Turnovers are where many great Airbnb experiences begin—or fall apart.
And as you grow, you’ll hit a wall: either spend all day coordinating cleanings… or automate and risk things slipping.

But here’s the truth:
You can automate the process without losing control—if you build the right system.
One that keeps your standards high, your cleaners accountable, and your time protected.

Here’s how smart hosts automate turnovers the right way.

1. Start with a Repeatable Cleaning Checklist

Automation starts with consistency. And consistency starts with a checklist.

Build a clear, detailed list that includes:

• Room-by-room tasks (bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, etc.)
  
  
• Photos of how things should be reset (pillows, welcome kits, coffee station)
  
  
• Reminders for small but easy-to-forget items (under beds, ceiling fans, wall scuffs)
  
  
• Quality checks (trash taken out, lights checked, thermostat set)
  
  

Keep it digital (Google Doc, Notion, or TurnoverBnB template) and make it visual. Show, don’t just tell.

Want a copy of our editable checklist? Just ask.

2. Use a Turnover Scheduling Tool

Stop texting your cleaners manually.
Instead, use tools that automatically assign cleanings the moment a booking is made.

Popular tools:

• TurnoverBnB – syncs with your Airbnb calendar and lets you manage multiple cleaners
  
  
• Breezeway – adds inspection checklists, task check-offs, and reporting
  
  
• Properly – includes visual instructions and damage reporting
  
  

The benefit?
No miscommunication. No missed cleans. No last-minute panic.

3. Set Expectations with Your Cleaners (and Stick to Them)

Your turnover system is only as good as the people running it.
So treat your cleaners like partners—not just help.

What to do:

• Walk them through your checklist and standards
  
  
• Provide before-and-after photo requirements for each clean
  
  
• Pay fairly—and bonus for perfect reviews or short-notice cleans
  
  
• Keep a shared chat for quick communication (WhatsApp or Slack works great)
  
  

When cleaners feel empowered and accountable, your guest reviews reflect it.

4. Use Inventory Tracking to Stay Stocked

Running out of toilet paper or coffee can tank a 5-star review.
Don’t let it happen.

Options:

• Keep a locked “owner’s closet” stocked with extras (TP, coffee, shampoo, linens)
  
  
• Use a simple form for cleaners to note when supplies run low
  
  
• Use an app like Breezeway or Host Tools that includes inventory checklists
  
  
• Do a monthly in-person audit if you’re local—or assign it to a local co-host
  
  

Inventory is where quality breaks down quietly. Stay ahead of it.

5. Build in Quality Control Without Being There

Guests don’t see the checklist. They see the results.

So build systems to verify quality:

• Ask cleaners to upload post-clean photos (especially beds, bathrooms, and key touchpoints)
  
  
• Randomly review guest feedback for signs of slippage (“clean but smelled off” = red flag)
  
  
• Use guest messaging templates to ask:
  
  
  “Just checking in—was everything clean and comfortable when you arrived?”
  
  
  

Bonus: Once every few months, book a night in your own listing (or have a friend do it).
Nothing replaces seeing your space through fresh eyes.

6. Automate the Guest Message Flow Too

Turnovers aren’t just physical. They’re also informational.

Use messaging automation (like in OwnerRez, Hospitable, or HostAway) to:

• Remind guests of checkout time and expectations
  
  
• Trigger a cleaning schedule in your turnover app
  
  
• Thank them post-checkout and ask for feedback
  
  

Guests leave better reviews when they know you’re on top of things—even when you’re not doing it yourself.

Final Word

Automating turnovers isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing smarter.
When your process runs without you, but your standards stay high, that’s when you unlock scale.

At JLT Management, we help hosts set up hands-free systems that protect both time and quality.
From checklists and cleaner onboarding to pricing tools and guest messaging—we handle the back end so you can focus on growth.

Want help building your system once—and getting your time back forever?
Let’s talk.

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