STR Cleaner wants more money for longer stays ???
Member since 2021 · 3 posts · 1 vote
STR Cleaner wants more money for longer stays ???
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Cambridge, MA · Member since 2015 · 652 posts · 736 votes
2y5 star ratings are significantly dependent upon your cleaning crew. If you have a reliable, thorough cleaner and you are striving for 5 star ratings, I would pay the cleaner whatever they request.
When I finally found such a cleaner, I asked her how much she wanted to make it worth her while to guarantee my unit would be cleaned perfectly and on time. I give her the monthly schedule a few days before the start of the month and she guarantees the unit will be cleaned in the window between check-outs and check-ins. Since she has been my cleaner, almost every single guest I have has left a review and it always is 5 stars! It is worth every penny I pay this cleaner.
17 Replies
- Cambridge, MA · Member since 2015 · 652 posts · 736 votes2y
5 star ratings are significantly dependent upon your cleaning crew. If you have a reliable, thorough cleaner and you are striving for 5 star ratings, I would pay the cleaner whatever they request.
When I finally found such a cleaner, I asked her how much she wanted to make it worth her while to guarantee my unit would be cleaned perfectly and on time. I give her the monthly schedule a few days before the start of the month and she guarantees the unit will be cleaned in the window between check-outs and check-ins. Since she has been my cleaner, almost every single guest I have has left a review and it always is 5 stars! It is worth every penny I pay this cleaner.
- Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes2y
I would look at other nearby 5 star listings where guests stay 4-5 days, and see what the cleaning fees are, to see if what she's asking is reasonable.
- CO · Member since 2022 · 590 posts · 428 votes2y
I would consider it if the stays were a week or longer, but in my experience the difficulty of cleaning does not drastically go up after a few days, it is still the same work. I would pay them the same amount for anything shorter than a week.
- 2yJohn UnderwoodPro MemberInvestor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
You are the boss. Don't be strong armed.
Cleaning fee should be based on cleaning the whole house. Length of stay does not matter.
You don't charge guest for longer stays.
- Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 17k+ votes2y
Quote from @Jory Wilder:
I have an STR and usually book it out for shorter stays like 1-2 nights at a time mostly. My cleaner recently mentioned she would like to get paid more for longer stays that are like 4-5 days. Should I pay her more $ for longer stays like this or just pay her the same fee? My thinking is when there is a one night booking and the guest barley uses anything its not like she calls me and tells me to pay her less because it wasn't messy at all and there was barley anything to clean. I can see maybe if someone booked for a monthly stay. Just curious what was working for other investors? She does a great job and I want to keep her happy, at the same time I don't want to get taken advantage of since she gets paid per cleaning, she makes more $ when there are multiple stays within the week.
What is the likelihood you can find another great cleaner? If pretty easy, draw the line. STR cleaners generally set rates that average out, meaning the big stays that mess up the whole house are offset by the one offs that use one room and the bathroom and never touch the stove or refrigerator.
Skyline Properties - Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes2y
Quote from @Jory Wilder:
I agree with Carolyn. Is the cleaner offering to charge less for short stays?
Are you paying the cleaner the entire cleaning fee, or an hourly rate? I charge a cleaning fee to guests, then I pay the cleaner by the hour.
Check what others are doing in your market and adjust, if necessary.
The DIY Landlord Book4.7243 Reviews - 2ySarah KensingerPro MemberReal Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Cleaning fees should be comparable to other similar properties in your area. Cleaning fees shouldn't be changed unless it's a month-long stay, then the guest pays more which in turn is passed on to the cleaner. Unfortunately, cleaners may try to demand more over time and a new cleaner needs to be found.
- New to Real Estate · Frisco TX · Member since 2024 · 16 posts · 14 votes2y
Quote from @Jory Wilder:
I have an STR and usually book it out for shorter stays like 1-2 nights at a time mostly. My cleaner recently mentioned she would like to get paid more for longer stays that are like 4-5 days. Should I pay her more $ for longer stays like this or just pay her the same fee? My thinking is when there is a one night booking and the guest barley uses anything its not like she calls me and tells me to pay her less because it wasn't messy at all and there was barley anything to clean. I can see maybe if someone booked for a monthly stay. Just curious what was working for other investors? She does a great job and I want to keep her happy, at the same time I don't want to get taken advantage of since she gets paid per cleaning, she makes more $ when there are multiple stays within the week.
Hello,
I hope you do not mind me providing my insite because I own a cleaning company.
Please note, I do not know your cleaner or the quality of work.
Regardless if your customers only stay one night or not does not make the argument for skipped services . I hope that your cleaner thoroughly cleans the bathroom, kitchen, bed, all furniture, vacuums, and mops.
You said that based on your thinking that she doesn't request less money for the hard work of creating a sterile environment for your guests when it takes less time.
My thinking is that what you are already paying her is the lowest amount it should cost for her time it takes to clean up after a guest that stays a night or two, so why should she charge you less if that is what you are already paying.
When guests stay longer, it takes longer to clean. Like all other professions in the world, cleaners exhange time, work ethic, and knowledge for money.
I am not saying you specifically, however, people tend to think that it is "just cleaning, " and therefore cleaners should get paid nothing, because anyone can do it. That all is needed is a mop and bucket. No skill is required.
I will repeat what I said in a previous post. That is the equivalent of me purchasing a hammer and tape measure and calling myself a contractor.
Cleaning is hard work, it takes skill to clean properly, it is not cheap to buy quality products, and gas is definitely not cheap.
If it takes longer than average to thoroughly clean and disinfect your prooerty, then yes, you should pay her more.
I had a couple of AirBnB that I stopped doing because all they wanted was to pay a flat rate regardless if it took me an hour or three hours.
Needless to say, I no longer have either if them as clients and will no longer accept AirBnB or others like them as clients.
I, myself, provide consistant, reliable quality results. I am knowledgeable. I purchase top quality product that is ordered and not over-the-counter products. My cleaning style takes time.
Just like there are quality contractors. There are quality cleaners. You get what you paid for.
I should add here that I only provide detailed cleaning services that properly prepares properties for the owners or next tenants, post-construction/rehab, and for commercial/ offices. Except for offices, I do not provide reoccuring maid or housekeeping services. My insite is based upon the type of high quality service I provide.
I hope that anything I said provided some insite to increase time should increase amount you should be charged for her services.
Thank you
- New to Real Estate · Frisco TX · Member since 2024 · 16 posts · 14 votes2y
Quote from @Brett Deas:
I would consider it if the stays were a week or longer, but in my experience the difficulty of cleaning does not drastically go up after a few days, it is still the same work. I would pay them the same amount for anything shorter than a week.
Hello,
I apologize, but I will have to disagree based upon my experience.
The longer a guest stays positively impacts the amount of time it takes to clean. Especially if the guests are not the cleanest people to begin with Then it even takes more time.
Perhaps instead of trying to save money on the hard work of others, people should pay per hour.
Reviews are tightly tied in with cleanliness. Sometimes people complain about the cost of cleaning. However, no one complains about the reviews, which increases the nights booked, which help to pad your pocketbook.
There is a outrageous cleaning deposit charged to your guests. However, I doubt that you pay your cleaner the full cleaning deposit.
Just like guest, you should want to pay for quality results expect quality, and then enjoy the increased bookings.
Cleaning is not an easy trade to do prooerly. It requires time, elbow grease, and believe it or not, skill. - 2yAndrew SteffensBusiness MemberTampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
I have a larger portfolio (65+/-) units varying in size from 300sqft - 7,000 sqft and that affords me some leverage on our cleaning vendors. However, annually we have them bid all properties that they are interested in, to keep prices as low as possible before we sign another 1 year contract with them.
That said, they are paid per clean, not dependent on length of stay. If there is a 1 night stay where they may be in and out in 1 hour or if they are there 6 hours, it does not matter. If a property is thoroughly trashed, they can take pics and make a request for extra compensation.
As you mentioned, they do not call you when the place is barely touched to tell you to pay less, they should take the good with the bad. It likely would be more good than bad for them.
Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews - New to Real Estate · Frisco TX · Member since 2024 · 16 posts · 14 votes2y
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:
I have a larger portfolio (65+/-) units varying in size from 300sqft - 7,000 sqft and that affords me some leverage on our cleaning vendors. However, annually we have them bid all properties that they are interested in, to keep prices as low as possible before we sign another 1 year contract with them.
That said, they are paid per clean, not dependent on length of stay. If there is a 1 night stay where they may be in and out in 1 hour or if they are there 6 hours, it does not matter. If a property is thoroughly trashed, they can take pics and make a request for extra compensation.
As you mentioned, they do not call you when the place is barely touched to tell you to pay less, they should take the good with the bad. It likely would be more good than bad for them.
Hello,
I hope you do not mind me replying.
That is like comparing apples to oranges. You compare bids from companies for your complex to a cleaner and an STR.
The disgusting to being not so bad will usually average out for big contracts.
This is a cleaner for a STR. They are not close to being the same type of business.
Charging for an individual is not the same as bidding for a complex.
If she is a good reliable cleaner, who provides him quality, he should consider himself lucky to find someone who cares about her work. It is because of her that he receives great reviews.
Too many people carry around a mop and bucket and call themselves cleaners. They think the job is easy, quote too low, find out it is not, and produce low quality to make up the time it takes to actually clean properly.
Cleaning companies have high turnover because they hire whoever and pay too low to find quality people.
Bidding on contracts:
Some companies/people quote low to gain the contract, then they start to skip services or produce lower quality to maintain their profit margin.
And what happens, most of the time, the company is stuck with them for the year. The time and cost of breaking the contract is not worth it. If you do not hire them again, they do not care, because someone else will.
As in every job, career, service, etc. high quality requires time. Time is exchanged for money.
Not all people care. Not all people have high standards, or the skills, or the knowledge.
If you find someone who actually cares and takes pride in their work or finished product, then you are very lucky to have found them.
From accountants to psychologists, from a little shack to a mansion, quality costs money.
Thank you - 2yAndrew SteffensBusiness MemberTampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votesI understand what you are saying but if I have a 5 mile drive to work daily I do not need to have a ferrari. That said I do not want a 1986 Toyota either. Quality costs money but there is overkill. We use 4 vendors that have been with us for a long time and we do get quality. Using the bidding system it forces competition which is the essence of a free market and keeps pricing down.
Quote from @Judy Martinez:
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:
I have a larger portfolio (65+/-) units varying in size from 300sqft - 7,000 sqft and that affords me some leverage on our cleaning vendors. However, annually we have them bid all properties that they are interested in, to keep prices as low as possible before we sign another 1 year contract with them.
That said, they are paid per clean, not dependent on length of stay. If there is a 1 night stay where they may be in and out in 1 hour or if they are there 6 hours, it does not matter. If a property is thoroughly trashed, they can take pics and make a request for extra compensation.
As you mentioned, they do not call you when the place is barely touched to tell you to pay less, they should take the good with the bad. It likely would be more good than bad for them.
Hello,
I hope you do not mind me replying.
That is like comparing apples to oranges. You compare bids from companies for your complex to a cleaner and an STR.
The disgusting to being not so bad will usually average out for big contracts.
This is a cleaner for a STR. They are not close to being the same type of business.
Charging for an individual is not the same as bidding for a complex.
If she is a good reliable cleaner, who provides him quality, he should consider himself lucky to find someone who cares about her work. It is because of her that he receives great reviews.
Too many people carry around a mop and bucket and call themselves cleaners. They think the job is easy, quote too low, find out it is not, and produce low quality to make up the time it takes to actually clean properly.
Cleaning companies have high turnover because they hire whoever and pay too low to find quality people.
Bidding on contracts:
Some companies/people quote low to gain the contract, then they start to skip services or produce lower quality to maintain their profit margin.
And what happens, most of the time, the company is stuck with them for the year. The time and cost of breaking the contract is not worth it. If you do not hire them again, they do not care, because someone else will.
As in every job, career, service, etc. high quality requires time. Time is exchanged for money.
Not all people care. Not all people have high standards, or the skills, or the knowledge.
If you find someone who actually cares and takes pride in their work or finished product, then you are very lucky to have found them.
From accountants to psychologists, from a little shack to a mansion, quality costs money.
Thank youVacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews - 2yMichael BaumPro MemberOlympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Personally it all seems to equal out in the end.
Our cleaner charges a flat rate no matter how long the stay or number of guests. Some days it takes her all 8 hours to get it done, sometimes it takes 3 hours.
She is happy, we are happy and it all comes out pretty even in the end.
- New to Real Estate · Frisco TX · Member since 2024 · 16 posts · 14 votes2y
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:
I understand what you are saying but if I have a 5 mile drive to work daily I do not need to have a ferrari. That said I do not want a 1986 Toyota either. Quality costs money but there is overkill. We use 4 vendors that have been with us for a long time and we do get quality. Using the bidding system it forces competition which is the essence of a free market and keeps pricing down.Quote from @Judy Martinez:
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:
I have a larger portfolio (65+/-) units varying in size from 300sqft - 7,000 sqft and that affords me some leverage on our cleaning vendors. However, annually we have them bid all properties that they are interested in, to keep prices as low as possible before we sign another 1 year contract with them.
That said, they are paid per clean, not dependent on length of stay. If there is a 1 night stay where they may be in and out in 1 hour or if they are there 6 hours, it does not matter. If a property is thoroughly trashed, they can take pics and make a request for extra compensation.
As you mentioned, they do not call you when the place is barely touched to tell you to pay less, they should take the good with the bad. It likely would be more good than bad for them.
Hello,
I hope you do not mind me replying.
That is like comparing apples to oranges. You compare bids from companies for your complex to a cleaner and an STR.
The disgusting to being not so bad will usually average out for big contracts.
This is a cleaner for a STR. They are not close to being the same type of business.
Charging for an individual is not the same as bidding for a complex.
If she is a good reliable cleaner, who provides him quality, he should consider himself lucky to find someone who cares about her work. It is because of her that he receives great reviews.
Too many people carry around a mop and bucket and call themselves cleaners. They think the job is easy, quote too low, find out it is not, and produce low quality to make up the time it takes to actually clean properly.
Cleaning companies have high turnover because they hire whoever and pay too low to find quality people.
Bidding on contracts:
Some companies/people quote low to gain the contract, then they start to skip services or produce lower quality to maintain their profit margin.
And what happens, most of the time, the company is stuck with them for the year. The time and cost of breaking the contract is not worth it. If you do not hire them again, they do not care, because someone else will.
As in every job, career, service, etc. high quality requires time. Time is exchanged for money.
Not all people care. Not all people have high standards, or the skills, or the knowledge.
If you find someone who actually cares and takes pride in their work or finished product, then you are very lucky to have found them.
From accountants to psychologists, from a little shack to a mansion, quality costs money.
Thank youHello,
I was not disagreeing with you. My main point is that the two are not the same.
You have a large portfolio and require bids. She is a single cleaner, perhaps small business, and he has a smaller portfolio based on his mention of a STR.
The amount of units you have will probably average out. When I bid, it is as a whole, good and bad, it averages. I provide high quality results, regardless of time in that scenario. I bid based on the average time it will take to clean that unit. It is not the least amount of time and it is not the most amount of time.
That does not work on individuals with smaller projects.
Based on the information that was provided, his cleaner most likely provided him a quote with a span of time that it takes to clean after a guest that only stays a day or two, let's say 1 to 2 hours because some guests are cleaner than others.
So, it is not the question that the cleaning took an hour instead of two (as an example) so she should charge less. It is that the estimate included a span of time. Once in awhile the property took an hour, another time it took 1.5 hours, that time it took 2 hours.
When guests stay longer, it requires more time to clean after them and more product, especially if they are filthy.
If it takes more time then whatever her span of time in her original estimate which was for a guest who stays a night or two, then she should be paid appropriately for the increase of her time and hard work to properly prepare the property for the next guest.
Most people get paid per hour, an average of 8 hours a day. If your boss gives you a project that takes more time to complete in that day or week, should you just take the good with the bad and be grateful? Or do you get paid for the extra time?
As for your company getting quality, I was not remarking on. Perhaps you do.
I was remarking on the cleaning companies/ cleaners quality diminishing. It is the biggest complaint I hear.
And it is because they estimate too low to gain the contract, the time to actually clean the property properly takes time, and to keep their profit margin, something has too give, and that is the service.
This by no means mean that all companies do this.
However, on average, you get what you pay for. I do not care the profession, from doctors to lawyers, if the professional produces quality results, they get to charge more as they should.
Hard work, having a great work ethic, having high-standards, producing quality results should be paid more than mediocrity.
- 2ySean O'KeefePro MemberCPA | Accepting new clients | 50 States · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 871 votes
That's shady
- 2yTheresa HarrisPro MemberMember since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
I'd ask her what she does extra with a 4-5 night stay that she doesn't do with a 1-2 night stay. You are going to pass the costs on to your guests. Most of the time the work evens out-ie some guests are messy and there is a bit more to clean, others are tidier and there is less to clean. If you are being charge a flat rate, I'd bet sometimes she finishes early and others it takes her a bit longer.
- Member since 2023 · 16 posts · 6 votes2y
I agree with Shaun it's a shady practice. If your cleaner is strong-arming you you can find an alternative on Turno. You'll be able to see the cleaners' ratings and their reviews. You can try them out and decide on the one you like the most.
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