A written standard is the difference between a consistent listing and one that depends on who turned up that day. Here’s the checklist we actually use.
The printable version is formatted to laminate and leave in the property.
Kitchen
- Fridge emptied, shelves wiped, nothing left in the door shelves
- Freezer checked, ice trays refilled
- Oven interior wiped, racks clean, no residue on the base
- Microwave interior and turntable washed
- Stovetop degreased including around and under burners
- Rangehood filter checked for grease
- Dishwasher emptied, filter checked, door seal wiped
- All crockery, glassware and cutlery genuinely clean, check glasses against the light
- Pots and pans checked on the base as well as inside
- Benches, splashback and tapware cleaned and dried, no water spots
- Sink drain and plughole cleared
- Bin emptied, liner replaced, bin washed if marked
- Cupboard and drawer interiors checked for crumbs
- Kettle descaled and emptied, toaster crumb tray emptied
- Tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, oil restocked
Bathrooms
- Toilet cleaned inside and out, including base, hinges and behind the seat
- Shower glass squeegeed to no water marks
- Shower and bath scrubbed, grout and silicone checked for mould
- Drain hair removed, every drain, every time
- Mirror cleaned streak-free, checked from an angle
- Basin, tapware and surrounds cleaned and dried
- Extractor fan grille dusted
- Fresh towels: bath, hand and face, folded consistently
- Bath mat fresh, hung not folded
- Toilet paper: one on the holder, at least two spares visible
- Soap, shampoo and conditioner topped up
- Bin emptied and lined
- Floor mopped including behind the toilet and into corners
Bedrooms
- Beds stripped completely, including mattress protectors
- Mattress checked for stains or damage (photograph anything found)
- Fresh linen: fitted sheet, duvet cover, pillowcases, creases smoothed
- Beds made hotel-style, corners square, duvet even both sides
- Pillows plumped, count matches the listing
- Under the bed checked, the most common place guest belongings are found
- Bedside tables wiped, drawers checked and emptied
- Wardrobe checked, hangers counted and straightened
- Lamps and bedside lights tested
- Curtains and blinds straightened, cords tidied and safe
- Floors vacuumed including under and behind furniture
- Windows and sills wiped, locks and stays working
Living areas and entry
- Sofa cushions lifted, crumbs, coins, remotes, belongings
- Sofa and soft furnishings vacuumed and reset
- All surfaces dusted including shelves, skirtings, frames, door tops
- TV screen dusted, remote wiped, batteries checked and working
- WiFi details visible and correct
- Entry mat shaken and cleaned underneath
- Light switches and door handles sanitised
- Hard floors vacuumed then mopped, carpets vacuumed with edges done
- Windows and glass doors spot-cleaned at eye level
- Heat pump filter checked, remote present and working
- Smoke alarm indicator checked
- House manual and welcome note present and undamaged
Outdoor
- Outdoor furniture wiped, cushions dry and stored correctly
- BBQ cleaned including grill plate and drip tray, gas level checked
- Deck swept, cobwebs cleared from doorways and eaves
- Bins emptied, and put out if collection is due
- Cigarette butts and rubbish cleared from grounds
- Spa or pool checked if applicable
- All keys and lockbox codes accounted for
- Windows and doors locked, alarm set
The 90-second final sweep
Do this last, from the front door, as though you’re the guest arriving:
- Walk in. What’s the first thing you smell?
- Look at the property at eye level from the entry. What’s dusty?
- Sit on the sofa. Anything under the cushions?
- Open the fridge. Genuinely empty and clean?
- Bathroom light on, look at the shower glass from an angle.
- Every bin has a liner?
- WiFi details visible and correct?
- Take your photos.
Photograph before you leave
Wide shot of each bedroom made, each bathroom, kitchen bench, living area, and inside the open fridge. Plus close-ups of any damage, before you touch it.
Timestamped photos from every changeover are what win damage claims, and what let you stop driving over to check.