Houseperson vs. Housekeeper: What Are the Differences?

A houseperson is a hotel staff member who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the public areas of the property, such as the lobby, corridors and restrooms. A housekeeper is a hotel staff member who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the guest rooms. In this article, we will compare and contrast the job duties of a houseperson and a housekeeper, and we will provide information on the skills and qualifications needed for each position.

What is a Houseperson?

Housepersons are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the public areas of a hotel, resort or other lodging facility. They may also provide support to the Housekeeping department by delivering linens, towels and other supplies to guest rooms. Housepersons typically work in shifts and may be responsible for specific areas or tasks each shift. They may be responsible for vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing all public areas. In some cases, they may also be responsible for washing windows, cleaning chandeliers or other tasks as needed. Housepersons typically report to the Housekeeping Manager or Assistant Housekeeping Manager.

What is a Housekeeper?

Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning and maintaining guest rooms and public spaces in hotels, motels and other commercial lodgings. They typically work in teams of two or more to clean large areas quickly and efficiently. Housekeepers use a variety of cleaning supplies and equipment, such as vacuums, mops and cleaning chemicals, to clean guest rooms and public spaces. They may also be responsible for making beds, replenishing linens and towels, and taking out trash. In some cases, Housekeepers may also be responsible for laundry services.

Houseperson vs. Housekeeper

Here are the main differences between a houseperson and a housekeeper.

Job Duties

A houseperson performs a variety of tasks, which can include cleaning and maintaining the home. Housekeepers typically perform cleaning duties only, although some employers may ask them to complete other tasks as well. Housepersons often perform basic cleaning activities like vacuuming, dusting and sweeping. They also take care of more complex cleaning tasks, such as laundry and ironing clothes. In addition, housepersons prepare meals for their families and guests and maintain the household in other ways. Housekeepers usually clean bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchens and common areas.

Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for housepersons or housekeepers, but some employers may prefer candidates who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many of these professionals learn their skills through on-the-job training. Some hotels and resorts offer in-house training programs that teach new employees how to perform their duties. These programs might cover topics like cleaning techniques, safety procedures and customer service.

Work Environment

Housepersons and housekeepers can work in a variety of environments, depending on the needs of their employer. For example, some employers may require that their houseperson or housekeeper travel with them to different locations for extended periods of time. This means they might need to pack up all of their belongings and move from one location to another.

Housepersons typically work in private homes, but they may also work in hotels, hospitals or other institutions. Housekeepers often work in residential settings, such as single-family homes, apartments or condominiums. They may also work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or other care facilities.

Skills

Both housepersons and housekeepers use cleaning skills to maintain the cleanliness of a property. However, housekeepers typically have more responsibilities when it comes to cleaning, as they are often in charge of cleaning guest rooms and common areas. Housepersons typically assist with cleaning duties, but their primary responsibility is to take care of guests’ needs, such as delivering luggage or providing extra towels.

Both housepersons and housekeepers need customer service skills to interact with guests in a professional and friendly manner. However, because housekeepers typically have more contact with guests, they may need stronger customer service skills. They also both need time management skills to ensure they complete all of their tasks in a timely manner.

Salary

Housepersons can earn an average salary of $27,568 per year, while housekeepers can earn an average salary of $31,038 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.