airbnb turnover checklist

Standard Operating Procedure: Short-Term Rental Turnover Protocol

Document ID: SOP-OPS-[]
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: []
Review Cycle: Quarterly

1. Purpose & Scope

This document defines the standardized workflow for transitioning [Property Name] between guest stays. The scope includes cleaning, maintenance assessment, inventory replenishment, and safety verification to ensure a 5-star guest experience.

2. Prerequisites

• Access: Digital lock code for [Property Name], master key set.
• Cleaning Kit: Multi-surface cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant, microfiber cloths, vacuum, mop.
• Supplies: Fresh linens (sets: [__________]), toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.), coffee/tea pods, paper products.
• Technology: Smartphone with [App Name] for photo verification.

3. Roles & Responsibilities (RACI)

R = Responsible, A = Accountable, C = Consulted, I = Informed

4. Step-by-Step Procedure

Phase 1: Entry and Assessment

• Verify unit status via [PMS System Name].
• Perform a walk-through to identify damages or missing items.
• Take time-stamped photos of all rooms for documentation.
• Open windows to ventilate the space.

Phase 2: Stripping and Sanitation

• Strip all beds, gather towels, and place in laundry bags.
• Clear all trash and recycling from bathrooms, kitchen, and bedrooms.
• Dust all surfaces, including ceiling fans and baseboards.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch areas: light switches, remotes, door handles.
• Scrub bathrooms (toilet, shower, sink, mirrors).

Phase 3: Kitchen and Living Areas

• Load and run the dishwasher; put dishes away once clean.
• Wipe down all countertops, appliances, and cabinet fronts.
• Vacuum/mop floors, moving light furniture to ensure full coverage.
• Check inside the refrigerator/freezer and discard previous guest items.

Phase 4: Reset and Replenishment

• Remake beds with clean linens according to [Bedding Standard].
• Place fresh towel sets in bathrooms.
• Restock consumables (coffee, sugar, toilet paper, shampoo).
• Ensure [Welcome Guide] is visible and in good condition.

Phase 5: Final Quality Assurance

• Check all light bulbs and replace as necessary.
• Verify all appliances are functioning (test microwave, coffee maker).
• Secure all windows and blinds.
• Set thermostat to [Target Temperature].
• Perform final door lock check and submit digital report.

5. Quality Assurance, Pro-tips, and Pitfalls

• QA: Use the "smell test" and "white glove" check on high-visibility surfaces.
• Pro-Tip: Keep a "maintenance bin" in the utility closet for immediate repairs (extra batteries, light bulbs, command strips).
• Common Pitfall: Forgetting to check the inside of the oven or the dryer lint trap. Always verify these during Phase 3.

6. FAQs

Q: What should I do if I find damage caused by the previous guest?
A: Document the damage immediately with high-resolution photos, notify the property manager via [Communication Channel], and do not attempt repairs that require professional licensing.

Q: How do I handle items left behind by guests?
A: Place non-perishable items in the "Lost & Found" bin, log them in the [Digital Log], and notify the property manager. Discard perishable items immediately.