Blue Swell Rentals’ Approach to Guest Behavior and Cleanup
1/15/2026
Dave Jones, general manager at Blue Swell Rentals, knows that while vacation rentals are meant for relaxation and fun, sometimes guests take the festivities too far. From unauthorized parties to excessive cleaning needs, Jones and his team have developed a clear and proactive approach to maintain property standards and ensure smooth operations.
In this Q&A, Jones shares insights on handling post-party cleanups, enforcing rules, and using preventative measures to minimize disruptions, all while maintaining a positive relationship with guests.
VRHP: How do you handle excessive cleaning after a party or large gathering?
Dave Jones: When we find out about any of our locations that have more than the allowed fire code occupancy, we go to the location and evaluate the situation. If the guest has invited friends over for dinner, we explain the fire code and ask them to keep the number of people at the location to within that amount. If it is a party, we break up the party and inform the guests they have violated the rental contract and they will have to also leave without a refund. If everyone has been drinking and cannot drive, we let them know that we are not asking them to get into the car; the only thing is we will be locking up the location and they will not be able to go back in. They can call a ride or wait until they can drive. We have let them leave the car(s) in the driveway overnight if needed.
VRHP: Do you have specific policies in place to deter guests from hosting unauthorized parties?
Jones: Our rental agreement has the max occupancy and rule for this:
“Maximum occupancy applies 24/7 and is six. (Primary, contracting) Guest must be at least 25 years old or an active member of the military, and an occupant of the Property. At no time are you allowed to have more than the number of guests stated on the reservation for the property. You are not allowed to have large parties or events: NO Exceptions!”
VRHP: What strategies do you use to minimize the chances of excessive cleaning needs after a party (e.g., guest communication, security deposits)?
Jones: We collect the ID from the primary renter and verify the age. Also, emails before arrival outline the house rules.
In the guest contract:
“Guest is not entitled to a refund, partial or otherwise, if removed or ejected from property for violation of this agreement. Guest will be charged what is agreed to be non-punitive amounts, as listed below for the following occurrences:
$500 for each unreported animal prior to check-in regardless of pet, emotional, or service animal or every four hours or portion thereof of late checkout.
$150 for each invitee or licensee who is unauthorized or in excess of the occupancy limit, failure to return keys/passes/fobs/passes, failure to keep pool gates and doors secured; violating terms concerning pool equipment including pool alarm (which is a crime), air conditioning, smoke detectors, outdoor furniture, cleaning including dishes and trash, extra cleaning due to Illness of an occupant, non-emergency use of fire extinguishers, and similar acts and omissions.”
VRHP: Do you use any technology, such as noise monitors or cameras, to detect potential parties?
Jones: Some owners have cameras, but we do not monitor them because of liability. We make an effort to meet the surrounding full-time owners, give them our 24/7 number, and encourage them to call when they see or have problems.
VRHP: What are the first steps your housekeeping team takes when they encounter a property that requires extensive cleaning?
Jones: They take pictures and turn them into the housekeeping supervisor. We then contact the guest, send them the pictures, and charge for the excessive clean.
VRHP: How do you prepare your housekeeping staff to handle excessive cleaning situations, and do you provide any specialized training?
Jones: We train all our staff on proper cleaning procedures and how to deal with biomatter. Our training is an ongoing and growing process that we take seriously.
VRHP: Have you had to bring in additional resources or partners for post-party cleanups, and if so, how do you manage those partnerships?
Jones: The number of incidents is very minimal. One time in five years we had an out-of-hand party with over $15,000 in damages. A police report is important to document the damage. We legally went after the primary renter and received the money for the repairs. We manage the additional resources for the owner. We are partnered with the owners and, as a team, we work hard to resolve all issues.
VRHP: What role, if any, do damage waivers or cleaning fees play in covering these scenarios?
Jones: Our damage waiver is for accidental damage only. Any damage during a party would not fall under this policy. Sometimes when a cleaner requests more money because a unit is a little extra dirty, we remind them that sometimes a unit is extra clean, so it evens out. Only in extreme circumstances do we charge extra to the guest.
VRHP: Have you noticed any trends or changes in guest behavior over time when it comes to parties and cleanups?
Jones: Guests do have high expectations and will let you know if something goes wrong. We feel the behavior in our area has improved as we partner with the counties, cities, and police departments. Guest education is the key to managing behaviors and letting them know the area and house rules before arriving.