Vendor and Cleaner Service Agreement for Guest Houses

What a good one includes

• A highly detailed checklist of specific tasks to be performed, including room-by-room cleaning standards or maintenance checklists tailored to short-term rental quality.
• Precise timing requirements, including specific check-in and check-out windows during which the property must be serviced.
• Clear instructions on how keys, lockbox codes, or smart locks are to be managed and secured by the vendor.
• A transparent rate structure detailing flat fees per clean, hourly rates for extra work, and the exact payment schedule or invoicing terms.
• An explicit statement defining who provides the cleaning products, linens, toiletries, and specialized maintenance tools.
• A structured protocol requiring the vendor to immediately report guest damages, missing items, or maintenance issues with photo evidence before starting work.
• A clear notice period required by either party to end the contract, along with provisions for missed appointments or last-minute cancellations.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to define a standard of cleanliness, which leads to subjective disputes about whether a job was done correctly.
• Neglecting to include a protocol for last-minute guest bookings, leaving you without coverage when you need to turn a room around quickly.
• Forgetting to address liability and insurance, which can expose your guest house business to massive financial risk if a vendor is injured or causes damage on-site.
• Omitting a clear key-holding and property security policy, risking unauthorized access or leaving properties unlocked after a service.

Frequently asked questions