Cleaning fee dilemma

[Sergio-and-Nicole0]

I don't charge a cleaning fee and I want to keep it that way. But I also want guests to recognize this as a benefit. 

I've noticed that some guests can be more messy than others. Some have room-keeping expectations typically associated with a stay at a hotel, while others are very respectful of the house and leave the place the way they found it.

I realize that I can just start charging a cleaning fee, but this would also make my rates less competitive in the market and less desirable for guests.

I want to include a message that addresses this within my communications with guests.

This is what I came up with:

"Please help me continue to offer low rental rates by keeping the room tidy and cleaning up after yourself during your stay. Your participation eliminates the need for extra cleaning fees."

Any suggestions or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Susie5]

Hi Sergio,

I think that wording is very nice - gets the point over well, while being very positive.  I might change "participation" to "kind cooperation" but that''s just me.  If you have specific desires, like washing the dishes or stripping the bed, or taking out the trash, you might mention those - some people do it, some don't. 

I do charge a cleaning fee - $45 - but I actually pay someone $60 to clean!  I started charging the fee when I had knee surgery and knew I wouldnt' be doing it myself for a few months, and now I'm hooked. I have a grad student who has been quite reliable and does it quickly and efficiently. I still do all the laundry myself and the provisions, e.g . bread, coffee, jams. etc.  On a short stay the $60 is a pretty big hit, but as I say, I'm hooked and too lazy now. I'd rather just swan around being "the host" than doing cleaning + hosting!

Almost all my guests have left the unit in great shape - I have few complaints on that score.  Susie

[Sergio-and-Nicole0]

@Susie5 thank you so much for your response. That is an excellent suggestion! I will be incorporating "kind cooperation" into the message 🙂

[Sandra126]

I don't charge one either, I like your wording! I find most guests will leave the place ok, some will leave it immaculate and one or two will leave it in a state but is all part of the game. I am just grateful for the immaculate variety!

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

Nice wording - however, a small fee, whether charged separately or built into your nightly rate would mean that over time it balances out between those who leave it spotless and those who are less tidy. There are set costs to consider no matter how tidy the guest is, such as laundry... But do what works for you and see how guests respond too.