When it comes to running a successful vacation rental or short-term rental, cleanliness is king.
In fact, cleanliness is often the most important factor for guests.
Nothing disappoints a guest faster—or triggers a poor review—than walking into a property that doesn’t feel impeccably clean and sanitary.
And here’s the kicker: your ability to consistently earn 5-star cleanliness ratings directly impacts your property’s revenue potential. Higher ratings mean better visibility, more bookings, and the ability to charge premium rates.
The right turnover team isn’t just helping you clean; they’re helping you build a profitable STR rental business.
Let’s dive into how to find, vet, and build a dream team of turnover professionals who will keep your vacation rental sparkling—and your business thriving.
Why Your Cleaner is the MVP of Your Short-Term Rental
Your turnover team will spend more time inside your property than you will.
They’ll spot the small problems before they become big issues—leaky sinks, guest damage, low supplies—and their work directly influences your guest experience.
Open communication with your cleaner or turnover team is non-negotiable.
Whether you’re self-managing or working with a property management system, your cleaner should feel like a trusted extension of your operation.
Setting Expectations: Why a Request for Proposal (RFP) Matters
Before hiring a cleaner, always come prepared with a customized Request for Proposal (RFP).
This document spells out everything you expect during a standard turnover:
-
Full list of cleaning tasks
-
Laundry (sheets, towels)
-
Supply restocking and inventory checks
-
Required turnover photos
-
Outdoor space maintenance (patios, decks, outdoor furniture)
-
Hot tub maintenance (if applicable)
-
Maintenance issue and guest damage reporting process
We highly recommend doing a full walkthrough of the property with the cleaner, reviewing the RFP line-by-line.
If they mention something you didn’t think of, discuss it and add it in.
This is crucial for making sure that when you compare bids, you’re comparing apples to apples—not apples to oranges to pears.
A clear, detailed RFP ensures fairness, clarity, and far fewer surprises later on.
Defining a “Turnover Clean” vs. a “Deep Clean”
Not all cleans are created equal, and misunderstanding this can hurt your bottom line.
-
Turnover Clean: A solid, medium-level clean designed to meet guest expectations without unnecessary deep work.
-
Deep Clean: A periodic, scheduled service that tackles fan blades, behind appliances, baseboards, oven interiors, and more.
💡 Pro Tip: Stick to regular turnover cleans in between guests, and schedule deep cleans periodically during slower seasons when your calendar allows. This keeps your property pristine without overburdening your turnover team or inflating your cleaning fees.
Vetting Potential Turnover Partners Like a Pro
A strong turnover team does more than clean. Here’s what you want to ask and uncover:
-
Experience: How long have they been cleaning STR properties? (Not just residential homes!)
-
Workload: How many properties do they service? Are they growing or stable?
-
Backup Coverage: Solo cleaner or a full team? If it’s just one or two people, you need a backup plan.
-
Consistency: Will the same people be cleaning your home every time?
-
Reliability: Can they reliably complete turnovers within a typical 5-hour window for same-day check-ins?
-
Ratings & References:
-
How many 5-star reviews do they have?
-
How do they handle guest complaints?
-
Will they re-clean or fix issues immediately if something is missed?
-
What’s their communication style and attitude?
-
-
Calendar Integration: Will they sync with your PMS and use Turno for real-time notifications and task management?
Sync Up for Success: Use Turno
We ask all our cleaners to use Turno to sync with our PMS calendar.
Turno automatically notifies cleaners of new bookings, allows them to accept cleans, and provides:
-
Custom checklists
-
Photo examples of how each room should look (e.g., how the bed should be made, how towels are folded and displayed, how the kitchen setup should appear)
-
Special instructions for things like grills, propane, and outdoor spaces
-
A simple system for reporting maintenance issues and guest damage with attached photos
This ensures that every guest check-in feels just like the property photos online—consistent, polished, and professional.
Pricing Reality Check: Understand the Market
Before you even sit down with a potential cleaner, do your homework.
Look at comparable short-term rentals in your market and their cleaning fees.
If a cleaner’s bid seems way off (either too high or too low), it could signal a misunderstanding of the job’s scope—and you want to catch that before contracts are signed.
Why Having a Backup Cleaner is Smart Business
Emergencies happen. Even the best turnover professionals can have a flat tire, a sick day, or a scheduling snafu.
Backup cleaners are essential—especially if you’re working with a small team or a solo cleaner.
Having a Plan B ensures you can always meet guest expectations without stress or panic.
The Human Factor: Personality Fit
Technical skills are vital, but personality fit matters too.
You’ll be communicating regularly with your turnover team.
If the relationship feels strained, if communication styles clash, or if you feel your standards aren’t aligned, it’s better to move on early—even if the price seems right.
A Rockstar Cleaner Does More Than Clean
Look for a turnover team that:
-
Notices maintenance issues and guest damage
-
Manages inventory proactively
-
Can accept deliveries and install supplies
-
Handles trash removal and outdoor space cleanup
-
Provides their own cleaning supplies and equipment (make this expectation clear in your RFP!)
-
Has a process for handling bulky linens like comforters, mattress covers, or large loads that may need to be taken off-site for professional cleaning when necessary
These little extras are what separate a good turnover team from a great one.
Show Appreciation: Build Loyalty
A turnover relationship is a long-term partnership.
One of the best ways to keep your team happy and motivated is simple: show appreciation.
We often reward our turnover teams with:
-
Holiday bonuses after a great year
-
Thank you bonuses after a particularly challenging turnover or busy season
A little gratitude goes a long way toward building a loyal, dedicated cleaning partner who’s willing to go the extra mile for you and your property.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Turnover Team and Watch Your STR Thrive
Finding the right turnover cleaner isn’t just about finding someone who cleans.
It’s about finding a professional who understands your brand, your standards, and your mission to deliver a 5-star guest experience every single time.
Invest the time upfront in vetting, setting expectations, and building trust—and you’ll build a short-term rental operation that thrives for years to come.
