Landlord guide · Check-in

A great check-in starts here.

A proper joint walkthrough and a fast reply in the first 48 hours are what matter most.

The small things matter. Tenants who feel welcomed in the first 48 hours are far less likely to raise complaints later.

Step one

Before the check-in

Most of the work happens the week before. A prepared property saves you time, disputes, and earns better reviews.

1. Agree the plan in chat

  • Time and meeting point — with a backup plan for travel delays.
  • How keys are handed over — in person, lockbox, concierge. Confirm it in writing.
  • Full address + access codes — sent through chat, on their phone.
  • Phone numbers — you can reach each other on the day.

2. Make it move-in ready

  • Deep-clean
  • Test every appliance
  • Wi-Fi working
  • Fresh linen & towels
  • New lightbulbs & batteries
  • Air it out
  • Locks, windows, blinds

Anything broken? Fix it before check-in — not after a complaint.

★ Most important

3. Leave a welcome pack

  • Wi-Fi name and password — printed, stuck on the fridge.
  • A short welcome note with your phone number.
  • Appliance instructions — boiler, AC, oven, dishwasher.
  • Building rules — quiet hours, rubbish days, parking.
  • Where things are — circuit breaker, water valve, first aid kit.
  • Your favourite local spots — bakery, supermarket, metro.

The single best way to cut post-check-in messages.

4. Photograph the condition

Walk through with your phone and take dated photos of every room — existing wear, appliances, the inventory. If a dispute comes up at check-out, this is your strongest evidence.

5. Re-read the booking

Ten minutes on the dates, rent, deposit, contract clauses and house rules — and make sure they match your Spotahome listing.

Need to change dates or conditions? Do it from your landlord panel, as early as possible. Never agree changes with the tenant off-platform, and wait for written confirmation before treating them as final.

Step two

On check-in day

A relaxed, well-prepared landlord makes a relaxed tenant — and the rest of the tenancy follows from there.

1. Be on time

Arrive 10–15 minutes early, or be reachable by phone for remote handovers. If plans slip even 10 minutes, tell your tenant straight away — they've often been travelling for hours.

2. Check identity and documents

Before handing over keys: ID matches the booking, any documents your contract requires, and a signed copy of the contract ready to exchange.

3. Give a proper tour

15–20 minutes, warmly. Ask about their journey, then cover:

  • Each room
  • Key appliances
  • Wi-Fi (test it)
  • Circuit breaker
  • Building access
  • House rules
  • The welcome pack

★ Most important

4. Inspect the property together

Point out documented wear, walk the inventory list, ask them to flag anything straight away, and take joint photos of whatever either of you wants on record. A 10-minute joint walkthrough prevents most "it was already broken" disputes later.

5. Stay close for 48 hours

Most questions come in the first two days — heating, oven, Wi-Fi. Respond fast through Spotahome chat, even just "I'm on it". Spotahome can step in and mediate during the first 24–48 hours, so engage early.

Step three

During the tenancy

Once your tenant settles in, your job is relationship management. The best landlords are responsive, respectful, and predictable.

Be responsive

Acknowledge messages quickly — a simple "I've seen this and I'm on it" lowers the temperature. Slow responses to leaks or broken heating are the #1 cause of complaints. Keep booking matters in Spotahome chat so everything is documented.

Respect their home

  • Don't enter without proper notice (typically 24–48 h).
  • Don't change agreed conditions outside Spotahome.
  • Don't pressure tenants to leave early or accept extras.

Payments & maintenance

Rent follows the schedule in your contract — keep your bank details current in the landlord panel. If something breaks: acknowledge it the same day, say when it will be fixed, hire professionals, and agree access in advance.

Earn the great review

The best reviews aren't about luxury — they're about landlords who were responsive, professional, and respectful. Future tenants read them.

Step four

Need us? We're here

The contact form in your landlord panel

It sends your request straight to the right team with your booking and listing details attached — so you get the right answer, faster.

Include as much detail as you can: what's happening, when it started, the booking reference, photos or screenshots.

Open my landlord panel →

One last thing

The hours you invest now — cleaning, the welcome pack, the joint walkthrough — pay back many times over in fewer complaints, faster resolutions, longer stays, and better reviews.

Thank you for being part of Spotahome. We're glad you're here.