A clear Open rental cleaning checklist is one of the most practical tools a homeowner can use when preparing their St Andrews property for guests attending The Open Championship 2027 at the Old Course. The 155th Open takes place from 11–18 July 2027, and visitors travelling to Fife from across the UK and internationally will be looking for private homes that are clean, comfortable and well presented. This guide walks you through exactly what to do before guests arrive, on check-in day, and after checkout — so nothing important is overlooked.

For event information, places to stay and travel guidance, visit our St Andrews Open 2027 accommodation guide.

Why a Cleaning Checklist Matters for Open Week

Golf-event guests tend to arrive with high expectations. They are often travelling as a group — friends, family or colleagues — and have booked a private home specifically because it offers more space and comfort than a hotel. A clean, fresh and well-prepared property is one of the strongest signals that the stay will go smoothly. It also protects you as the homeowner: a thorough pre-arrival check means you are less likely to receive a complaint, and a careful post-checkout inspection gives you a clear record of the property's condition before the security deposit is returned.

You do not need to transform your property into a serviced apartment. Cleanliness, good presentation and clear communication matter far more than expensive renovations or luxury fittings. The checklist below is straightforward and suitable for homeowners who intend to clean the property themselves, as well as those who plan to arrange a local cleaner.

Before Arrival: The Full Pre-Stay Clean

This is the most thorough clean of the process. Aim to complete it one or two days before your guests arrive, leaving only a brief final walkthrough for check-in day.

Bathrooms and Toilets

  • Clean and disinfect all toilets, including under the rim and around the base
  • Scrub sinks, taps and shower screens or bath surrounds
  • Wipe down tiles, grout and any tiled shelving
  • Polish mirrors and glass surfaces
  • Empty and clean the bin; insert a fresh liner
  • Place fresh, clean towels — at least one bath towel and one hand towel per guest
  • Restock toilet paper (leave a spare roll visible)
  • Check that the shower, bath and sink drain freely
  • Confirm hot water is working correctly

Kitchen

  • Wipe down all worktops and the splashback
  • Clean the hob, oven and grill — pay attention to grease buildup
  • Clean the inside and outside of the microwave
  • Wipe down the kettle, toaster and any other appliances guests will use
  • Check the fridge: remove all personal food, clean the interior, check the door seal
  • Clean the inside of the dishwasher filter if one is present
  • Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
  • Check that pots, pans, plates, mugs and cutlery are clean and complete
  • Empty and clean all bins; replace liners
  • Leave a small supply of washing-up liquid, a clean sponge and a washing-up cloth

Bedrooms

  • Change all bed linen — use clean, fresh sets for each guest bedroom
  • Check mattresses and pillows for stains or damage; replace if necessary
  • Dust bedside tables, lamps, headboards, skirting boards and window ledges
  • Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including under beds and around furniture
  • Clear wardrobes and drawers of personal items; leave hanging space and drawer space available
  • Check curtains or blinds open and close properly
  • Ensure bedside lighting works

Living and Dining Areas

  • Vacuum sofas and upholstered chairs
  • Dust all surfaces, shelves, picture frames and ornaments
  • Clean the television screen with a soft cloth
  • Wipe dining table and chairs
  • Vacuum or mop floors throughout
  • Check that the television, remote controls and any streaming access work correctly
  • Test Wi-Fi on a device and confirm the password is noted on the welcome information sheet

Hallways, Stairs and Entrances

  • Vacuum stairs and landing areas
  • Wipe down banisters
  • Clear the hallway of personal coats, shoes and clutter
  • Sweep or clean the front doorstep and entrance path
  • Check that external lights work
  • Confirm the key safe or key handover arrangement is in place

Outdoor Areas

  • Tidy garden furniture and remove any debris or seasonal clutter
  • Clear the driveway or designated parking spaces
  • Empty external bins and ensure recycling arrangements are clear
  • Check that any outdoor gate or side access is secure

Heating, Utilities and Safety

  • Test the heating system and confirm it is set correctly for July conditions in Fife
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Check that all important appliances work
  • Confirm the property's emergency contact details are displayed
  • Lock private storage areas containing personal documents, medicines, jewellery or sentimental items

Check-In Day: The Final Walkthrough

On the day guests arrive — or the morning before an evening check-in — carry out a brief walkthrough to catch anything that may have been missed.

  • Walk through every room and check it meets your expectations
  • Confirm beds are made and bathrooms are stocked
  • Check the property smells clean and fresh — open windows briefly if needed
  • Confirm keys, access codes or key-safe instructions are ready
  • Check that welcome information and house rules are visible
  • Confirm the Wi-Fi password, heating instructions and emergency contact are noted
  • Check important lights in hallways and bathrooms are working
  • Take a final set of photographs of each room — this is important if any query arises about the security deposit later
  • Confirm parking instructions are clear and the space is available

Good photographic records taken immediately before check-in are one of the simplest protections a homeowner can use. They provide a clear baseline for the post-checkout inspection and make it straightforward to assess whether any deduction from the security deposit is warranted.

After Checkout: The Post-Stay Inspection

Inspect the property as soon as possible after checkout — ideally the same day.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

  • Check beds, mattresses and pillows for damage or staining beyond normal use
  • Note whether linen and towels have been left in the agreed place
  • Check bathroom surfaces, mirrors and fittings
  • Confirm that toiletries and personal guest items have been removed

Kitchen and Appliances

  • Check the hob, oven and microwave for excessive grease or damage
  • Check the fridge has been emptied and left clean
  • Check that crockery, glassware and cookware are present and undamaged
  • Check the dishwasher has been emptied or run
  • Check bins have been emptied according to your instructions

Living Areas and Furniture

  • Check sofas, chairs, tables and other furniture for damage
  • Check walls for marks, scuffs or damage
  • Check floors and carpets
  • Confirm electronics and remote controls are present

Keys, Access and External Areas

  • Confirm keys have been returned or the key-safe code is reset
  • Check the entrance, garden and parking area for damage or excessive litter
  • Check external bins

After the Inspection

  • Photograph any significant damage before cleaning or repairs begin
  • Arrange cleaning promptly — particularly if you have subsequent guests or need to return to the property
  • Communicate with the lead guest clearly and promptly if any issue requires a deduction from the security deposit
  • Return the security deposit promptly where everything is in order

Should You Clean the Property Yourself or Use a Cleaner?

Many homeowners choose to clean the property themselves for an event such as The Open — particularly if the stay is a one-off arrangement. This is entirely practical, especially if you use this checklist as a guide. Others prefer to arrange a local cleaning professional, which can save time and reduce stress on days when travel or other commitments are involved. Either approach works well. If you arrange a cleaner, share this checklist with them so they know exactly what standard is expected.

Homeowners in the St Andrews area, the East Neuk villages, Cupar, Leuchars or Dundee should be able to find local cleaning services through local directories or word of mouth. Remember that several properties in the area are likely to require cleaning during the same week, so it is worth making arrangements in advance rather than waiting until event week.

A Short Property Inventory: Worth the Effort

Before guests arrive, consider compiling a brief inventory of important items in the property. This does not need to be exhaustive — focus on higher-value items and anything that would be noticeable if missing or damaged: keys and spare sets, bed linen sets, towels, important kitchen equipment, televisions and remote controls, electronics, and any significant furniture or decorative items that remain in the home during the rental.

A short inventory, combined with your pre-arrival photographs, makes the post-checkout inspection easier and removes any ambiguity about the property's original condition.

Connecting Your Cleaning Preparation to the Booking Process

Getting the cleaning and presentation right is one part of a broader preparation process. You will also want to have confirmed the lead guest's details, agreed the house rules, set your payment and security-deposit terms, and provided clear check-in information before guests arrive. For a full overview of how the listing and booking process fits together, the Open 2027 homeowner listing and rental guidance on Golf Event Stays covers these steps in straightforward detail.

If you are still thinking about whether to list your property for The Open 2027, it is worth using the Golf Event Stays rental calculator to get an indicative estimate of what your Fife or wider Tayside property may be capable of earning during event week. The calculator uses information you enter about your property to produce an initial estimate — results are indicative only and not a guaranteed income figure, but they can give you a useful starting point for your planning.

Ready to make your property available to golf visitors attending The Open Championship 2027? You can list your property on Golf Event Stays with a one-time listing fee of £129. There are no monthly charges and no commission taken from your rental income under the standard self-managed listing.

For a step-by-step overview of pricing, timing and check-in preparation, see the Open 2027 homeowner listing and rental guide and the Open 2027 accommodation page.

Useful External References

Golf Event Stays pricing is reviewed from time to time. For the current Self-Managed listing fee for each event and the current Fully Managed terms, see the Golf Event Stays pricing page or list your property.