Airbnb Host Cleaning Fees: Can an Airbnb Host Charge Extra for Cleaning?
Can An Airbnb Host Charge Extra for Cleaning? Learn the Guidelines, Rules, and What to Expect (2025 Edition)
Table of Contents:
As the popularity of
Airbnb
continues to grow, so does the complexity of understanding its
fee structures.
One question that often arises is, Can an
Airbnb host Charge For Airbnb Cleaning?
Whether you’re a host looking to optimise your pricing strategy or a guest trying to understand additional costs, this guide will clarify how cleaning fees work and what you can expect.
What is an Airbnb Cleaning Fee?
An Airbnb cleaning fee is a one-time charge that hosts can apply to cover the cost of cleaning the property between guest stays.
Unlike the nightly rate or booking fee, this fee is specifically intended to cover cleaning expenses, ensuring the property is ready for the next guests.
This fee typically covers basic cleaning tasks like vacuuming, mopping, and sanitising surfaces, as well as additional cleaning required for pet stays or longer stays.
It can vary significantly depending on the size of the property, length of stay, and other factors.
Can Airbnb Hosts Charge Extra for Cleaning?
Yes, Airbnb hosts can charge extra for cleaning, provided the fee is clearly outlined in the Airbnb listing.
Hosts often include cleaning fees to cover deep cleaning after large groups or long-term stays, pet fees to address additional cleaning needs, and preparation of high-end properties with premium cleaning services.
For example, a short stay in a compact apartment might attract a standard cleaning fee, while a longer stay in a larger rental property may incur a higher cleaning fee due to increased cleaning costs.
Understanding what an
airbnb cleaning fee cover includes can help both hosts and guests manage expectations regarding cleaning expenses.
Factors Influencing Cleaning Fees
Several factors will influence the cost of your cleaning fees. In general, the larger the property, the higher the cleaning expenses.
A one-bedroom apartment will typically have a lower cleaning fee than a five-bedroom house. Another factor to consider is the length of stay.
While short stays might seem easier to clean, they often result in a higher cleaning fee per night compared to longer stays.
This is because the cleaning fee is a one-time charge, distributed across the total number of nights.
More guests can also mean more cleaning is required.
Hosts will often adjust their fees to reflect the impact of multiple guests on the property.
By factoring in these elements, Airbnb hosts can calculate extra cleaning fees to ensure their rental property remains in pristine condition for the next guests.
Best Practices for Hosts: Setting a Realistic Cleaning Fee
Setting a fair and transparent cleaning fee is essential for attracting potential guests and will lead to repeat business.
But how do you know how much to charge for your property? Firstly, you can research similar properties to compare cleaning fees charged by similar listings in your area.
This will give you an idea of how much to charge your guests. Once this is established, you can also consider offering a lower cleaning fee for longer stays or special occasions to encourage bookings.
Most importantly, clearly outline your cleaning fees and house rules in your Airbnb listing to avoid surprises for guests.
What Guests Should Know About Cleaning Fees
For guests, understanding cleaning fees is crucial to managing expectations and budgeting for a stay.
Cleaning fees are included in the total price shown on the Airbnb home page during booking.
It is important that you always check the house rules and cancellation policy for any additional charges.
If you're looking for a
right apartment cleaner, consider hiring a professional service to ensure a cost-effective and hassle-free stay.
And lastly, ask questions! If the fee seems unusually high, contact the host for a price breakdown or clarification.
How to Reduce Your Cleaning Fees
Both hosts and guests can take steps to minimise cleaning fees. For hosts,
use flat-rate or one-time cleaning services to reduce costs.
Professional
Airbnb cleaning services
can also offer consistency and efficiency and help to maintain a high rating.
For Guests, make sure to follow house rules and leave the property tidy to avoid additional cleaning fees.
Take note of any required cleaning at the end of your stay, such as stripped beds, when you book your accommodation.
By working together, hosts and guests can ensure a smooth and cost-effective rental experience.
Conclusion
So, can Airbnb hosts charge extra for cleaning? Absolutely. Cleaning fees are an important part of ensuring rental properties remain guest-ready and maintain high standards.
For hosts, a well-thought-out pricing strategy can cover cleaning expenses without deterring potential guests.
For guests, understanding these fees helps avoid surprises and plan for a comfortable stay.
If you’re an Airbnb host in Canberra,
Synergy Four Services
can help.
With over 15 years of experience, we offer reliable and professional cleaning services tailored to Airbnb properties.
Frequently Asked Questions about Airbnb Cleaning Fees
What is Airbnb’s cleaning fee, and what does it cover?
Airbnb’s cleaning fee is a one-time charge added to a guest’s stay to cover the cost of preparing the property for the next guest. It can include vacuuming, mopping, sanitising surfaces, and restocking essentials. For larger vacation rentals or properties requiring deep cleaning, the fee may also cover additional tasks like pet cleaning or high-end detailing.
Can Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees for every guest’s stay?
Yes, hosts can charge cleaning fees for every guest’s stay. This is a standard practice to ensure the property is clean and ready for the next guests. Cleaning fees should be outlined in the Airbnb listing to avoid confusion.
Is it a good idea for hosts to charge cleaning fees?
Yes, charging cleaning fees can be a good idea as it helps cover the costs of maintaining a clean and presentable property. However, hosts should ensure the fee is reasonable and reflects the level of service provided to avoid deterring potential guests.
Can a host offer a special offer to waive cleaning fees?
Yes, hosts can create a special offer that reduces or waives the cleaning fee to attract bookings. This strategy is often used during slower periods or to encourage long-term stays.
What happens if a guest cancels after paying the cleaning fee?
If a guest cancels, the refund policy, including cleaning fees, depends on the host’s cancellation policy. Cleaning fees are typically refundable if the guest’s stay is not confirmed or if the cancellation happens well before the check-in date.
Are there additional fees besides the cleaning fee?
Yes, hosts may include additional fees for services like extra cleaning, pet accommodation, or damages. All additional fees should be communicated clearly in the Airbnb listing or during booking.
Do cleaning fees change based on the length of stay?
In some cases, cleaning fees remain constant regardless of the stay length. However, some hosts may adjust the fee for long-term stays or offer discounts to incentivise longer bookings.
Are Airbnb cleaning fees refundable if the property is not clean?
If a property is not cleaned to a reasonable standard, guests can refer to the Airbnb Help Centre to report the issue. Refunds or partial reimbursements may be offered based on the circumstances.
Do cleaning fees include laundry and linen services?
In most cases, cleaning fees cover the cost of washing linens, towels, and other laundry. Hosts should specify what the cleaning fee covers in the Airbnb listing to ensure transparency.
Director of Synergy Four Services
Jason Dean, the founder of Synergy Four Services, has led the company to significant achievements, including winning the Canberra Local Business Award for Most Outstanding New Business in 2021 and Most Outstanding Service and Trade in 2022.
Under his leadership, the company became a finalist in 2023. With a range of certifications, including mould remediation, water damage remediation and fire and smoke damage restoration, and compliance with ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards. Jason ensures Synergy Four Services meets the highest safety and quality standards.
