Thinking about adding vacation rental cleaning to your services? You’re onto a profitable niche with big growth potential!
Discover what it takes to make your mark in the short-term rental market — from how to start a vacation rental cleaning business, and understanding its earning potential to why cleaning insurance is a must.
How to Start a Vacation Rental Cleaning Service in 7 Steps
Ready to tap into this growing market? Here’s a straightforward guide to starting a cleaning business geared toward the short-term rental market.
1. Research the Market
First, get to know your local market. Look into existing cleaning services and where there might be gaps. See what hosts are saying in reviews — what they love and what’s lacking. You might even talk with local hosts to learn what they want in a cleaner. This will help you build a service that stands out.
Take time to research the rates of other vacation rental cleaners in your area, from the exact services included in their base plan to the add-ons they advertise. This can help you determine whether you can be competitive and still make money. It can also help guide you to create bundled services that provide more value without eroding your bottom line.
See how your potential competitors market themselves. Check out their websites, social media, any email newsletters offered, and so on. This can give you an idea of additional ways to market your business based on what you see them doing successfully and identify where they might be missing opportunities to grow their client book of business.
2. Create a Business Plan
Outline your target audience, pricing, marketing strategy, and financial goals. Think about what makes your service unique. Create a mission and vision statement and a unique selling proposition (i.e., the reason that clients should choose you vs. your competition).
A solid plan will guide you through the setup and be essential if you need funding down the road.
3. Register Your Business and Get Licensed
Setting your business up properly helps you avoid potential pitfalls (like failing to pay taxes), lays the foundation for growth, and makes your business look credible to potential clients. Here are a few essentials you’ll need to complete:
- Choose a business structure (e.g., a limited liability company, aka LLC, or sole proprietorship).
- Get your free federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS — you’ll need this to file taxes, fulfill clients’ 1099 reporting requirements, and grow your business when it’s time to hire employees.
- Register your business with your state and get a business license.
- Double-check city and county regulations for cleaning businesses and get any needed local permits or licenses.
- Fulfill any local requirements for special certifications or training.
4. Get Covered: Insurance and Bonding
Protect your business and build trust with clients by getting house cleaning insurance and being bonded:
- General Liability: Covers property damage or injuries during cleaning, giving clients peace of mind.
- Bonding: Adds credibility and protects against losses from theft or accidental damage.
- Workers Compensation: Essential if you have employees, it covers medical expenses and lost wages in case of work-related injuries.
- Inland Marine: Protects your equipment in transit, so you’re covered if anything’s lost, stolen, or damaged on the go.
5. Purchase Supplies and Equipment
Invest in quality cleaning supplies like disinfectants, mops, and vacuums. Consider eco-friendly products to attract environmentally-conscious clients. Having the right tools makes your job easier and your results better.
6. Build Your Brand and Marketing Plan
Choose a memorable business name and logo, then set up a website and social media profiles. Develop a cleaning business marketing strategy that includes online ads, networking, and local partnerships to connect with short-term rental hosts.
7. Form Customer Relationships and Get Reviews
Providing top-notch service and open communication helps build loyal relationships. Ask for feedback and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews—positive testimonials go a long way in attracting new clients.
Why Start a Short-Term Rental Cleaning Service
The short-term rental industry has surged, moving well beyond its “alternative lodging” roots to become a booming market. As of mid-2022, there were over a million active listings in the U.S., with more properties popping up in unexpected cities like Indianapolis and Greensboro. For cleaners, this growth translates into steady, year-round demand.
Unlike traditional house cleaning, turnover services mean regular, predictable work without the need for deep cleans or constant new client outreach.
You’re cleaning between guests, often on a set schedule, and many property owners look for reliable partners to handle repeat bookings. Plus, the need for added services — laundry, restocking essentials, light maintenance — lets you boost your income and offer a high-value, all-in-one solution for busy property owners.
Starting a short-term rental cleaning service taps into a profitable, growing niche where you can build a consistent client base and benefit from the vacation rental boom.
How Much Do Short-Term Rental Cleaners Make on Average?
On average, vacation rental cleaners make about $40 per hour. Your actual earnings could be higher, based on how many properties you can clean in that time, your ability to upsell additional services, rates and demand in your area, and more.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the average wages of travel accommodation cleaners as $16.28 per hour or $33,870 per year. But how much you can earn largely depends on local market rates as well as the scope of work and size of property.
For example, Turno’s list of average cleaning fees shows the national average cleaning fee for a 1-bedroom rental unit as $67.25 in 2022 or $123.76 for a 3-bedroom unit. Nationally, the going rate for cleaning a 2-bedroom vacation rental is $88.70.
But based on locale, short-term rental cleaners charge from $119–$144 in Washington D.C., Rhode Island, and Hawaii vs. rates as low as $60–63 in Montana, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin to clean 2-bedroom rental properties, respectively.
How to Find Vacation Rental Cleaning Jobs in Your Area
Time to look for clients? Here are some avenues you can use to land vacation rental cleaning jobs.
- Contact property management companies: Connect with local property management companies that oversee multiple rentals. They often need reliable cleaning teams. Reach out, highlight your experience, and emphasize your flexibility for last-minute jobs.
- Network with vacation rental owners: Engage with individual vacation rental owners on social media or at local events. Building relationships can lead to steady work and referrals.
- Use online job platforms: Check job platforms like Indeed, Craigslist, and specialized cleaning boards for listings. Create a strong profile and apply regularly. Consider reaching out directly to property owners with personalized messages offering your services.
- Implement local SEO on your website: Add keywords to your website about your vacation rental / short-term rental cleaning services as well as your location or service area.
- Add / claim your Google Business Page: Create a Google Business Profile to enhance your online presence. Encourage happy clients to leave positive reviews. If you have a website, use local SEO with keywords like “vacation rental cleaning services in [your location]” to attract property owners.
6 Ways to Set Your Rental Cleaning Business Apart
Whether you’re just figuring out how to start a vacation rental cleaning business or looking to improve your current services, here are seven friendly and practical tips to help you shine.
- Offer specialized deep-cleaning services: Go beyond standard cleaning! Offer specialized services like deep carpet cleaning or thorough kitchen and bathroom sanitization. Highlight these in your pitches to catch the eye of hosts looking for extra care.
- Use eco-friendly products: Travelers love eco-friendly options! Using sustainable cleaning products can attract environmentally conscious hosts. Make sure to share your green cleaning practices in your marketing efforts.
- Provide linen and restocking services: Save hosts time by offering linen services — like washing and restocking essentials. This added convenience can enhance guests’ experiences and make your service more appealing.
- Use apps for scheduling and communication: Make booking easy with an online scheduling system! Use messaging apps for quick updates and communication, ensuring your clients always feel informed and connected.
- Build a strong reputation: Encourage happy clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google and Airbnb. Showcasing testimonials builds trust and makes potential customers more likely to choose your services.
- Offer flexible pricing: Consider flexible pricing options to cater to different needs. Tiered pricing or discounts for regular clients can attract a wider range of customers and meet their budgets.
Find out how to price your cleaning services by deciding if you want to get paid by the hour or by the job, and then create your pricing structure based on these decisions.
House Cleaning vs Vacation Rental Cleaning
House cleaning and short-term rental cleaning may sound alike, but they have key differences. House cleaning is routine and scheduled, while vacation rental cleaning is all about fast turnarounds, detailed cleaning, and restocking for the next guest. Here’s a quick look:
| Aspect | House Cleaning | Vacation Rental Cleaning | Primary Focus | One-time deep cleans or scheduled cleaning sessions for people’s full-time residences. | Turnover cleaning between short-term guests to ensure a fresh, guest-ready space. |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Often weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. | Depends on bookings; as frequent as same- or next-day turnover. |
| Scope of Cleaning | General cleaning tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and bathroom/kitchen cleaning, often with annual or bi-annual deep cleans. | Cleaning of all rooms; laundering of linens, spot-cleaning stains, restocking essentials, and staging for a welcoming atmosphere. |
| Time Sensitivity | Flexible based on resident preferences. | Strict turnaround time; typically requires fast, efficient cleaning. |
| Additional Services | Optional services like deep cleaning or seasonal tasks. | Often includes laundry, inventory, restocking, key exchanges, keypad code programming, or light maintenance to meet guest and host expectations. |
| Client Expectations | Consistent cleanliness and comfort tailored to resident needs. | High standards for cleanliness and presentation, as cleanliness impacts guest reviews and ratings. |
| Opportunities for Upselling | Limited upsell potential; mainly for occasional deep cleans or organizing. | Numerous upsell options like premium restocking, on-call cleaning, or emergency services adds convenience for property owners. |
Common Challenges in the Vacation Rental Cleaning Business
As excited as you are to get started, you also need to know about some potential pitfalls that could negatively impact your new venture. Let’s look at a few common challenges and how they can impact your day-to-day.
Last-Minute Bookings and Schedule Changes
With guests often booking at the last minute, cleaning schedules can shift unexpectedly. This requires teams to be flexible and ready on short notice, which can stretch staff availability and raise costs. Plus, there’s usually zero room for delay — cleaners need to work quickly to keep properties guest-ready.
High Guest Turnover
Frequent guest turnover means properties might need cleaning every few days or even daily. This fast pace can be demanding, especially during peak seasons, and can lead to burnout if not managed well. Cleaners must keep the quality consistent, ensuring each guest arrives to a spotless space.
Meeting Strict Cleanliness Standards
Expectations for cleanliness are high, especially post-pandemic. Cleaners need to follow strict sanitation protocols and stay updated on best practices and health guidelines to ensure properties are safe and pristine.
Handling Guest Complaints or Property Damage
Even with thorough cleaning, some guests may raise concerns or report damages. Building good relationships with property owners helps here, as quick, effective responses keep both owners and guests satisfied.
Communicating with Property Owners and Hosts
Every property owner has different standards and preferences, so clear communication is key. Establishing a smooth communication process helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned on expectations and schedules.
Market Your Services With Your Cleaning Business Insurance
You might think skipping cleaning business insurance is a way to save some cash, especially when you’re just starting out. But hold on! Not having insurance can leave you in a tough spot if something goes wrong during a cleaning job.
For instance, if you or your team accidentally break something, you’ll be on the hook for the repair or replacement costs. Ouch! Plus, having insurance can boost your credibility, making potential clients feel more comfortable trusting you with their properties.
The good news is that your insurance can do more than just protect your business — it can even help promote it! See all the ways you can display your insurance badge to build trust and credibility as you launch your vacation rental cleaning services.
Want to learn more about how insurance can keep your business safe? Check out this complete guide to cleaning business insurance!
FAQs About Vacation Rental Cleaning
What cleaning services do short-term rentals need?
Short-term rental cleaning services include deep cleaning, providing fresh linens and towels, restocking essentials like toilet paper and soap, and maintaining carpets, upholstery, and windows. Outdoor spaces may also need attention, ensuring everything is clean and inviting. A comprehensive checklist can show property owners how much value you provide!
Can I customize my insurance policy for my short-term rental cleaning business?
Absolutely! You can customize your insurance policy by adjusting limits or adding more coverages (like workers compensation, equipment, or cyber liability) to better-protect your career and finances. Our licensed, non-commissioned insurance agents can help tailor your policy to fit your unique needs; contact us today to get the perfect mix for your business.
How does insurance help in getting contracts with property owners?
Proof of insurance is often a requirement for landing contracts with property owners, especially for commercial properties. Even where it’s not mandated, being properly insured makes your business more marketable and shows professionalism and responsibility, which gives clients confidence in your work.
Get Short-Term Rental Cleaning Insurance Today!
Starting a short-term rental cleaning service can be intimidating, but adding cleaning business insurance doesn’t have to be. At Insurance Canopy, we make cleaning insurance a breeze — you can get an affordable policy online in 10 minutes or less.
Protect your business and your clients with our professional, trustworthy, and affordable insurance policies. If you already have cleaning insurance, make sure you’re paying a fair rate. Get a free quote now!
