Can an airbnb host charge extra for cleaning? In what circumstances?
Airbnb is a popular platform for renting out your home or apartment to travelers from all over the world. As an Airbnb host, you are responsible for ensuring that your rental property is clean and well-maintained for your guests. This often raises the question: can Airbnb hosts charge extra for cleaning? In this post, we will explore the policies and exceptions to the cleaning fee on Airbnb.
Understanding Airbnb’s Policies on Cleaning Fees
According to Airbnb’s policies, hosts are allowed to charge a cleaning fee for each reservation. The fee is meant to cover the cost of cleaning the property after each guest’s stay. The amount charged is determined by the host and must be disclosed in the listing’s price details. Additionally, hosts cannot charge a cleaning fee that exceeds the nightly rate of the listing.
Exceptions to the Cleaning Fee on Airbnb
While Airbnb’s policies allow hosts to charge a cleaning fee, there are exceptions to this rule. In certain cases, hosts may charge an additional cleaning fee if the home has pets or is dirtier than a normal checkout.
Pets: Can an airbnb host charge extra for cleaning?
If a guest brings a pet to the rental property, the host may charge an additional cleaning fee to cover the cost of removing any pet hair, cleaning up after any accidents, and deodorizing the property. However, it is important to note that hosts cannot charge a pet fee and a cleaning fee separately. The total fee charged must still fall within the limits set by Airbnb’s policies.
Dirtier than Normal Checkout
If a guest leaves the rental property in a significantly dirtier state than a normal checkout, the host may charge an additional cleaning fee. This can include situations where the guest has left behind excessive amounts of trash, dirt, or other debris, or if they have caused damage to the property that requires extra cleaning.
It is important to note that hosts must provide evidence of the additional cleaning required, such as photographs or a cleaning invoice, to Airbnb’s customer service team. The team will then review the evidence and determine if the host is eligible to charge an additional cleaning fee.
Best Practices for Charging Cleaning Fees on Airbnb
When charging a cleaning fee on Airbnb, hosts should follow best practices to ensure a positive guest experience:
- Be transparent: Clearly state the cleaning fee in the listing details to avoid any misunderstandings or surprises for guests during the booking process.
- Keep the fee reasonable: Charging a reasonable fee is important to avoid deterring potential guests.
- Account for time and effort: Consider the time and effort required to clean the property thoroughly, taking into account factors such as the size of the property and the number of guests.
- Offer high-quality cleaning services: Use high-quality cleaning products and provide thorough cleaning of all areas, paying attention to detail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Airbnb hosts are allowed to charge a cleaning fee for each reservation, but it is important to understand the policies and exceptions to this rule. Hosts may charge an additional cleaning fee if the home has pets or is dirtier than a normal checkout. By following best practices, hosts can provide a positive guest experience while maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of their rental property.
