Short Term Rental Cleaning Contractor

Career Guide

A Short Term Rental Cleaning Contractor provides turnover cleaning between guest stays for vacation rentals. The work focuses on fast, consistent cleaning, restocking essentials, reporting damage, and preparing the home to meet guest expectations and host standards.

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Key Responsibilities

Complete full-home cleaning within scheduled turnover windows
Sanitize kitchens and bathrooms to guest-ready standards
Change and launder linens or coordinate linen service drop off and pickup
Restock consumables such as soap, paper goods, and coffee supplies
Stage the space for photos and guest arrival, including bed making and basic organizing
Inspect for damage, missing items, and maintenance issues
Report issues with photos and clear notes to the host or property manager
Follow checklists and property-specific instructions
Manage keys, lock codes, and entry procedures securely
Dispose of trash and recycling according to local rules
Coordinate timing with guests, maintenance, and property managers
Maintain supplies, tools, and safe chemical handling practices

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Reliability

Customer Service Mindset

Communication

Independent Work

Turnover Cleaning

Checklist Execution

Linen Handling

Supply Inventory Management

Damage Documentation

Safe Chemical Use

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Lead Cleaner

Quality Inspector

Cleaning Team Supervisor

Short Term Rental Turnover Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

Property Management Assistant

Short Term Rental Operations Coordinator

Housekeeping Manager

Facilities Coordinator

Cleaning Business Owner

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Standardized Quality ControlScheduling CoordinationProfessional Photo ReportingPricing and EstimatingSupply Cost ControlClient Relationship Management

Development SuggestionsAdopt a consistent checklist for every property, take clear before and after photos, track time per room to improve estimates, and set up a simple system for supplies and restocking. Ask hosts for written standards and review guest feedback to spot recurring issues.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level20 to 30 USD per hour or 60 to 110 USD per turnover

Mid Level30 to 45 USD per hour or 110 to 170 USD per turnover

Senior Level45 to 70 USD per hour or 170 to 250 USD per turnover

Growth Trend

Steady demand in many markets, with spikes during travel seasons and higher expectations for cleanliness and fast turnarounds.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Short term rental property management companiesVacation rental management firmsResidential cleaning service companiesBoutique hospitality operatorsCo-host service providers

Industry Sectors

Short Term RentalsHospitalityProperty ManagementCleaning ServicesReal Estate Services

Recommended Next Steps

Build a property-specific turnover checklist template you can reuse

Create a simple rate card for studios, one-bedroom homes, and larger homes

Set up a system for photo updates and issue reporting after each clean

Standardize your kit with labeled supplies and backup essentials

Collect reviews from hosts and property managers and add them to a short portfolio

Learn local rules for waste disposal and safe chemical storage

Network with local short term rental property managers and co-hosts for repeat work

Track your average turnover time and adjust pricing based on scope and urgency