Questions to ask prospective Airbnb cleaner

[Collin S.]

When interviewing prospective short term rental cleaning services, what kind of questions should we be asking and what's important to look for when evaluating a new company?

[Michael Greenberg]

Good questions Collin!  They are so VERY critical to your success - build a strong relationship with who you hire - they'll do you favors if you take care of them.  I learned over the years the following and you can certainly formulate questions from these:

1.  I need to be able to host same day reservations, which means I need availability every day of the week for my next guest.

2.  Since I live remotely, I would like to send you "consumable" items to restock and I need you to let me know when things are running low

3.  I need soaps and other disposable items refilled and/or replaced

4.  You're my eyes when it comes to damage and I need you to send me photos so I can file claims - and don't hesitate to send them even if you think it's "nothing major"

5.  I originally had my cleaners do the wash and wait for it, but now they take it to a laundry service for cleaning, which means I have LOTS of towels and sheets.  Helps to control costs if you're paying by the hour, more importantly keeps them happy.

6.  I need you to bring your own cleaning supplies, mop and a bucket, though I will supply a vacuum and broom as I don't have a place to store them for you.

7.  I need my places to be spotless every single time and cannot afford to have them left unfinished because I run the risk of a bad review which could affect how often I have you clean

8.  I will notify you how many sets of bed and pool/spa towels I need you to leave for the next guest

That's about it off the top of my head. Know that you will be a potential BIG client of your cleaning crew as it is unlikely their regular clients will have them clean as often as you will have them clean your STR.

Did I say build a strong relationship and they are critical?  Just reiterating the importance.

I also use an app called Turnoverbnb (I don't use their cleaners tho) as it is free and allows me to automatically schedule cleanings and your crew will have their own mobile access to the app as well.  I use the notes section of this APP to notify them of how many towels to leave.

Hope that gets you started.

Mike