Turnover cleaning is for short-term rental hosts and landlords who need a property reset between guests or tenants. It covers the cleaning itself, plus linen changes, restocking, and a quick check for damage or left-behind items. Speed and consistency matter because the next guest may arrive within hours, and cleanliness is something guests notice and mention in reviews.
A turnover differs from a standard clean because it's timed around checkout and check-in windows and follows a readiness checklist: beds made with fresh linens, towels set out, supplies restocked, trash removed. It isn't the same as a deep clean either. Many hosts schedule a deeper clean every few months and rely on turnovers in between.
Coordination is the hard part. Ask providers how they learn about bookings, whether they can sync with your Airbnb or VRBO calendar, how they handle access with a lockbox or smart lock, and what happens with last-minute bookings. Austin has its own rules for short-term rentals, which this page doesn't cover, so check with the city about your property.
What's typically included
Exact checklists vary by provider, so confirm what you're getting when you receive quotes.
Kitchen
- Wipe counters and appliances
- Clean the sink and sanitize high-touch surfaces
- Empty trash and reset dishes
- Restock basics if you supply them
Bathrooms
- Disinfect toilets, showers, and sinks
- Set out fresh towels
- Restock toilet paper and soap
- Mop floors
Bedrooms
- Strip and remake beds with fresh linens
- Dust and vacuum
- Check under beds and in drawers for left items
Living areas
- Tidy and reset decor and remotes
- Vacuum and mop
- Wipe tables and switches
- Take out trash
What's usually not included
- Laundry done off-site, unless you agree on it (ask who handles it)
- Buying linens, towels, or supplies
- Deep-clean tasks such as inside the oven or baseboard scrubbing
- Repairs and maintenance
- Cleanup after heavy damage or pest problems
What affects the price
Providers set their own prices, so quotes will differ. These are the usual factors.
Unit size. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms sets the baseline time.
Linen handling. Providers who launder linens charge differently from those who swap in clean sets you supply.
Volume. Hosts with frequent turnovers often negotiate a better per-clean rate.
Same-day or rush. Tight windows between checkout and check-in can cost more.
Extras. Restocking, inspection photos, and a guest-ready report may be priced separately.
How to prepare
- Write a clear readiness checklist the provider can follow every time.
- Set up access with a lockbox or smart lock, and share the codes securely.
- Keep at least two or three sets of linens per bed so turnovers don't wait on the laundry.
- Keep supplies in a known spot, such as a closet for paper goods and toiletries.
- Share your booking calendar and tell the provider how to reach you about changes.
- Decide what should happen with items guests leave behind.
Frequently asked questions
Can cleaners handle same-day turnovers?
Many can, but it depends on the provider's schedule and your checkout and check-in times. Share your usual windows when you request quotes, and ask what happens if a guest checks out late.
Who provides the linens?
It varies. Some hosts supply their own sets and the cleaner swaps them, while some providers launder linens for an additional charge. Decide who handles laundry before the first booking.
How do cleaners get into the property?
Most hosts use a lockbox or smart lock with a code the provider can use. Agree on how codes are shared and changed, and whether the cleaner needs to confirm when they arrive and leave.
Can the cleaner restock supplies?
Often yes, if you keep supplies on site. Some providers will also tell you when you're running low, or can purchase items for a fee. Ask what's included.
What about last-minute bookings?
Availability for short-notice cleans varies. Providers with more than one cleaner often handle them better, so ask how they cover gaps and whether there's a rush fee.