Short-term rental turnover checklist
From one guest’s checkout to the next guest’s arrival: what to do, in order, so nothing slips when you’re short on time.
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Time: 2 to 4 hours
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The day before
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Two sets per bed save you when the washer can’t keep up.
At checkout
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Take dated photos of any damage and report it to the booking platform quickly: claim windows are short.
Cleaning, in order
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The laundry runs while you clean.
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Rusty or dark spots, shed skins or tiny insects can mean bed bugs. It’s better to catch them now.
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Follow the label: the surface must stay wet for the full contact time. Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner.
Checks and restocking
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The U.S. Fire Administration says to test both at least once a month. Replace any alarm that doesn’t sound.
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Short-term rental rules are local. In Scotland, every short-term let needs a license from the council.
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If the next guest reports a problem, you can show how you left it.
When the next guest arrives
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In the UK, it’s the law: name and nationality of every guest 16 and over, passport details for most foreign guests, kept for at least 12 months.
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Many states and cities charge it; some booking platforms collect it for you, some don’t.
Ready for the next guest
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Good to know
- Rules for short-term rentals are set locally: permits, registration numbers, occupancy limits and lodging taxes change from city to city. Check your city’s and county’s websites.
- In the US, since May 2025, the FTC’s fee rule applies to vacation rentals: mandatory fees such as cleaning must be included in the total price you advertise.
- UK: Scotland requires a license for every short-term let; Wales requires registration by 31 March 2027; England plans a national register. In England, you’re also responsible for a written fire risk assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a turnover take?
It depends on the size of the place and how the last guests left it. What usually decides the pace is the laundry: keeping a second set of linens for every bed takes the pressure off.
What if I find signs of bed bugs?
Don’t move the bedding around the house: bag it, block the room and call a pest professional before the next guest arrives. Bed bugs are hard to get rid of on your own.
Next step
I’m not an accountant or a financial advisor. This is an estimate, for information only. Check with a professional before you decide.
Sources
- CDC — When and how to clean and disinfect your home
- CDC — How to safely clean with bleach
- EPA — How to find bed bugs
- U.S. Fire Administration — Smoke alarms
- U.S. Fire Administration — Carbon monoxide
- FTC — Rule on unfair or deceptive fees: questions and answers
- Scottish Government — Short-term lets licensing scheme
- Welsh Government — Registering visitor accommodation
- GOV.UK — Fire safety for small paying guest accommodation (England)
- UK legislation — Immigration (Hotel Records) Order 1972
Permits, lodging taxes and safety rules depend on your city, county and state: if in doubt, ask your local government or a professional.