A consistent cleaning and inspection routine can help you catch maintenance issues early, protect your property, maintain accurate listing standards, and create a more comfortable experience for travelers.
This guide covers recommended practices for:
Turnover cleaning between stays
Property inspections
Mid-stay cleaning and maintenance
Remote property management
Safety and preventative maintenance
How Often Should You Inspect Your Property?
The right inspection schedule depends on the length of the stay, your property, local laws, and the terms of your rental or lease agreement.
As a general best practice, consider inspections:
Between Every Stay
After each traveler checks out, complete a full property walkthrough before the next arrival.
Check for:
Damage beyond normal wear and tear
Missing items
Cleanliness
Maintenance needs
Plumbing leaks
Pest activity
Appliance functionality
Wi-Fi connectivity
Door locks and access systems
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Burned-out light bulbs
Furniture condition
This is also the best time to take updated photos of the property's condition.
During Longer Stays
For longer stays, hosts may consider offering a scheduled mid-stay cleaning or coordinating a maintenance inspection when necessary.
Always communicate with the traveler in advance and follow applicable laws, notice requirements, lease terms, and privacy requirements before entering an occupied property.
Never enter an occupied property without appropriate permission or legally required notice, except where permitted by applicable law in a genuine emergency.
Complete a Thorough Turnover Between Every Stay
A turnover should do more than make the property look clean. It should reset the entire space so the next traveler arrives to a safe, functional, and guest-ready home.
General Cleaning
Throughout the property:
Vacuum, sweep, and mop all floors.
Dust and wipe all surfaces.
Disinfect high-touch areas, including door handles, light switches, and remote controls.
Empty all trash and replace liners.
Clean mirrors and accessible interior glass.
Check under beds, sofas, and furniture for belongings or trash.
Wipe baseboards and lamps as needed.
Replace burned-out light bulbs.
Make sure the property is free of strong or unpleasant odors.
Check for signs of pests.
Bedroom Turnover Checklist
Before the next traveler arrives:
Strip all used bedding.
Wash and replace sheets and pillowcases.
Replace or clean duvet covers and other used bedding as appropriate.
Make each bed neatly with fresh linens.
Check the mattress and mattress protector for cleanliness.
Make sure pillows are clean and in good condition.
Vacuum or mop floors.
Dust nightstands, lamps, dressers, and other surfaces.
Empty and wipe closets and drawers.
Remove belongings left by previous travelers.
Store extra blankets and pillows neatly.
Check blackout curtains or blinds for proper operation.
Healthcare professionals may work overnight shifts and sleep during the day, so functional blackout curtains or room-darkening shades can be especially valuable.
Bathroom Turnover Checklist
Clean and disinfect:
Toilet bowl, seat, lid, and base.
Shower or bathtub.
Sink and faucet.
Countertops.
Mirror.
Floors.
High-touch surfaces.
Also:
Remove hair and soap residue.
Check for mold or mildew.
Check under sinks and around toilets for leaks.
Empty the trash and replace the liner.
Set out clean bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.
Clean or replace the bath mat.
Restock starter supplies when provided.
Starter supplies may include:
Toilet paper.
Hand soap.
Shampoo.
Conditioner.
Body wash.
Make sure a toilet plunger is easily accessible.
Kitchen Turnover Checklist
Before each new arrival:
Wash, dry, and put away dishes.
Empty the dishwasher.
Clean the sink and faucet.
Wipe and disinfect countertops.
Clean the stovetop.
Check the oven.
Clean the microwave inside and out.
Wipe refrigerator shelves, drawers, handles, and exterior.
Remove items left by the previous traveler as appropriate.
Empty trash and recycling.
Clean floors.
Check for signs of pests.
Make sure appliances are working.
Restock any starter supplies you provide, such as:
Paper towels.
Dish soap.
New sponge or scrubber.
Trash bags.
Dishwasher detergent.
Basic pantry items, when offered.
Living Area Checklist
Clean and reset common areas by:
Vacuuming sofas and chairs as needed.
Fluffing and arranging cushions.
Folding blankets.
Wiping coffee tables and side tables.
Sanitizing remote controls.
Dusting the television and electronics.
Straightening décor.
Checking furniture for damage.
Vacuuming or mopping floors.
Removing any belongings left behind.
Final Property Check Before Arrival
Before the next traveler arrives, verify:
All rooms are clean.
Fresh linens and towels are provided.
Windows and exterior doors are secure.
Entry codes or lockboxes work.
Wi-Fi is functioning.
Heating and air conditioning work properly.
Appliances are operational.
No maintenance issues are visible.
Trash has been removed.
The property smells clean and fresh.
Check-in instructions are accurate.
Parking instructions are current.
Required safety equipment is functional.
Taking timestamped photos after a turnover can also help document the property's condition before the next stay.
Mid-Stay Cleaning for Longer Reservations
For stays of 30 days or longer, some hosts choose to offer optional or scheduled mid-stay cleaning.
A mid-stay cleaning may include:
Kitchen
Wipe countertops and cabinet fronts.
Clean the microwave.
Clean the stovetop and sink.
Remove trash and recycling.
Restock supplies when included.
Bathroom
Clean and disinfect the sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub.
Wipe mirrors and counters.
Remove trash.
Check for mold, mildew, or plumbing concerns.
Restock supplies when included.
Living Areas
Dust surfaces.
Vacuum or sweep floors.
Mop when needed.
Check furniture for maintenance concerns.
Bedrooms
Light dusting and vacuuming.
Fresh sheets or towels, when included or prearranged.
Check for visible maintenance concerns.
Any cleaning service during an occupied stay should be clearly communicated and coordinated with the traveler.
Mid-Stay Property Inspections
A mid-stay inspection can help identify maintenance or safety concerns before they become larger problems, particularly during extended reservations.
When appropriate and properly coordinated, a walkthrough may include checking:
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
HVAC operation.
Thermostat functionality.
Plumbing leaks.
Signs of water damage.
Pest activity.
Appliance functionality.
Windows and doors.
General property condition.
Hosts should not use maintenance inspections as an excuse to unnecessarily invade a traveler's privacy. Any entry should follow applicable laws, required notice periods, lease terms, and agreed-upon policies.
Handling Possible House Rule Violations
If you become aware of a possible house rule violation, avoid making assumptions without clear information.
Examples may include:
Unauthorized smoking.
Unauthorized pets.
Additional occupants.
Parties or events.
Property damage.
Review the house rules that were disclosed before booking and communicate through Vidle Housing messaging when possible.
If you need assistance handling a possible violation or dispute, contact the Vidle Housing Support Team.
Managing Turnovers Remotely
Many hosts manage properties from another city, state, or even country. A reliable local system is especially important when you can't personally inspect the property.
Consider having a trusted local:
Cleaner.
Property manager.
Co-host.
Maintenance professional.
Emergency contact.
Your local support should know:
How to access the property.
Who to contact for urgent repairs.
Where important supplies are stored.
How to reset locks or access codes.
What to do if damage is discovered.
How to document the property's condition.
Request Post-Turnover Photos
If you manage your property remotely, ask your cleaner or property manager to send photos after every turnover.
Recommended photos include:
Living room overview.
Kitchen.
Each bedroom.
Each bathroom.
Entryway.
Parking area, when relevant.
Lockbox or entry setup.
Any high-value items.
Any existing or newly discovered damage.
These photos can help confirm the property is ready for the next traveler and provide documentation of its condition.
Check Entry and Access Before Every Arrival
Before a new traveler arrives, confirm:
Smart locks are working.
Lockbox keys are present.
Keypad batteries are functioning.
Entry codes are correct.
Gate or building access codes are current.
Check-in instructions match the current setup.
Backup access is available when possible.
An access problem on arrival can quickly become an urgent traveler issue, so this should be checked before every stay.
Preventative Maintenance Checklist
Regular preventative maintenance can help reduce unexpected issues during a traveler's stay.
Consider routinely checking:
Smoke detectors.
Carbon monoxide detectors.
Fire extinguishers.
HVAC filters.
Heating and cooling systems.
Plumbing fixtures.
Under-sink areas.
Toilets.
Water heaters.
Appliances.
Pest activity.
Exterior lighting.
Door locks.
Windows.
Roof and gutters, when applicable.
Yard or landscaping.
Wi-Fi and internet equipment.
The appropriate schedule will depend on the property, equipment, climate, and manufacturer recommendations.
Stay Responsive During the Reservation
Even when you manage remotely, travelers should be able to get help when something goes wrong.
Make sure:
Vidle Housing notifications are enabled.
You regularly monitor messages.
Your account information is current.
A trusted local contact is available for urgent property issues when possible.
Keep reservation communication on Vidle Housing whenever possible so there's a clear record of messages and any reported concerns.
When a Problem Is Found
Address issues promptly if you or your local team discovers:
Visible property damage.
Safety hazards.
Active plumbing leaks.
Loss of heating or cooling during extreme weather.
Pest infestations.
Broken locks or security concerns.
Nonfunctioning essential appliances.
Unsanitary conditions.
Other urgent maintenance problems.
If an issue affects an active traveler reservation, communicate with the traveler promptly and contact Vidle Housing Support when assistance is needed.
Final Turnover Checklist
Before every new arrival, confirm:
Property professionally cleaned or thoroughly reset.
Fresh bedding and towels provided.
Kitchen and bathroom sanitized.
Trash and previous belongings removed.
Appliances working.
Wi-Fi working.
Heating and cooling operational.
No visible leaks or pest issues.
Safety equipment checked.
Entry system tested.
Access codes updated when appropriate.
Check-in instructions accurate.
Parking information current.
Starter supplies restocked when provided.
Final condition photos taken.
A consistent cleaning, inspection, and turnover process helps protect your property while giving healthcare travelers a comfortable, reliable place to call home during their assignment.