Lodgify
Property Management

What is Broom Clean?

Updated 2026-07-23

Broom clean is a standard of cleanliness used in real estate and vacation rental agreements. It requires that a property be left free of all personal belongings, trash, and debris.

At a minimum, all floors must be swept or vacuumed to remove visible dirt. This condition does not imply a deep or professional cleaning; it simply means the unit is tidy and ready for the cleaning crew to begin the turnover process.

Surfaces are expected to be clear, but not necessarily sanitized or polished, and bathrooms and kitchens are not expected to be scrubbed.

Join the Lodgify newsletter

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more.

How it works

In a vacation rental context, the 'broom clean' requirement is typically communicated to guests as part of their checkout instructions. It sets a clear, minimum expectation for how the property should be left upon departure.

This standard ensures that the professional cleaning team can work efficiently, focusing on sanitation and preparation for the next arrival rather than basic tidying and trash removal. By having guests handle these simple tasks, property managers can streamline their turnover process and maintain consistent cleaning schedules.

Why it matters

Defining a 'broom clean' standard is crucial for managing guest expectations and controlling operational costs. It clarifies the guest's responsibility at checkout, preventing disputes over the state of the property.

For property managers, it ensures that professional cleaners can begin their detailed work immediately, as outlined in a comprehensive vacation rental cleaning checklist. This simple policy helps maintain an efficient transition between guests, which is vital for maximizing occupancy.

Examples

  • All trash and recycling are removed from the unit and placed in designated exterior bins.
  • The refrigerator, freezer, and pantry are cleared of all guest food items.
  • All floors are swept or vacuumed to remove crumbs, sand, and other visible debris.
  • Countertops and tables are wiped down to clear them of major spills and crumbs.
  • No personal belongings, such as clothing, toiletries, or souvenirs, are left behind.

Frequently asked questions

Does 'broom clean' mean the property is ready for the next guest to check in?+
No. 'Broom clean' is the minimum state a departing guest leaves the property in. It is not guest-ready. A professional cleaning service must still perform a thorough cleaning, including sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens, changing linens, and restocking supplies. The broom clean standard simply prepares the property for this professional service, making the process faster and more efficient.
Should I still charge a cleaning fee if I require guests to leave the property broom clean?+
Yes. The cleaning fee covers the cost of the professional turnover clean, which is a separate and much more intensive process. This includes sanitation, laundering linens, and preparing the property to high standards. Requiring a broom clean condition helps keep this professional cleaning fee reasonable by ensuring cleaners are not spending paid time on basic tidying that the guest can easily perform.
How can I enforce a 'broom clean' policy with guests?+
Clearly state the policy in your rental agreement, house rules, and checkout instructions. A simple checklist can be very effective. You can also state that failure to leave the property in a broom clean condition may result in an additional charge deducted from the security deposit to cover the extra cleaning time required. Visual guides or photos in your guest welcome book can also help clarify expectations.
Keep reading

Related terms

Finance

Cleaning Fee

A one-time charge added to a guest's reservation total to cover the cost of cleaning the property after their stay.

Read
Property Management

Turnover

Turnover is the comprehensive process of preparing a vacation rental property for a new guest immediately after a previous guest has departed. This includes…

Read
Property Management

Airport Transfer

An airport transfer is a pre-arranged transportation service for guests between an airport and a vacation rental property. It is offered as an ancillary…

Read
Property Management

Back-to-Back Booking

A back-to-back booking is a reservation schedule where a new guest checks in on the same day that the previous guest checks out. This strategy maximizes a…

Read
Stay in the loop

Join the Lodgify newsletter.

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more — straight to your inbox.

One email a month. Unsubscribe anytime.