Cleaner holidays and sickness: what is your back-up plan for changeovers?

HostStack Team · Team discussion starter

HostStack editorial — a discussion starter.

A single cleaner being ill on a same-day changeover is one of the most common stressful moments hosts describe. Approaches worth comparing:

1. A second trained cleaner who has done at least one supervised changeover at the property. 2. A written room-by-room checklist and photo standard, so anyone can reach the same finish. 3. A spare linen set and restock box kept on site so a stand-in isn't blocked by laundry. 4. Clear agreed rates for short-notice cover, agreed in writing in advance. 5. A rule for when to contact the guest about a later check-in — early, honest messages generally go better than last-minute ones.

If your cleaners are self-employed, how you organise the work matters for their employment status; HMRC's employment status guidance on gov.uk is the starting point.

What is your back-up plan, and has it ever been tested for real?