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Vacation Rental Host Mistake: Having a Chores List for Your Guests

October 20, 2023

As an vacation rental host, you want your guests to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in your space. While it's natural to expect guests to clean up after themselves, some hosts take it a step further by presenting them with a lengthy list of chores to do before they leave. However, this approach can actually do more harm than good. In this post, we explore why you shouldn't have a checkout chores list for your guests.

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Want to know more host mistakes? Check out our list here.

3 Reasons We Recommend No

First of all, it's important to remember that your guests are paying a cleaning fee. This means that they are already contributing to the cost of cleaning up after their stay. While you may expect them to do minimal things such as washing dishes, taking out the trash, and tidying up, it's not fair to ask them to deep clean the entire space. Not only is it unreasonably time-consuming for them, but it can also lead to negative reviews and a poor impression of your hosting style.

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Secondly, a checkout chores list can make guests feel like they are still "working" even on their last day of vacation. This is especially true for guests who may have early flights or tight schedules. By giving them a long list of tasks to do, you may be adding unnecessary stress and anxiety to their trip. As a result, they may be less likely to recommend your space to others or leave a positive review.

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Thirdly, it's important to remember that guests are paying for an experience, not just a place to sleep. By presenting them with a long list of chores to do, you may be detracting from their overall experience. For example, if they have to spend an hour cleaning the kitchen on their last day, they may miss out on exploring the local neighborhood or spending time with their travel companions. This can lead to a negative impression of their stay and discourage them from booking with you again in the future.

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Do This Instead

Instead of having a checkout chores list, it's better to focus on creating a positive overall experience for your guests. This means providing a clean and comfortable space, clear communication, and a willingness to address any concerns they may have during their stay. By doing so, you can help ensure that they have a memorable and enjoyable trip, which can lead to positive reviews and referrals.

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While it may seem like a good idea to have a checkout chores list for your guests, it's actually counterproductive to your hosting efforts. Not only can it lead to negative reviews and a poor guest experience, but it can also detract from the overall enjoyment of their trip. By focusing on creating a positive experience for your guests, you can help ensure that they leave satisfied and eager to recommend your space to others. So, next time you consider presenting your guests with a list of tasks to do, think twice and aim to create an experience that they'll never forget.

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