Key takeaways

  • Use the same checklist on every turn so every guest walks into the same result.
  • A turnover is three jobs: clean, restock and report.
  • Build a realistic window between check-out and check-in.
  • Schedule deep cleans between busy seasons, not during them.

Before the crew arrives

  • Share the booking calendar or turnover schedule
  • Set up access: lockbox, smart lock code or key handoff
  • Decide how linens are handled: on-site sets, laundry or swap
  • Stock a locked owner closet with backup supplies
  • Write down anything specific to the property (thermostat settings, blinds, where things go)

Turnover checklist

Kitchen

  • Dishes washed and put away
  • Counters, sink and stovetop cleaned
  • Refrigerator checked and emptied of guest food
  • Microwave and coffee maker cleaned
  • Trash and recycling emptied, bins wiped

Bathrooms

  • Toilet, shower, tub and sink cleaned
  • Mirrors and fixtures polished
  • Fresh towels set out
  • Toilet paper, soap and toiletries restocked
  • Hair removed from drains and floors

Bedrooms and living areas

  • Beds made with fresh linens
  • Surfaces dusted
  • Floors vacuumed and mopped
  • Under beds and furniture checked for left items
  • Remote controls, lamps and chargers in place

Guest-ready details

  • Wi-Fi and house information card in place
  • Thermostat set to your check-in setting
  • Blinds and lights set
  • Entry swept and welcoming

Restock list

  • Toilet paper and paper towels
  • Hand soap, dish soap and dishwasher detergent
  • Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
  • Trash bags
  • Coffee, filters and basic pantry items you provide
  • Laundry detergent if guests can use a washer

What to report after each turn

  • Damage or anything broken
  • Missing items
  • Supplies running low
  • Maintenance issues: leaks, lights out, appliances not working
  • Items guests left behind

A short note after each turn lets you fix problems before the next guest finds them.

Planning the turnover window

The window between check-out and check-in is the most important number in your turnover plan. Set it from how long real turns take at your property, not from a guess, and keep a buffer for late check-outs and messier stays.

  • Back-to-back bookings need the tightest plan, so decide ahead of time what happens if a guest checks out late.
  • Laundry done on site can be the longest part of a turn. Spare linen sets shorten it.
  • Larger homes and properties with outdoor areas need longer windows.

Keeping quality consistent

  • Keep reference photos of how each room should look when guest-ready
  • Use the same bed and towel setup every turn
  • Label where supplies and extra linens are stored
  • Add anything guests mention in reviews to the checklist

Seasonal deep clean checklist

  • Baseboards, doors and door frames
  • Inside cabinets and drawers
  • Inside the oven, refrigerator and microwave
  • Windows, sills and tracks
  • Mattress and pillow protectors washed or replaced
  • Patio, balcony and outdoor furniture
  • Grill and outdoor cooking areas, if provided

Deep cleans between busy seasons

Turnovers keep a rental guest-ready. A seasonal deep clean handles what turnovers do not: baseboards, inside cabinets, behind appliances, windows and exterior areas. Schedule it in a slower week between seasons.

Opora Services schedules rental turnovers from your calendar. Request a quote.

Common questions

How long does a turnover take?

It depends on the size of the property, how the last guests left it and how linens are handled. Time your first few turns and set your check-out to check-in window from there.

Should the cleaning crew handle laundry?

It can work either way. Decide early whether linens are washed on site, sent out or swapped from spare sets, because it changes how long a turn takes.

What should a host provide versus the cleaner?

Most hosts provide linens, towels, toiletries and guest supplies, and agree up front on cleaning products and equipment. Put the arrangement in writing.

How should damage be documented?

Photos with a short note right after the turn, before the next guest arrives, give you what you need to follow up.

How often should a rental get a deep clean?

Many hosts deep clean between busy seasons, plus whenever reviews or turnover notes point to a problem.

Written by Opora Services in Sacramento, California. Last updated September 2026.