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Why this matters more than the post-stay inspection
Most hosts inspect after checkout. The hosts who win disputes also document before check-in. A post-stay inspection shows that damage exists. A pre-stay baseline proves the guest caused it. Platforms require both, but most hosts only ever have one.
Dollar impact
In a damage dispute, the host with a timestamped baseline from 48 hours before check-in wins by default. The host without one is asking the platform to take their word for it.
Phase 1 · 24 to 48 hours before check-in
Scheduling and preparation
- Schedule the inspection for the final cleaning day or the morning of check-in
- Confirm the cleaning crew will not rearrange furniture after the inspection
- Fully charge every camera device: phone, tablet, or dedicated camera
- Verify the device clock shows the correct date and time. Timestamps are the whole point.
- Print or open the inspection summary form (included at the end of this checklist)
- List any pre-existing damage to exclude from future claims
Locked in the full checklist
Phase 2 · do this first, every time
The narrated video walkthrough
Phase 3 · photo protocol
Room-by-room photo protocol
Phase 4 · inventory verification
Count what can walk away
Phase 5 · smart home data
Capture the data layer
Phase 6 · same day
Organize and store the documentation
Unlock all 7 phases, plus 3 more checklists
The pack includes every checklist on this site: claim filing, pre-stay documentation, damage first-response, and property onboarding. $9.99 once. No subscription.
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