WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals (VRHP), a subsidiary of the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), has developed expanded recommendations for cleaning vacation rental properties in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new guidelines are part of the VRMA & VRHP SafeHome campaign, which empowers members to adopt and execute safe travel standards that conform to—and, in many cases, exceed—those that are mandated nationally, statewide or locally. The SafeHome initiative encourages all vacation rental management professionals to openly communicate with guests and employees about the precautions they are taking to help keep them safe and healthy.
The guidelines include recommendations for augmenting existing cleaning programs to account for COVID-19, including:
- Disinfection and sanitization techniques
- Proper use of personal protective equipment
- Recommended products, cleaning agents and equipment
- Updated cleaning and inspection processes for soft surfaces, upholstery and linens
- Trash removal and maintenance processes
- Communicating expanded cleaning processes to guests
“Cleaning a vacation rental is no small task, even when we are not faced with a global pandemic,” said Durk Johnson, executive director of VRHP. “Housekeepers are responsible for completely resetting properties and creating a like-new experience for arriving guests. These new guidelines are intended to enhance the safety of properties, and provide more peace-of-mind for property owners and guests.”
Because guest and employee safety is paramount, VRMA and VRHP will continue their efforts to educate and inform members and the professional vacation rental management community overall of evolving guidelines and recommendations so that they are always able to provide a safe and enjoyable environment to guests, staff and the general public.
“Vacation rental professionals have historically set the standard for cleaning within the travel industry, and these guidelines memorialize an enhanced level of care in a COVID-19-impacted industry.” said Toby Babich, president of VRMA. “The COVID-19 pandemic makes proper and thorough cleaning methods, specific training, appropriate supplies and a systematic process even more vital to our industry. We can count on our professional community to rise to this occasion and restore confidence within our local governments and guest populations that staying in a professionally managed vacation rental is the safest way to enjoy travel.”
“Making families feel comfortable enough to travel again after this pandemic is a must for the entire vacation rental industry,” said Vrbo President Jeff Hurst. “Adopting these new cleaning guidelines will reassure travelers that vacation rentals are safe places to stay for their next vacation.”
For insight from professional vacation rental management organizations that have endorsed the new cleaning guidelines and the VRMA & VRHP SafeHome campaign, please visit www.vrma.org/safehome.
The new cleaning guidelines are not legal or medical advice, and are subject to change as more information becomes available about COVID-19. VRHP further recommends that all housekeeping staff complete training regarding proper and safe cleaning techniques and property security.
About the Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals
Founded in 1999, the Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals (VRHP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education and development for housekeeping professionals in the vacation rental management industry. VRHP provides its members with exclusive access to certification programs, webinars, education and networking.
About the Vacation Rental Management Association
Founded in 1985, the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) is a professional trade association that represents the vacation and holiday rental property management and hospitality industries. Headquartered in the United States, membership includes professional vacation rental managers and industry suppliers in countries throughout the world. VRMA provides information and research, education and networking opportunities, certification and accreditation, promotes the value of the vacation rental experience and drives industry growth and professionalism.
