When Should You Replace Your Furnishings in Your Airbnb?

Going to a short term or vacation rental property and seeing bad furniture can be disappointing, and maddening. Especially if the property is expensive. What are you paying for? This is one of my pet peeves, which is why I make sure me and my team inspect everything thoroughly, and listen to our guests. But when do you actually replace an item? Below is an outline I follow.

Furniture

1. Visible wear and tear

Always replace items that are ripped, stained, chipped, and sagging (like cushions). I get that you love that mug that you got at a vintage store, but nobody wants to drink their coffee from a chipped mug.

2. Guest complaints or negative reviews

This is the fastest way to know if something needs to go. If your guests mention discomfort (like a mattress or a sofa), or poor condition, it's time to replace the item. Most of the time, they'll complain privately to you, but if you get it in a public review, it means the item really has to go!

3. Outdated or mismatched style

Refresh things that get used daily and can have issues about every 3–5 years to stay current and photo-ready.

4. Frequent repairs

I managed a property that had difficult blinds that would always twist and bend, we had to send folks to fix it constantly. The owners didn't want to replace them though: "they can be fixed!" But finally, after several complaints from guests, they relented. When you have to fix the same item repeatedly, replacement is more cost-effective.

5. Safety concerns

Immediately replace any item that's broken, unstable, or poses a risk. This should be non-negotiable.

6. General lifespan guidelines

  • Mattresses: normal quality 8-6 years, high quality ones 10-15 years
  • Sofas/Upholstered chairs: 8-10 years
  • Dining furniture: 10 years
  • Outdoor furniture: 3–5 years (depending on weather exposure)
  • Rugs: 5 years or sooner if stained or never cleaned

Kitchen

1. Plates, bowls, and mugs

Replace if they are chipped, cracked, or discolored, and reassess every year to maintain a full, matching set.

2. Cutlery and utensils

Replace if rusted, bent, or mismatched, and reassess annually.

Pots and pans: Replace non-stick pans when coating starts to flake (which can be toxic). The general lifespan is 5 years depending on quality and usage.

3. Glassware

Replace cloudy, chipped, or missing glasses, and keep an inventory to maintain even sets.

4. Kitchen tools (e.g. can openers, peelers, spatulas)

Replace broken or low-quality tools regularly, and make sure you check the functionality during deep cleans! The worst is when you need a can or a bottle opener and it doesn't work!

5. Storage containers and Tupperware

Replace stained, cracked, or missing lids, and reassess every 1–2 years.