Cleaning fees

[Jenna298]

We currently do not charge a cleaning fee. Most of our guests are good about leaving the home clean, but a few have left significant messes (broken lightbulbs, cigar butts in the yard, filthy bathtub, etc.). We currently do not charge a cleaning fee, but have considered charging one, then offering to reimburse if the home was left clean.

I would love some insight from experienced hosts...

[Brian2036]

@Jenna298 

We’ve been thinking about the same thing but haven’t decided yet.

A few potential problems I anticipate:

1. People will see a high cleaning fee and move on without reading further to find out that it’s refundable.

2. If you refuse to refund the real pigs they will be indignant, lie, and give you a horrible revenge review.

3. Some people who have been cheated out of cleaning/security deposits by unethical landlords (common) will assume that you intend to keep the money no matter what they do.

[Sarah977]

@Jenna298  Charge a reasonable cleaning fee or don't. But do not offer to refund if they leave it clean. That will just leave you wide open to arguments about what is considered clean and what isn't. Bad idea.

[Emiel1]

@Jenna298 

- Such a cleaning fee can be considered as a  "security deposit" and is not allowed by Airbnb.

- The purpose of a cleaning fee is: preparing the accommodation for the new guest.