Health and Safety in the Vacation Rental Industry
Health and Safety in the Vacation Rental Industry: A Guide for Back-of-the-House Professionals
By Sean Kemper and Ashley Ching
The vacation rental industry thrives on cleanliness, efficiency, and exceptional guest experiences. While guest-facing roles are important, back-of-the-house professionals, housekeeping, maintenance, and laundry teams, are equally critical to ensuring health, safety, and operational excellence.
This guide outlines actionable ways to protect team members while elevating guest satisfaction.
1. Use Cleaning Chemicals Safely
Chemical exposure is one of the most common hazards in housekeeping. Stay safe by:
Read and follow the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each product.
Store chemicals in original containers with proper labels.
Ensure proper ventilation when using strong disinfectants or degreasers.
Always wear the appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection).
Never mix chemicals, especially bleach and ammonia.
2. Protect Against Physical Strain and Injury
The work is physically demanding. Prevent injury by:
Using ergonomic tools like lightweight vacuums and extendable dusters.
Lifting safely: bend at the knees, not the waist, to avoid back strain.
Alternating repetitive tasks to avoid fatigue.
Taking short breaks throughout shifts.
Asking for help when lifting heavy objects.
3. Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls
Injuries from falls are among the most frequent in hospitality. Reduce your risk:
Keep walkways clear and uncluttered.
Ensure workspaces are well-lit.
Wear slip-resistant footwear.
Use caution signs on wet floors.
4. Promote Hygiene and Prevent Germ Spread
Clean isn’t clean enough. It must also be sanitary. Follow these hygiene protocols:
Use color-coded microfiber cloths to prevent cross-contamination.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces like remotes, light switches, and doorknobs.
Wash hands after handling trash, linens, or cleaning products.
Replace mop heads and sponges weekly or more often in high-traffic properties to prevent bacteria buildup.
Keep hand sanitizer available in supply caddies or carts.
5. Handle Linens and Waste with Care
Linens and trash can harbor bacteria and allergens. Stay protected:
Always wear gloves when handling soiled items or garbage.
Transport linens in designated laundry bags, never loose.
Avoid shaking linens to reduce airborne particles.
Dispose of trash promptly in sealed, pest-resistant bins.
6. Prevent Pest Problems
Pest prevention protects both guests and the property. Stay ahead by:
Inspecting for and sealing cracks, holes, and entry points weekly.
Keeping all food and supply storage areas clean and crumb-free.
Storing food and cleaning supplies in sealed, airtight containers.
Partnering with pest control services for monthly inspections or as needed seasonally.
7. Be Ready for Emergencies
When emergencies happen, preparation matters. Ensure the team is ready:
Stock and regularly check first aid kits.
Train staff in basic first aid and CPR.
Review evacuation routes during onboarding and quarterly.
Clearly label fire extinguishers and train staff on use.
Post emergency contact numbers in all staff areas.
8. Practice Safe Inventory Storage
Poorly stored supplies are a common cause of accidents. Organize with care:
Keep supply closets clean, organized, and trip-hazard free.
Store heavier items on the lower shelves to reduce lifting strain.
Label shelves and containers for easy, safe access.
Audit inventory monthly to remove expired or excess supplies.
9. Support Mental and Emotional Health
Safety isn’t just physical. A healthy team culture is a safe one:
Encourage breaks and manage workloads to prevent burnout.
Provide clear training, expectations, and the right tools.
Create a culture where concerns are heard and addressed.
Recognize hard work and celebrate small wins.
10. Build Systems That Reinforce Safety
Safety should be baked into your systems and not treated as a task.
• Use property-specific checklists that include safety and hygiene protocols.
• Standardize supply kits so every team member has the right tools every time.
• Schedule regular training refreshers and walkthroughs of properties.
• Encourage team members to flag potential risks, before they become problems.
11. Connect Safety to the Guest Experience
The work you do behind the scenes directly impacts the stay:
Guests notice subtle signs of cleanliness, or the lack of it.
Safety protocols create consistent quality, no matter who’s on shift.
Operational standards reinforce your brand and guest trust.
12. Empower Teams as Strategic Partners
Housekeeping and maintenance teams aren’t just support. They’re essential to your business success:
Create channels for feedback so teams can share ideas and report concerns.
Celebrate wins, share positive guest feedback, and show how their work impacts reviews.
Invest in training and leadership development to grow loyalty and reduce turnover.
Final Thoughts
Back-of-the-house professionals are the backbone of the vacation rental industry. When health and safety are prioritized, team members feel confident, guests feel cared for, and businesses run better.
A safe team is a strong team. Let this guide serve as a working checklist you can revisit, refine, and share.
Sean Kemper is the founder of ETI Solutions.
Ashley Ching is the founder and CEO of Inhaven.
