Ensuring top-tier housekeeping is crucial for delivering an exceptional guest experience in vacation rentals. At our recent ELEVATE 2025 Property Operations Summit, industry experts Jonathan Wicks (Well & Good Professional Services), Greer Monahan (The Cottages on the Key), Brad Delano (Beach Getaways), and Logan Robison (Same Day Turn) shared their best housekeeping practices. Here are their top insights to help vacation rental hosts and property managers streamline operations, improve cleanliness, and boost guest satisfaction.

1. Compensate housekeepers for each task

Jonathan Wicks emphasized the importance of fairly compensating housekeepers for every task they perform, from cleaning to laundering and restocking supplies. By assigning distinct pay rates for different responsibilities, businesses can improve accountability, efficiency, and respect for the specialized skills involved. “Laundering is a profession in and of itself, and if you’re asking housekeepers to take on that role, they should be compensated separately for it,” Wicks noted.

2. Utilize a professional linen service

Managing linens can be one of the biggest operational challenges. Greer Monahan shared her experience of transitioning to a linen service, which has significantly improved efficiency. “We’ve gone through multiple linen companies, but now that we’ve found the right one, our cleaners can focus solely on cleaning, which speeds up turnover and ensures consistency,” she explained. A professional linen service simplifies inventory management and ensures that fresh, quality linens are always available.

3. Implement a quality assurance inspection system

Brad Delano introduced the 15-minute rule for quality assurance inspectors to maintain high standards. “If an inspector finds an issue that can be fixed in under 15 minutes, they handle it immediately. If it requires more, we issue a callback task to the housekeeping team in Breezeway,” he shared. This approach minimizes guest complaints and reduces the need for last-minute corrections that could delay check-ins.

• Pro Tip: “Equip inspectors with flashlights to thoroughly inspect, especially around toilets and in bathrooms, with a flashlight they’ll really be able to catch everything.” - Logan Robison, Same Day Turn

4. Provide cleaners with essential guest information

Logan Robison stressed the value of arming cleaners with detailed guest information to prepare them for the job ahead. “If we know a guest had a pet or stayed for an extended period, cleaners can anticipate additional work and plan accordingly,” he explained. Transparency about guest stays helps cleaners allocate their time efficiently and deliver a more thorough clean.

5. Require before-and-after photos for accountability

To ensure work is properly documented, Jonathan Wicks suggested using Breezeway Checklists to require both before and after photos. “Having before photos not only shows what work was done but also helps identify damages before the cleaner starts,” he said. Greer Monahan added that especially focusing on the details guests see like trash bins, doorknobs, and kitchen areas ensures that common guest complaints are proactively addressed.

6. Establish mid-stay cleans for longer bookings

For extended stays, Greer Monahan recommended scheduling mandatory mid-stay cleans, particularly for pet-friendly properties. “It allows us to assess property condition, prevent excessive buildup, and ensure a smoother final turnover,” she said. By incorporating these check-ins, property managers can better maintain their rentals and address potential issues before they escalate.

7. Track callbacks and performance metrics

Brad Delano highlighted the importance of monitoring callbacks to ensure quality control. “We track callback rates on a percentage basis to fairly evaluate housekeeping service partners,” he noted. Providing regular feedback based on performance metrics helps maintain high cleaning standards and fosters accountability.

8. Use checklists with built-in accountability

Checklists help ensure consistency, but cleaners may rush through them, especially as they get familiar with the property. Logan Robison also suggested using Breezeway's customizable checklists to incorporate easter eggs into the checklist with small incentives, such as “If you’re reading this, text me for a $5 gift card,” to encourage thoroughness. Additionally, having cleaners sign their name upon completion of the checklist to sign off on property readiness adds an extra layer of accountability. If the property is not guest-ready, instead of signing they can use this field to identify the issue, for example, “broken bed”, to further communicate and call out issues that need to be addressed before guest arrival.

Elevate your housekeeping standards

From fair compensation to quality control measures and proactive communication, these expert-backed housekeeping tips can transform your vacation rental operations. Implementing these strategies will enhance guest satisfaction and streamline your processes for long-term success. Start implementing these changes today and take your property operations to the next level!

View all of the expert resources shared during ELEVATE 2025 and the full session recordings to continue elevating your property operations.