Most recurring-clean customers are not home during the visit. Here are the four access models we use, how trust works in practice, and the small steps that make remote access stress-free.
Why most clients are not home
For 80% of our recurring customers, the cleaner arrives while everyone is at work, school, or out. This is the practical reality of fortnightly and weekly schedules in working households.
The four access models
- 1. Key handover. You give us a copy of your key. We keep it in a labelled, locked key safe. Most common option.
- 2. Key safe at the property. A combination key safe mounted near the front door. We retrieve the key at visit start, return at visit end. Code-rotated annually.
- 3. Smart lock. You issue us a recurring code or a one-off code per visit via your phone. Increasingly popular.
- 4. In-person. You let us in, lock up after. Simplest if your schedule allows.
Access — the numbers
Not home
80%
On visit day, most customers
Of access
4 models
Pick what fits your home
Photo proof
Same day
Sent before you walk in
How key safety actually works
If you give us a copy of your key, here is the standard process:
- Key labelled with a generic code — not your address
- Stored in a locked safe at our premises
- Retrieved on the morning of your visit only
- Carried with the cleaner, never left in a vehicle
- Returned to the locked safe at end of day
- If you ever ask for the key back, we return it the same week — no quibble
“Smart lock works perfectly. Recurring code rotated every 6 months. I never think about it.”
— Adam K, Wangaratta · Smart lock customer
If you ever lose us access
- Smart lock code expired — we will text you. Resend the code.
- Key safe code changed and not communicated — we will text. Send the new code.
- Key copy not working — we will leave a note and reschedule. No charge.
- You forgot to be home for in-person access — call us within 30 minutes if you can. Otherwise reschedule, no charge for the first miss.
Ready when you are
Want stress-free remote access?
Free walkthrough. Photo proof every visit you are not home.
Photo proof of work
When you are not home, we take photos of the completed cleaning. Sent to you the same day. You can see exactly what was done before you walk in.
This works two ways — peace of mind for you, accountability for us.
Four access models — pick one
KEY HANDOVER
Most common
We hold a copy
Labelled, locked, returned end of day. Standard for working households.
KEY SAFE
Increasingly popular
Code-rotated
Combination safe at the property. We retrieve and return each visit.
SMART LOCK
Tech-friendly
Per-visit code
You issue a code via app each visit, or a recurring code that you can revoke.
What to know about alarm systems and pets
- Alarm: give us the disarm code if you want us to enter. We will rearm on exit. Code rotated when you ask.
- Pets: brief us on names, where they should be left, any feeding instructions
- Surveillance cameras: tell us where they are. We do not mind being on camera and prefer transparency.
- Special areas off-limits: tell us at the walkthrough and we will skip
Request a free quote or call 0493 295 032.
“Started with key handover. Switched to a key safe after 2 years — I felt safer with the rotation. Hamish helped install the safe.”
— Carolyn G, Beechworth · Long-term customer
Three things that keep keys safe
LABEL
Generic code
Not your address
If a key is mislaid, nobody can match it to a property.
STORAGE
Locked safe
At our premises
Never carried home, never in vehicles overnight.
RETURN
Same week
If you ask
If you ever want the key back, we hand it over the same week. No quibble.
Pre-access checklist
- ✓Access model decided (key, safe, smart lock, in person)
- ✓Alarm code shared (if applicable)
- ✓Pet plan brief shared
- ✓Surveillance camera location shared
- ✓Off-limit areas flagged
- ✓Communication channel confirmed (text/email)
- ✓Backup contact in case of issue
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you have a key to my home?+
Only if you choose key-handover. Many customers use key safes or smart locks instead.
What if I lose trust in the cleaner?+
Ask for the key back the same week. No quibble, no notice needed.
Will you take photos every visit?+
When you are not home, yes — sent the same day.
Can I revoke a smart-lock code?+
Anytime. We get a notification and use the new code next visit.
Is a key safe more secure than handing over a key?+
Slightly — because you can rotate the code without changing locks. But both are safe.
Will you disarm my alarm?+
Only with your disarm code. We rearm on exit. Standard for security-armed homes.
Can I be home for the first few visits and remote after that?+
Yes — common pattern. Trust builds. Most clients move to remote access by visit 3-4.
What if my smart lock dies?+
We will text you. Bring battery replacement or send a different code. We reschedule if unable to enter.
Sources & further reading
- Consumer guarantees on services Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
- Cleaning the home — Better Health Channel Victorian Department of Health
- Indoor air quality at home — guidance Australian Government Department of Health
- Indoor allergens and asthma triggers Asthma Australia
- Reducing your home energy bills Australian Government — Department of Climate Change, Energy
Ready when you are
Ready for Trusted, Remote-Friendly Cleaning?
Free quote. Wangaratta + 90 towns across Northeast Victoria.
