How to Vet an Airbnb Cleaner: A Host’s Checklist

Handing someone the keys to a property you rent out to strangers is a bigger leap of trust than most hosts think about upfront, until something goes wrong. Here's what's worth checking before you commit to a cleaner.

Before you reach out

• Read their reviews, not just their star rating: look for specifics about reliability and communication, not just "did a good job"
• Check how long they’ve been active and how many completed jobs they have. A thin history isn’t automatically bad, but it changes how much you should lean on the next steps
• Look for licensing, bonding, or insurance status on their profile, especially for larger or higher-value properties

Questions worth asking before you book

• What’s your typical turnaround time for a same-day checkout-to-checkin?
• Do you supply your own cleaning products and equipment, or do you expect them on-site?
• What happens if you’re sick or unavailable on a day you’re booked?
• Can you send photos when the job is done?
• Have you cleaned short-term rentals before, or mostly residential/commercial spaces?

Red flags

• Pressure to pay or communicate outside the platform before you've even met. This also works against you if something goes wrong, since there's no record
• Vague or evasive answers about turnaround time for back-to-back bookings
• No willingness to send before/after photos or confirm completion
• A price that’s dramatically below every other bid with no explanation

Start small

If you're not sure yet, book a single clean before committing to a recurring arrangement. A photo checklist at job completion (which Host Wingman cleaners submit automatically) gives you a paper trail without having to inspect the property yourself every time.