Turnover
Turnover (also called changeover) is the process of preparing a vacation rental property between one guest's departure and the next guest's arrival. It includes cleaning, linen changes, restocking amenities, inspecting for damage, and ensuring the property meets quality standards. Efficient turnover management is crucial for maintaining high guest satisfaction and maximizing bookable nights. Property managers often use task management software to coordinate cleaning teams and automate turnover scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a vacation rental turnover take?
A typical turnover takes 2–4 hours depending on property size. Efficient property managers use checklists and task management tools to ensure consistent quality and minimize the time between check-out and the next check-in.
What should a vacation rental turnover checklist include?
A standard turnover checklist includes stripping and remaking all beds, laundering linens and towels, deep cleaning bathrooms and kitchen, vacuuming and mopping all floors, checking and restocking supplies (toiletries, coffee, paper goods), inspecting for damage or maintenance issues, taking out trash and recycling, and resetting the property to a photo-ready state.
How can I reduce turnover costs for my vacation rental?
To reduce turnover costs, streamline your cleaning process with standardized checklists, invest in durable and easy-to-clean furnishings, use a task management system to schedule cleaners efficiently, negotiate bulk rates with cleaning teams, and extend your average length of stay to reduce turnover frequency. Property management platforms like Hostaway automate turnover scheduling based on checkout events, reducing coordination time and ensuring consistent quality.
How do I manage same-day turnovers between guests?
Same-day turnover means cleaning and preparing the property between one guest's checkout and the next guest's check-in on the same day. To manage this effectively, set checkout time at least 4–5 hours before check-in time, have a reliable cleaning team on standby, use automated task notifications that alert cleaners immediately upon checkout, and maintain backup supplies pre-staged at the property. A PMS with integrated task management ensures the cleaning team is notified instantly and the next guest receives check-in instructions once the turnover is confirmed complete.
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