As a short-term rental host, you may be wondering how to set the right Airbnb cleaning fees. This can be a tricky process, as you want to make sure that you are charging enough to cover your costs, but not so much that guests feel like they are being overcharged.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of setting cleaning fees and give you some tips on how to make sure they are fair for both you and your guests!

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today! 

What are Airbnb Cleaning Fees?

A cleaning fee is a charge added to a short-term rental reservation to cover the costs of cleaning the unit. This amount of this fee will vary depending on the size and location of the unit. In some cases, you may also charge a separate security deposit in addition to the cleaning fee.

It’s important to note that cleaning fees are not mandatory, and some hosts may choose to waive them altogether. However, if you do charge a cleaning fee, it needs to be clearly stated in the listing description.

What Does a Cleaning Fee Cover?

The cleaning fee for a rental covers the costs of your cleaning crew, or your time if you are cleaning the rental yourself. This includes basic cleaning chores such as vacuuming, dusting, and mopping.

The average Airbnb cleaning fee also covers more specific tasks such as laundry and dishes. Finally, the fee helps to offset the cost of replacing your inventory and cleaning supplies.

How Much Do Hosts Typically Charge as a Cleaning Fee?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as hosts can charge whatever they deem appropriate for their individual listings. However, a quick search on Airbnb’s site reveals that the average cleaning fee charged by hosts is anywhere between $50-$105 per booking. Of course, this amount can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the rental property.

Charging a high cleaning fee can discourage your guests from booking shorter stays. For example, a $60 fee spread over several nights might be reasonable and affordable.

But for a one or two-night stay, this price could feel high and prevent guests from booking your orphan days. Conduct some market research for your area by looking at what other short-term rentals are charging as a cleaning fee in your area. 

What to Consider Before Setting Your Cleaning Fees?

As a host, there are a few things you’ll want to consider when setting your average Airbnb cleaning fee. First, think about the size of your rental property and how long it will take to clean it thoroughly. If you’re offering a large house or a luxury stay, guests will generally understand why you charge a larger cleaning fee.

You’ll also want to factor in the cost of any cleansers or other supplies you’ll need to use. Finally, get a quote from a cleaning crew to ensure your fee is competitive.

Many cleaners will offer a discounted rate if they are cleaning your property several times a week. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can set a fair and reasonable cleaning fee that will help keep your rental property in tip-top shape.

How to Set a Cleaning Fee

Setting an Airbnb Cleaning Fee

To set a cleaning fee:

1. Go to Your Listings on the Airbnb website.

2. Select a listing.

3. Choose Pricing and Availability

4. Click Fees, then Cleaning fee.

5. Enter an amount in USD per night and check the box next to “I agree to charge guests a cleaning fee.” You can also add a description of what’s included in the fee.

6. Click Save.

Setting a VRBO Cleaning Fee

To add a cleaning fee to your VRBO listing, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your VRBO dashboard and click on the Calendar.

2. Expand the left navigation menu and choose Rates.

3. In the top right corner, you will see the gear icon. Click on this icon and then click Fees.

4. Select Fee type (cleaning fee) and enter your amount.

5. Click Save.

When Should You Refund a Cleaning Fee?

You should refund a VRBO or Airbnb cleaning fee if the property is not as clean as expected or if guests arrive to a damaged rental unit. When you automate your cleaning schedule with Host Tools, you will avoid this issue entirely. 

Additionally, depending on your cancellation policy, cleaning fees may be returned to a guest who cancels a booking. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, short-term rental hosts have a lot of control over their cleaning fees. It is essential to be clear about what the cost covers in the listing description.

Hosts should also take into consideration the size of their rental property, how long it will take to clean, and the cost of any necessary supplies. Additionally, it is vital to be aware of what other hosts in the area are charging for their cleaning fees. By taking all of these factors into consideration, hosts can set a fair and reasonable cleaning fee that will help keep their rental property in tip-top shape.

Automating your cleaning schedule with Host Tools is a great way to avoid any problems with cleanliness or damage. By following these tips, you can set a short-term rental cleaning fee that works best for you and your guests.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!