Cleaning and turnover checklist for short-stay rentals
Last updated 11 Nov 2026
Clean apartments earn good reviews, and good reviews earn bookings. A repeatable turnover routine keeps quality steady even when you manage many properties. Use this checklist for every checkout.
Before cleaning
- Check the apartment for damage or missing items and report them straight away.
- Collect used linen and towels.
- Note any consumables that are running low.
Cleaning
- Kitchen: wash dishes, wipe surfaces and appliances, empty the bin and fridge.
- Bathrooms: clean toilet, shower and sink, replace towels and toiletries.
- Bedrooms: change bed linen, vacuum or sweep, check under beds.
- Living areas: dust, wipe and check remotes, air conditioner and Wi-Fi.
After cleaning
- Take photos of each main area, up to six.
- Restock supplies and note anything to buy.
- Lock up and mark the task done.
Make it automatic
In Makanzaa, each check-out creates a cleaning task for that property and assigns it to a cleaner. The cleaner sees a simple mobile list, marks the task done and uploads one to six photos. Owners can see the cleaning photos in their portal.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prove an apartment was cleaned?
Ask the cleaner to upload photos of each main area after every turnover and keep them with the task.
How many photos should a cleaner take?
Between three and six photos of the main areas is usually enough: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living area.
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