Our property standards: what your home needs before guests arrive
Guests forgive a small flat. They don't forgive black mould around the bath. Here's the condition we need a home to be in before we take it on, and why it matters for what your home earns. Your belongings must be locked away before we book the deep clean.
No loose belongings. No exceptions.
We won't schedule your deep clean until your home is clear of your loose belongings.
- Your own things must be packed away and locked away, in a locked owner's cupboard or room.
- Valuables must be locked away or taken out of the home.
- Nothing personal left out: no clothes, paperwork, toiletries, food, post or keepsakes on show.
Why we're strict: our cleaners can't clean around your belongings, guests can't relax among them, and we can't be responsible for anything left out.
One bad review can undo months of good ones
A guest opens the shower curtain and sees black mould creeping along the silicone. They notice a damp patch spreading above the bed, and a musty smell in the wardrobe. They don't complain at the time. They leave three stars, and every future guest reads it before deciding whether to book.
Airbnb's Superhost badge needs a 4.8+ overall rating, so even a few weaker reviews can cost a listing its place.
What must be fixed before we list your home
These are the problems guests notice first and forgive last. If your home has any of them, we'll give you a written list, and we'll list your home as soon as they're sorted.
Damp and mould
What we look for: Damp patches, peeling paint, a musty smell, or black spots on walls, ceilings and window frames.
What "fixed" means: The cause found and fixed, such as a leak, poor ventilation or a broken extractor fan, then the area treated and redecorated.
Black mould in silicone
What we look for: Dark marks in the silicone around baths, showers and sinks that won't scrub off.
What "fixed" means: The old silicone cut out and replaced. Cleaning rarely shifts mould that has grown into the sealant.
Cracks in walls and ceilings
What we look for: Cracked plaster, gaps around door frames, or cracks that run through the wall.
What "fixed" means: Small cracks filled and painted. Larger or growing cracks checked by a surveyor or builder first.
Leaks and water stains
What we look for: Brown marks on ceilings, dripping taps, running toilets, or water under sinks.
What "fixed" means: The leak repaired and any stains sealed and painted over.
Heating and hot water
What we look for: Radiators that stay cold, a boiler that cuts out, or hot water that runs out.
What "fixed" means: Heating that warms every room, and hot water that lasts through a full house of showers.
Doors, windows and locks
What we look for: Windows that won't open or close, broken handles, or doors that stick.
What "fixed" means: Every window and door opening, closing and locking properly.
Finding a trade
We don't recommend individual tradespeople, because we can't vouch for every one's reliability and consistency. Search the Checkatrade directory for vetted local trades, then do your own due diligence before you hire:
- read their recent reviews
- get two or three written quotes
- check they're insured, and qualified for the job, such as Gas Safe registered for any gas work
- agree the price and timings in writing
Once the work's done, send us the invoice. See how maintenance works with us.
What a deep clean can and can't fix
We can arrange a deep clean before your home goes live. A deep clean makes a big difference, but some problems need a repair, not a clean.
A deep clean can fix
- Built-up dust and grime
- Kitchen grease on hobs, ovens and extractor hoods
- Limescale on taps, showers and toilets
- Dirty skirting boards, doors and light switches
- Inside cupboards, drawers and appliances
A deep clean can't fix
- Black mould that has grown into silicone: it needs cutting out and resealing
- Damp patches: the cause needs finding and fixing first
- Stains in carpets and upholstery: these need a specialist
- Cracks, leaks and broken fittings: these need a repair
- Worn-out mattresses, sofas and bedding: these need replacing
Before we book your deep clean
Your home must be clear of loose belongings before we schedule the deep clean. No exceptions: your own things and any valuables must be locked away. The deep clean is the most thorough one your home will get. The deep clean usually takes about twice as long as a standard clean, and we usually send two cleaners, so the house needs to be empty for them to do the job properly. The deep clean is charged to you.
Carpets and upholstery
Carpet and upholstery cleaning isn't part of our standard service. A tired sofa or a stained carpet shows up in every photo and every review, so where they need attention, Guestwise points hosts to the Checkatrade directory to find a vetted local specialist before the home goes live.
Damp and mould must be fixed, not hidden
Damp isn't just unsightly. The government's guidance explains that damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, and can also affect the eyes and skin.
The same guidance stresses addressing the underlying causes, not just removing visible mould. In practice that often means:
- fixing leaks, gutters and roof problems
- working extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- heating that keeps every room warm
- a damp specialist or surveyor for rising or penetrating damp
How we get your home ready
- 1Discovery callWe talk through your home, what it could earn, and how you want to host.
- 2Contract signedYou choose your plan and sign your agreement.
- 3Onboarding meeting and condition reviewWe meet you at the home, review its condition against these standards, and give you a written fix list.
- 4Repairs completedYou arrange and pay for the work with a contractor you choose. Find vetted trades on Checkatrade, and do your own checks before you hire.
- 5Deep cleanNo loose belongings, no exceptions. Once your own things and valuables are locked away, we book the deep clean. The deep clean usually takes about twice as long as a standard clean, with two cleaners.
- 6Guest readyProfessional photos (at least 10 landscape shots, ideally 25 to 30), the lockbox installed and linen brought in, then your first guests.
See the full onboarding steps, and our guest-ready checklist for what each room needs.
Common questions
Will you take on my home if it needs work?
Yes, once the work is done. We'll walk round with you, give you a written list of what needs fixing, and list your home as soon as it's ready.
Can you arrange a deep clean?
Yes. We can arrange a deep clean before your home goes live. A deep clean won't fix damp, mould in silicone, or stains in carpets and upholstery.
Do I need to clear my belongings before the deep clean?
Yes, with no exceptions. Your own things and any valuables must be locked away, in a locked owner's cupboard or room, before we schedule the deep clean.
Why does the deep clean take longer?
The deep clean is the most thorough clean your home will get. The deep clean usually takes about twice as long as a standard clean, and we usually send two cleaners.
Do you clean carpets and upholstery?
Not as part of our standard service. Guestwise points hosts to the Checkatrade directory to find a vetted local specialist.
Why can't mould in silicone just be cleaned?
Once mould grows into the sealant, cleaning rarely removes the marks. The silicone needs cutting out and replacing.
Can you recommend a builder or tradesperson?
No. We don't recommend individual trades, because we can't vouch for their reliability and consistency. Use the Checkatrade directory, and do your own checks before you hire.
Why are you strict about condition?
Because guests judge a stay on it. A clean, well-kept home earns good reviews, and good reviews bring more bookings.
Sources: GOV.UK: Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home; Airbnb Resource Centre: How search works on Airbnb; Hostfully: Airbnb Superhost requirements (2026).