: document the “drop zone” areas. Guests don’t mean to mark walls—London corridors are just… narrow.
Living room / lounge
For a deposit-proof holiday let inventory list, record:
- sofa(s) and cushions (count + condition)
- coffee table / side tables (chips, scratches, stains)
- TV (brand/model if useful), remotes (count), HDMI cables
- lamps (working condition), extension leads (if provided)
- curtains/blinds (operation condition)
- heating controls / thermostat (where relevant)
- any guest items: books, board games, guides, local maps
This is also where you’ll see the biggest “it was like that when we arrived” claims, so condition notes matter.
Kitchen
Your holiday rental inventory list should split kitchen items into “appliances” and “essentials.” Guests can improvise dinner. They can’t improvise cutlery.
Appliances and fixtures
- oven/hob/extractor condition
- fridge/freezer shelves/drawers present
- dishwasher (if provided)
- microwave, kettle, toaster
- coffee machine (if provided) + accessories
- sink and taps condition, worktops, cabinet fronts
Kitchen essentials (the high-missing list)
- plates/bowls (count)
- mugs/glasses/wine glasses (count)
- cutlery sets (count)
- pans and baking trays (count)
- chopping boards (count)
- knives (kitchen knives + bread knife)
- bottle opener / corkscrew (it will go missing at the worst time)
- tea towels (count)
- bin (lid/liner), spare bin bags location
If you’re also managing longer lets, this page helps connect why condition documentation is so important: inventory check: check-in vs interim vs check-out (and what each proves).
Bedrooms
For each bedroom, your holiday let inventory list should include:
- bed frame and headboard condition
- mattress condition notes (stains/marks where visible)
- pillows (count), duvets (count), protectors present
- linens sets (count per bed) + spare bedding location
- bedside tables (condition) and lamps (working)
- wardrobe/rail (hangers count), drawers operation
- mirrors (condition), blackout curtains/blinds (if relevant)
Pro tip for a furnished holiday let inventory list: count the hangers. Guests don’t steal hangers out of malice; they just leave with them like socks in the laundry. It’s a mystery London will never solve.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are where short lets need extra clarity. Your holiday let inventory checklist should log:
- towels (bath towels/hand towels) counts
- bathmat count + condition
- hairdryer (if provided)
- toilet brush, soap dispenser (if provided)
- shower head and screen condition (limescale notes)
- sealant/grout condition notes (existing discolouration should be recorded)
- extractor fan (presence/visible condition)
If mould risk is a recurring issue in your short-term let (especially in winter), this practical guide is worth sharing with cleaners and co-hosts: preventing and dealing with mould problems in your rental home.
Utility cupboard / storage / outdoor space (if applicable)
Short lets often fail here because the “behind the scenes” items aren’t documented. Add:
- hoover (working condition), mop/bucket
- spare bedding and towels storage location
- ironing board/iron (if provided)
- spare bulbs/batteries (if provided)
- outdoor furniture condition (balcony/patio)
- bins and recycling containers (count + condition)
This is where your holiday let inventory list template becomes operationally useful, not just “nice paperwork.”
Airbnb inventory checklist UK: guest-facing items that protect your ratings
A lot of hosts treat an Airbnb inventory checklist UK like it’s only about not losing stuff. In reality, it’s also about avoiding guest complaints and refund requests.
Add these guest-facing items to your short term let inventory list:
- Wi-Fi information (where it’s displayed)
- heating/hot water instructions (where relevant)
- TV and streaming access notes (what’s provided vs what’s guest login)
- spare keys policy (if applicable)
- welcome pack items (if provided)
- basic consumables policy:
- toilet paper starter supply
- dish soap/sponge
- bin bags starter supply
- tea/coffee basics (if you provide them)
For service-level support across Greater London (especially if you’re running multiple properties), see inventory services.
Holiday let inventory photos checklist: what to photograph every turnover
A holiday let inventory photos checklist keeps your evidence consistent even when your schedule isn’t. The aim is not to take “lots of photos.” The aim is to take the right photos, in the same way, every time.
Use this photo structure inside your holiday let inventory list:
- 1 wide shot per room (context)
- close-ups of existing damage/marks
- “high-risk” close-ups each turnover:
- TV screen and remote(s)
- sofa arms/corners
- dining table top
- kitchen worktop edges
- hob and oven front
- bathroom sealant/grout lines
- mirrors and glass shower screen
- any missing-item evidence (empty shelf where something should be)
If you want to see how professional reporting formats handle photos and condition notes, you can review this property inventory sample report.
Holiday let inventory report: writing condition notes that survive “that wasn’t me”
A holiday let inventory report should use evidence language, not judgement language. That’s the secret sauce. Your holiday let inventory list becomes stronger when the notes are:
- specific (location + size + type of mark)
- neutral (no blame assigned)
- consistent (same phrasing style each turnover)
- supported by photos
Example note styles that work:
- “Living room, left wall near window: 4cm scuff at shoulder height.”
- “Kitchen, worktop by sink: 1cm chip on front edge.”
- “Bedroom 1, mattress protector: stain visible near lower right corner.”
This is where short-term lets benefit from professional standards used in longer tenancy documentation. For a deeper explanation of why baseline evidence matters, see inventory report explained: what it is, what’s included & why it matters.
Furnished holiday let inventory list: high-risk items and fast replacement planning
A furnished holiday let inventory list should highlight the items that most commonly disappear, break, or trigger guest complaints. Build a “high-risk” mini-section in your holiday let inventory list template:
- glassware and mugs (counts)
- cutlery sets (counts)
- towels and linens (counts per bed)
- hairdryer and adapters (if supplied)
- remote controls and cables
- keys/fobs
- small décor items (vases, framed prints, throws)
If you’re ready to standardise this across your property (or multiple lets), we can help you implement a repeatable checklist and reporting process. In Part 3, we’ll cover realistic expectations around damage and wear in short lets, cleaning standards and evidence, how often to update your inventory list for holiday rentals, and when it’s worth hiring an independent clerk in London’s high-turnover market.
Damage, deductions, and fair wear in short-term lets: what’s realistic
Short-term lets don’t “wear” the way long tenancies do — they get a series of mini-events. A suitcase bump here, a cooking experiment there, and suddenly the dining table has a new personality.
A good holiday let inventory list helps you separate:
- normal use (expected)
- accidental damage (document and resolve fairly)
- missing items (count-based proof is your friend)
If you want a practical framework for what typically counts as fair wear (and what doesn’t), this guide is useful: understanding fair wear and tear in rental properties.
If you’re dealing with repeat damage issues and want a documentation-first approach, read what landlords should know about rental property damage.
Why a holiday let inventory list protects your time, not just your stuff
The hidden cost of missing items isn’t the spoon — it’s the time spent discovering it, replacing it, and answering messages about it while you’re trying to live your life. A consistent holiday let inventory list template turns this into a quick check, not a detective novel.
When your inventory list for holiday rentals is count-based and photo-supported:
- cleaners can flag issues immediately
- co-hosts can reorder quickly
- disputes become easier to resolve
- “was it missing already?” becomes answerable
Cleaning standards and evidence: “turnover clean” vs “deep clean”
Short lets live or die by cleanliness. In London, that’s extra fun because a property can be spotless at 11:30am and dusty again by 2pm just from the city existing.
Your holiday let inventory checklist should include a short “cleanliness evidence” section for high-complaint areas:
- kitchen surfaces and hob
- fridge shelves/drawers
- bathroom sealant/grout condition
- mirrors and glass (streaks show up in photos)
- bins emptied and liners replaced
This is where your holiday let inventory photos checklist helps: the same set of photos every time makes comparisons easy and keeps standards consistent.
If your property is vulnerable to moisture and ventilation issues (common in London winters and older conversions), this guide is practical: preventing and dealing with mould problems in your rental home.
How often should you update your inventory list for holiday rentals?
For short lets, the best answer is: more often than you think, but in a structured way.
A strong holiday let inventory list should be:
- checked at every turnover (fast, count-based)
- updated whenever you replace or add items (date + what changed)
- reviewed monthly or quarterly (to keep the template accurate)
If you use the same holiday let inventory list template across multiple properties, add a “Template Version” field (e.g., v1.3) so everyone stays aligned.
When to hire an independent clerk for a holiday let inventory report
There’s DIY, and then there’s “DIY until something goes wrong.” For many hosts, the tipping point is a high-value property, frequent turnover, or repeated disputes.
Consider professional support when:
- the property is premium or fully furnished
- you have multiple holiday lets and need consistency
- you’re seeing recurring missing items or damage patterns
- you want a formal holiday let inventory report that reads neutrally and professionally
If you want a London-specific guide on choosing the right provider (and what “independent” actually means), read London inventory services: how to choose an independent inventory clerk in Greater London.
If you want the professional standards behind the role, see qualified inventory clerk.
And if you want to understand the service role in broader property management terms, see the role of a professional inventory clerk in property management.
Daley Property Inventory Services: short-let inventory support across Greater London
Daley Property Inventory Services supports hosts, landlords, and letting agents across Greater London with professional, evidence-led reporting — including short-let documentation where turnover and completeness matter as much as condition.
If you want to understand how our services fit together (inventory, check-in, check-out workflows), see property inventory services.
If you’re comparing providers and want to understand the landscape, this page is useful: inventory companies.
Pricing and booking
For pricing factors and typical ranges, see our prices page.
To request a booking quickly, use our booking request form.
To talk it through first, call 020 8016 2986.
Daley Property Inventory Services
124, Cromwell Road, International House, Kensington, London SW7 4ET
Email: info@propertyinventory.org.uk
Quick FAQs: holiday let inventory list and short-term let checklists
What should I include in a holiday let inventory list?
Include room-by-room contents and condition notes, counts of high-missing items (linens, towels, cutlery, glassware), keys/fobs and access items, safety essentials, and a holiday let inventory photos checklist for consistent evidence at each turnover.
Is a holiday let inventory list template different from a long-term tenancy inventory?
Yes. A holiday let inventory list template needs more count-based items and guest-facing essentials because turnover is frequent and small items go missing more often. Condition evidence still matters, but completeness matters more than in many long-term lets.
How do I reduce disputes about missing items or damage in short lets?
Use a consistent holiday let inventory list, photograph high-risk areas each turnover, record counts for commonly missing items, and document condition notes neutrally. The more repeatable your checklist, the less you rely on memory.
Where can I get independent guidance on renting responsibilities?
These resources are helpful for general UK renting context:
- GOV.UK – Landlord Responsibilities
- Citizens Advice – Housing Section
- Shelter England – Private Renting Advice
- National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)
Final thought (London edition)
A short let is a business built on details. A holiday let inventory list turns those details into something manageable: a repeatable checklist that keeps your standards consistent, your property protected, and your turnover days less chaotic — even when your next guest is landing at Heathrow and messaging “We’re 12 minutes away” while you’re still counting wine glasses.
