No host expects a guest to prepare for the next reservation to arrive!
We don’t expect you to wipe down the walls, the counter-tops, attend to those coffee cup rings on the bedside and occasional tables, checking for insects and spider webs.
We don’t expect you to strip the bed and remove those blood, alcohol or makeup stains from the linens, put them through the washing machine, dry them and iron ready for a future guest.
We don’t expect you to wash the towels and provide new face-washers to replace those that were destroyed by nail polish remover, fake tan lotion and Acne cream.
We don’t expect you to remake the bed with fresh linens and put out a new set of towels and face washers.
We don’t expect you to vacuum the carpets, rugs and steam mop the floors.
We don’t expect you to clean the toilet, shower alcove, sinks and taps.
We don’t expect that you will wash, dry and put away the dishes, cutlery, saucepans and glassware that you have used.
We don’t expect you to restock the fridge with a cheese plate, milk, eggs and bacon, fruit juice, a beer and a cider and water from the re-stock facilities.
We don’t expect you to test that the TV, the fridge, the hot water, the DVD player, the air conditioning filter, the washing machine, the smoke alarm, the microwave and hotplate, the electric blankets are all working!
This is what we charge a cleaning fee for! To return the property to the state which you entered it in.
We just expect you will put your rubbish in the bin, pick up those used nappies and condoms that were left under the bed and dispose of and not leave the property looking like a pig sty.
Put furniture back the way you found it.
Leave the property in a relatively tidy state.
There are certain overheads that must be covered in order to provide a listing in the first place.
There is a property mortgage to be covered, insurances, council rates and permits, maintenance, breakages, gardening, electricity and gas, water the constant supply of condiments……..This is what you pay for in the listing amount.
It is most unfortunate that many guests do not seem to be able to differentiate between the two!!
The listing amount covers the cost of supplying the property. The cleaning fee covers the cost of continuing to offer it to guests!
Why is it legal?….because everyone in this world is entitled to a reward for their work….I don’t begrudge you yours, why would you begrudge me mine!
Cheers…..Rob