cleaning

[Matt7051]

Hello, I've been using Airbnb for some time, usually for longer stays of 1 to 2 months when I travel for work.I have very positive reviews. My routine after a stay is to take care of the basics. Clean the dishes, scrub the counter, sweep the floor, not leave garbage anywhere and empty the trash. Although, every now, and then I run into a host that has higher expectations for cleanliness. A host is now asking for a post checkout cleaning fee because I left some coffee grounds in an otherwise empty drawer in the kitchen, a toothpaste smudge in the bathroom sink, and there is some hair on the floor in the bathroom. Light cleaning that had I been left some cleaning supplies, like a mop, or some scrub, I would have done myself. My response was I am happy to pay the cleaner and leave the host a tip, but not until AFTER I see I received a positive review. Am I being unreasonable?

[Josephine-Akosua0]

Hello Matt: as a host from what you describe I would be satisfied. The coffee grounds, toothpaste smudge and hair on the floor should not be biggies. Did you get charged a cleaning fee? If so the host should take care of cleaning. Were you asked to be responsible for cleaning? If so, you should have been left cleaning materials. Unless the host has photos of more serious cleanliness issues, I would say you are not being unreasonable. 

[Lorina14]

@Matt7051 

 From what you have described it is not unreasonable, these things are normal cleaning things. Granted coffee grounds in an empty drawer is not common and maybe they got docked by their next guest because whoever cleaned did not open and close every drawer. I always open and close the dresser drawers and the utensil drawers and cupboards as sometimes things happen and there may be an errant hair, dirty utensils or something. 

If you paid a cleaning fee than you should not be charged additional cleaning for this. Even if you didn’t, these are minor cleaning issues that you should not be charged for. 

[Beatriz1198]

From what you described, those are not major cleaning issues that would require extra money to be cleaned. It's fair to negotiate.

[Shelley159]

Good idea @Matt7051 

From what you describe, it sounds like the host is being very unreasonable - I think your plan is the best way to deal with this. Many hosts don't charge a separate cleaning fee, but prefer to add cleaning costs into their nightly rate - even if you didn't pay a specified cleaning fee, the host must ensure the property is clean:

• Clean stays: A host’s property must be free of known health hazards (e.g. mold, pests, vermin), meet a high standard of cleanliness, and be cleaned between stays.

[Kia272]

@Matt7051  you don't owe anything more to the host or cleaner. If you paid for the reservation and a cleaning fee was included, you've done your job. None of the things you mention warrant extra cleaning or any extra charge. It's on the host to see that the property is cleaned between guests. This host is being unreasonable. No extra payment and no tip. 

What I don't agree with is making this contingent on a 5 star review, which you wouldn't be able to see until both you and the host post reviews. 

If a host pulled this on me, I would actually downgrade my review of them, because it's unreasonable and simply bad hosting. I'd stick to telling the host you're not paying anything extra, and let them review as they will. You have the opportunity to respond to any of your reviews. 

If they leave you a bad one, respond professionally and unemotionally, stating what happened as you explained it here. Hosts can read that and understand that you're not a bad guest. 

I'm shaking my head that a host actually had the nerve to do this. 

[Kim4742]

They should have specific instructions in the booking for what is expected at check out. You shouldn’t be charged extra for normal use of an Airbnb