VACATION RENTAL TURNOVER INSPECTION SHEET
Turnover Standard Operating Procedure
Complete each checklist item thoroughly between guest departure and incoming guest arrival. The SOP includes 24 core room-by-room tasks (mandatory across all property turnovers) plus 4 property-specific amenity checks.
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Strip and inspect all bed linens: Check pillow protectors, mattress pads, and duvets for stains, makeup, or rips before laundering. Tip: If stains are found, take an immediate photo before treating.
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Make beds with clean, fresh linen sets: Fit hospital corners, smooth duvet flat, and arrange decorative pillows neatly.
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Inspect under the bed and inside drawers: Look under bed frames, inside nightstand drawers, and closet shelves for items left by previous guests.
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Dust all bedroom surfaces: Wipe nightstands, headboards, lampshades, window sills, and ceiling fan blades.
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Verify charging and lighting: Check bedside lamp bulbs and confirm phone charger outlets / extension cords are functional.
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Inspect windows, locks, and blinds: Ensure window latches lock securely; verify blinds or blackout curtains open and close smoothly without tangled cords.
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Sanitize toilet bowl and exterior: Disinfect seat, lid, tank, and base thoroughly; lower the lid after cleaning.
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Scrub shower walls, glass, and tub: Remove all soap scum and hard water residue. Dry shower glass completely to eliminate streaks.
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Clear sink and shower drains: Check that drains flow freely with zero trapped hair or debris.
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Stage fresh bathroom linens: Provide 2 clean bath towels, 1 hand towel, and 1 washcloth per registered guest count; place 1 clean bath mat.
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Restock essential toiletries: Ensure liquid soap, shampoo, and conditioner bottles are at least 75% full; provide 2 full rolls of toilet paper.
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Empty wastebasket: Disinfect trash can interior, replace with fresh liner, and shine mirror streak-free.
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Clear and wipe refrigerator & freezer: Discard all leftover perishable foods; sanitize door handles, shelves, and crisper drawers.
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Wash, dry, and stow all dishes: Empty dishwasher; verify plates, glasses, and silverware in cabinets are grease-free and neatly stacked.
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Clean cooktop, oven, and microwave: Wipe down stove burners, degrease hood filters, and clean turntable inside microwave.
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Service coffee station: Discard used coffee grounds/pods, wipe drip tray, and ensure water reservoir is emptied and clean.
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Replenish kitchen starter supplies: Place 1 fresh sponge, clean dish towel, dish detergent, and 2 extra trash bags under the sink.
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Wipe counters and sink: Disinfect kitchen countertops, scrub stainless steel sink basin, and polish the faucet fixture.
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Vacuum sofa and check between cushions: Remove hidden crumbs, pet dander, and check for dropped coins or cables.
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Vacuum rugs and mop hard surface floors: Work backward toward the exit so no footprints remain on wet floors.
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Test entertainment & WiFi: Confirm smart TV turns on, streaming accounts from prior guests are logged out, and WiFi info card is visible.
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Check safety devices: Confirm smoke detector and carbon monoxide indicator lights show active green status; ensure fire extinguisher is in place.
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Set thermostat & entrance lock: Adjust AC/heating to standard arrival temp (e.g., 70°F / 21°C); test smart lock keypad or lockbox latch.
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Inspect remote controls & electrical outlets: Confirm batteries in all TV and A/C remote controls are functional; check exposed wall outlets and lamp cords for damage.
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Pool & Hot Tub Check (if applicable): Skim surface debris, check water clarity and chemical levels, secure safety gate latch.
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Patio & BBQ Grill (if applicable): Scrape grill grates clean, empty grease trap tray, check propane tank gauge, wipe outdoor seating.
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Indoor Fireplace / Wood Stove (if applicable): Safely remove cooled ash, clean soot off glass door, restock dry firestarter wood.
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Pet-Friendly Rentals (if applicable): Use lint roller on couch upholstery, inspect yard for pet waste, clean pet food/water bowls.
⚖️ Airbnb AirCover & Damage Documentation Guidance
If cleaners discover guest-caused damage or excessive mess during turnover, documenting condition objectively before commencing repairs or cleanups is critical:
- 14-Day Filing Window: According to Airbnb's Host Damage Protection guidelines (Help Center Article 279), hosts must submit a reimbursement request through the Resolution Center within 14 days of the responsible guest checking out.
- Evidentiary Materials: Depending on the nature and severity of the claim, Airbnb resolution specialists typically review photos or video of the damage, professional repair or cleaning estimates, and/or original receipts or proof of purchase.
- Objective Visual Proof: Unverified chat messages or undated screenshots can introduce dispute ambiguity. Objective, time-stamped visual documentation captured immediately during the turnover window provides clear factual context.
Looking to Automate Turnover Verification Without Forcing App Downloads?
Paper checklists work well on clipboards. When managing turnovers remotely with third-party cleaners or turnover crews, Veproof offers a lightweight browser-based photo verification tool designed to eliminate field friction:
1. Zero App Downloads
Dispatch a single-use web link via WhatsApp or SMS. Cleaners tap the link in their mobile browser—no account creation required.
2. Device Camera Stamping
The link directly invokes the mobile camera with real-time GPS location coordinates and timestamp metadata, ensuring photos reflect current presence.
3. Same-Angle Comparison
Semi-transparent ghost overlays guide cleaners to photograph the exact same angle as the clean reference baseline, making remote review instant.