Seeking Feedback on Pre-Cleaning Photos for Remote Host

[Patrice513]

Hi everyone,

I'm a relatively new, remote host and would love to get some perspective on my cleaning process. I've been actively hosting for the past two months and have a local co-host who handles post-cleaning/pre-check inspections and emergencies.

For my 2-bedroom, 1-bath property, I currently use Turno and have adapted one of their checklists. A key part of this checklist is a request for pre-cleaning photos of all rooms. My intention is to get a clear understanding of the state the property was left in, check if guest instructions were followed, and identify any potential missing or damaged items before cleaning begins. This was discussed upfront with both cleaning teams I've worked with and agreed upon to accommodate the request.

Interestingly, both my first and current cleaning teams have expressed resistance once cleaning projects have started to providing these pre-cleaning photos. I've reviewed and refined my checklist to ensure it's clear and manageable, as I'm definitely open to feedback and streamlining the process. However, as a remote host, these initial photos feel crucial for me to have a visual of the property before it's cleaned.

I'm wondering if other hosts or cleaners have experience with this? Is requesting pre-cleaning photos an unreasonable expectation? Any insights or advice you can share from either the host or cleaner perspective would be greatly appreciated. I'm really trying to understand this from all angles and find a solution that works for everyone.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[Helen3]

My cleaners provide photos post clean and if there are any issues at the property they take photos of any damage or if additional cleaning is needed .

 If they won't  offer this find other cleaners to work with. @Patrice513 

You need to allow budget for the time to do this in addition to the clean .

[Marie8425 · Accepted solution]

@Patrice513 

I suggest start with why do the cleaners resist?  Makes no real negative impact on them and general photos of an average apartment sound like 10 minutes with a cell phone, nothing extreme.

This is the second cleaning business expressing a conflict.  It is time to speak to your contact and clarify what is the issue?

I am not saying who is right or wrong like you I don't know, but unless you discover the issue you just keep repeating what isn't working

[Moshik0]

@Patrice513 — I run 3 STRs and hit the same thing. The real answer: cleaners won't mind as long as it's easy and quick. If photos help them avoid issues, they actually prefer them. Most cleaners don't want hosts mad at them because they forgot to clean a shelf in the fridge or missed a spot on a sheet. The photos become their proof they did the job right.

What helps: a tool the cleaner can use on their own phone, in their own language, that handles the photos as part of the job. Whether they do photos as they go or at the end doesn't matter much — what matters is it stays simple.

My wife and I built one for our own properties — listo. We use it ourselves. It's now available for other hosts too — on the App Store, Google Play, and at **

**[Link removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines]