Maine's Cleaning and Safety Standards for Professional Vacation Rental Operations

As travel resumes to the state of Maine, professional vacation rental managers remain dedicated to the safety and health of their staff, guests, owners, properties, and communities. To ensure the highest level of cleanliness and safety at each property, professional managers should adhere to the following rigorous rules and regulations drafted by the Northeast Vacation Rental Professionals (NEVRP).

Cleanliness & Sanitation

  • Reinforce detailed, comprehensive cleaning protocols between each stay at each property that adhere to guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and state and local regulations. Follow EPA recommendations for approved disinfecting products and solutions.
     
  • Disinfect and sanitize all high-touch surfaces at each property. This includes wiping down any and all items that guests, owners and service-providers come into contact with, including keys, doorknobs, tabletops, appliances, electronics, and light switches.
     
  • Clean all linens, towels and laundry at a commercial-grade laundry facility and in accordance with CDC guidelines. Eliminate excess contact and minimize potential spread of germs by bagging dirty linen during transport.
     

Quality Assurance & Preventative Maintenance

  • Independently inspect each property for compliance with cleaning, safety and maintenance protocols prior to each guest arrival.
     
  • Ensure the overall health, safety and quality of each property with routine preventative maintenance, including testing of mechanicals, maintaining appliances, testing smoke and CO detectors, and confirming access to fire extinguishers.
      

Workforce Safety & Staff Management

  • Provide comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training to all employees and ensure the same for vendors and service providers, including detailed cleanliness and disinfection protocols, staff and guest safety procedures, and regular updates on CDC and state guidelines.
     
  • Require appropriate use of OSHA mandated and CDC recommended equipment, including masks and gloves, when accessing and performing work at each property and provide the necessary training and equipment for staff to adhere to state or local regulations and guidance.
     
  • Monitor the health and safety of employees and service partners at vacation rental workplaces by implementing policies and procedures recommended by the CDC and state and local authorities, including remote work, testing, and disclosures.
     

Guest Safety & Communication

  • Communicate with guests before arrival and throughout the stay on safety and health protocols, including steps to help ensure guest safety, reminders to practice social distancing while outside the rental property, the location of healthcare facilities and test centers, and information on local curfews, restrictions, and closures.
     
  • Provide arrival and departure instructions to guests by phone, email or SMS. Encourage remote check-in and implement procedures that minimize in-person staff interactions and office visits.
     

Reporting & Verification

  • Implement an internal system of record to track and verify adherence with cleaning protocols, safety and property care, monitor staff interactions with property and guests, and ensure compliance and preparation of safe accommodations. Confirm the ability to share detailed records externally as necessary.
     

Help Shape Maine's Vacation Rental Regulation

By submitting my information below, I affirm that I support that the above rules and regulations be applied across all vacation rental properties in the state of Maine.