I’m new to Airbnb and looking for any advice

Member since 2021 · 13 posts · 7 votes

My friend is the property owner. She is moving to Texas and I am the property manager because I live in the area. Essentially, we would like her to be able to be hands off and I’ll take care of it all.

My first question is, what should I set for a cleaning fee? Our cleaner said she would charge anywhere from $100-$120 per cleaning. Right now we have the cleaning fee set at $50/stay. Is $100-$120 too much to charge for a cleaning fee? To me, that seems very high.

Also, any other advice would help a ton! We are both brand new to this. I currently own one rental but I am new to the STR's. Thank you in advanced!

The Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/l/Wpo4lJUc

1 Reply

44 views

Most Popular Reply

John UnderwoodPro Member

Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes

I would set the cleaning fee for at least what it costs

If you feel the cleaning fee is high get some other quotes

2 Reply

See this reply in the discussion

14 Replies

Jump to latestLatest

Sort by

John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
1y
I would set the cleaning fee for at least what it costs
If you feel the cleaning fee is high get some other quotes
2 Reply
Trent Reeve
Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 716 posts · 645 votes
1y
if you are looking for advice, you are in the right forum. start reading and grow
1 Reply
Kerry BairdPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
1y
Variables that might change that number would be size of house, number of beds, extra duties you want the team to do (like fetch supplies) and perhaps the drive to a remote area. I'm pretty sure every cleaner everywhere hates making bunk beds, as that adds time and complexity There will be extra hair and possibly more if you allow pets.
0 Reply
Collin HaysBusiness Member
Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
1y
The cleaning fee is a pass-thru item. You need to charge whatever you are having to pay, and that will vary by market and cleaner.
[email protected]806-672-7102
SMOKY MOUNTAIN FALLS INC.51 Review
Website View Page
1 Reply
Lauren Kormylo
Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
1y
Cleaning costs have gone up in the past 5 years, because covid made people realize they don't want to do a hard physical job for peanuts anymore. And you're asking the cleaner to drive to the house, spending time, gas, and wear and tear on their car. And you're having them wash sheets and towels and make up beds, which normal cleaners don't do for someone living in their house full time. With an STR, it has to be absolutely clean, a guest does not want to find evidence of prior guests at all. So no, $100 to clean a 3 bedroom is not out of line. If that is way more than neighboring STRs are charging, then there are probably a lot of owners cleaning them themselves.
FYI, my cleaners charge $330 to clean my 4 bed/3.5 bath beach house. Most of the surrounding STRs do not supply linens, guests need to bring their own, so that's why mine is higher than others. However, because I believe it hurt bookings, I only charge the guests $230 and increased the daily rate to make up the difference, which has worked great. Your cleaners can make or break your business, and price isn't the only consideration. You need those 5 star reviews, and cleanliness is the basis of that.
1 Reply
Sameul Ahsan
Real Estate Agent · Worcester, MA · Member since 2024 · 107 posts · 45 votes
1y
No, the cleaning fee shouldn’t vary. Keep your pricing consistent, including pet fees and other charges, to prevent cleaners from adjusting rates unpredictably. The guest covers the cleaning fee, so your focus should be on maximizing occupancy with the right amenities. If your cleaner charges $120, set the guest’s cleaning fee at $120 plus any applicable pet fees. Avoid undercharging and cutting into your profits. As you accumulate 5-star reviews, guests will be willing to pay for quality.

0 Reply
Andrew Street
Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 292 votes
1y
Hey Brandon! It’s important to set a cleaning fee that covers the actual cost of cleaning. If your cleaner charges $100-$120 per turnover, your fee should reflect that so you’re not paying out of pocket. Guests are used to cleaning fees, so adjusting it to match the actual expense is reasonable.

It's also helpful to check comparable listings in your area to see what other hosts are charging. A well-priced cleaning fee ensures quality turnovers and a good guest experience. Best of luck with your STR! Happy to connect!
0 Reply
Michael BaumPro Member
Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
1y
Hey @Brandon Wallace so first, you are managing a Short Term Rental, not an AirBNB. AirBNB is a platform where you list a short term rental.
Next, like others have said, it is a pass through cost and you should simply put in what the cleaner charges. Our cleaner charges us $300 and we charge $250. A lot of the cost is associated with the drive to get out and back to our lake house.
If your friend isn't listed on VRBO, she is missing out on revenue and bookings.
0 Reply
Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
1y
1. Cleaning fee should not vary it should be a contractual price. We do annual renewals where terms can be renegotiated.
2. We add roughly 10% to the true cost and that cover consumables. We are still in line with cleaning fee prices in our market.
3. I cannot comment is $100-120 is high as I do not know your market, and I do not know size of unit, bed counts, etc. I have $90 cleaning fee on studios up to $500 cleaning fee on 7 bedroom houses.
4. You should not be losing money on cleans. If anything you should be making a little.
Good luck!
[email protected]813-563-0877
Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
Website View Page
2 Reply
Josh Ball
Real Estate Agent · Louisiana · Member since 2017 · 215 posts · 149 votes
1y
You've gotten some good advice above but $100 even seems cheap after looking through these photos. Definitely be charging at least what you're paying in cleaning, if not add a little cushion.
0 Reply
Tyler Divin
Property Manager · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2018 · 179 posts · 134 votes
1y
I agree. $30-50 per bedroom is a decent rule of thumb. If they do a great job, $100 is a great deal. Also, you might consider swapping out one of the living room photos for the best bedroom photo in your first five photos.
0 Reply
Gary NelsonBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Branson, MO · Member since 2016 · 141 posts · 93 votes
1y
I’d take a look at what other comparable STRs in your area are charging for cleaning fees. If $100-$120 aligns with similar properties, then it’s a fair rate—especially considering the size of the home and the work involved. Undercharging could mean you end up paying out of pocket or getting a lower-quality clean, which isn’t worth the risk when reviews depend on it. If you’re worried about guest perception, you can always roll some of the cost into the nightly rate instead.
[email protected]417-464-6915
Gary Nelson Real Estate, EXP Realty, LLC554 Reviews
Website View Page
1 Reply
Anja Schaer
Investor · Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 146 posts · 72 votes
1y
Hey Brandon,

You'll want to charge at least what your cleaner is asking—$100-$120 is actually pretty standard for STR cleanings, especially if it's a larger home. If you undercharge, you'll be paying out of pocket, and that's not sustainable. Guests are used to cleaning fees, but if you're worried about sticker shock, you can always roll some of the cost into the nightly rate.

Also, check similar listings in your area to make sure you're in line with the market. A good cleaner is key to getting 5-star reviews, so it's worth making sure they're paid fairly and do a great job. Good luck with your STR!

0 Reply
Josh SedivyBusiness Member
St. Louis, MO · Member since 2024 · 134 posts · 55 votes
1y
It’s great that you’re taking on the property management role — that’ll definitely help keep things running smoothly, especially with your friend moving out of state!

For the cleaning fee, if your cleaner is charging $100–$120, I wouldn't recommend setting the cleaning fee at $50 — that's way too low and you'll end up eating the cost. It's pretty normal for STR cleaning fees to fall in that $100 range, it really depends on the size of the home and the level of cleaning required.
[email protected]833-345-5224
ABODEbucks4.5148 Reviews
Website View Page
0 Reply

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.