Bad cleaning vendors cost property managers in ways that don't show up on the invoice: extra trips to re-inspect, delayed move-ins, unhappy new residents, and owners asking questions. These ten questions sort out most of them before you sign anything.
1. Can you send a certificate of insurance today?
You want general liability coverage with your company (and the owner, if required) listed as certificate holder. A vendor who takes a week to produce a COI will take a week to do other things too.
2. Do you price per unit or by the hour?
Hourly pricing means you don't know the cost until it's done. Starting-at per-unit pricing by bedroom count lets you approve the work order and quote the owner up front.
3. What exactly is included in a turnover clean?
Ask for their written checklist. If inside the oven, fridge, cabinets, blinds, baseboards, and window tracks aren't on it, you'll be paying extra or re-cleaning yourself. Compare it to our make-ready checklist.
4. Do you send before and after photos?
Photos let you approve a turn without driving out, answer owner questions, and support deposit deductions. If photos cost extra or aren't offered, ask why.
5. How far ahead can I book, and do you hold the date?
A vendor who can hold dates two or three weeks out lets you book at the notice to vacate, not after move-out.
6. What's your rush turnaround?
Sometimes a move-in date doesn't move. Know before you need it whether the vendor can turn a unit within 24 hours.
7. What happens if something is missed?
The answer should be a free re-clean within a short window, no argument. If it's "we'll take a look," keep looking.
8. Who will actually be in my units?
Ask whether the same crew will usually be on your properties, and how they handle access, keys, and lockbox codes.
9. Can you handle the small stuff too?
Carpet cleaning, paint touch-ups, and haul-off on the same work order cut down your vendor handoffs and your invoices.
10. Will you do a trial unit?
The best way to judge a cleaning vendor is to walk a unit they just finished. A company confident in its work will offer a trial. Ours is free.
Red Flags
- No COI, or "it's being renewed"
- Can't describe their checklist
- Won't commit to a date until after move-out
- Hourly billing with no estimate
- No photos and no re-clean policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance should a cleaning vendor have for property management work?
At minimum, general liability insurance, with a certificate of insurance listing your management company (and the property owner if required) as certificate holder. Ask for it before the vendor's first job.
Should a turnover cleaning company offer a trial?
A trial unit is the best way to see the quality before committing. Wasatch Site Services does the first turn free for property management companies.
What should a turnover cleaning checklist include?
Inside all appliances, cabinets, drawers, and closets, bathrooms descaled, blinds, baseboards, window sills and tracks, vents, light fixtures, floors, and trash removal.
Ask Us All Ten
COI and W-9 the same day, starting-at per-unit pricing, photos on every turn, and a free trial unit.
Get Portfolio Pricing