This article provides a clear breakdown of cleaning fees for short-term rentals, offering practical insights for those starting a related business. It explains typical pricing, factors that influence the cost, and best practices to manage these fees effectively.
Our business plan for short-term rentals will help you build a profitable project
The cleaning fee for short-term rentals in 2025 typically ranges from $40 to $400 per stay, depending on property size, location, and other factors.
Cleaning fees vary based on property type and location, with luxury homes and larger vacation rentals generally costing more to clean. In budget markets, fees are lower, while premium properties can charge significantly higher fees.
In this article, we will break down the factors influencing these fees, how they are calculated, and provide industry standards for what to charge as a short-term rental host.
You’ll find detailed market insights in our short-term rental business plan, updated every quarter.
| Market Segment | Typical Range of Cleaning Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Rentals | $40–$80 per stay | Generally lower-end properties with minimal amenities |
| Mid-Range Rentals | $75–$150 per stay | Average properties with standard amenities, including smaller homes or apartments |
| Luxury/Large Homes | $150–$400 per stay | High-end properties, luxury homes, or large vacation rentals with more amenities |
| High-Cost Urban Areas | May exceed $200 per stay | Costs tend to be higher in cities or popular tourist areas due to demand |
| Remote or Rural Areas | Typically lower | Cleaning fees may be lower due to less demand and local labor costs |
How are cleaning fees calculated for short-term rentals?
Cleaning fees are typically calculated either by a flat rate or based on factors such as property size, number of bedrooms, and additional services.
Most hosts use a flat rate model that is derived from local cleaning rates and an estimated cleaning time. Alternatively, the fee can be scaled based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, with larger properties requiring more work to clean.
Some premium properties may even charge a percentage of the booking cost, especially for luxury properties with extensive amenities.
What factors influence cleaning fees for short-term rentals?
Several factors influence cleaning fees, including property type, location, and seasonality. Larger properties, those with more bedrooms, or those that include extra amenities like hot tubs or pools typically incur higher fees.
Urban locations, especially tourist-heavy areas, tend to have higher cleaning fees due to local labor costs and higher turnover rates. Seasonal demand also affects fees—during peak seasons, cleaning rates may increase due to higher demand for cleaners.
You’ll find detailed market insights in our short-term rental business plan.
How do cleaning fees for short-term rentals compare to hotels?
Cleaning fees for short-term rentals are generally higher than hotel cleaning costs because they are charged per stay, while hotels typically incorporate cleaning costs into the nightly rate.
Hotels benefit from economies of scale, cleaning many rooms daily, whereas short-term rentals are typically cleaned after each guest's stay, and the workload varies greatly depending on the property size and amenities offered.
This makes short-term rental cleaning fees more variable and often higher than hotel cleaning fees, especially for larger or more luxurious properties.
What are the industry benchmarks for cleaning fees on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo?
The average cleaning fee on platforms like Airbnb in the U.S. is approximately $161 per stay, although this can vary widely based on property type and location.
Standard property cleaning fees typically range from $75 to $125, while more luxurious or larger properties may charge higher fees. These fees help hosts cover the cost of professional cleaning services.
How do guests perceive cleaning fees?
Guests generally expect cleaning fees, but excessive or unclear charges can discourage bookings and lead to negative reviews or cancellations.
To minimize dissatisfaction, it's essential that hosts clearly disclose cleaning fees and ensure that they align with market standards. Transparency about the cleaning process and what the fee covers can help guests feel more comfortable.
This is one of the strategies explained in our short-term rental business plan.
How do hosts distribute cleaning fees between themselves and professional cleaners?
Typically, hosts pay 70–100% of the cleaning fee to the professional cleaners, with the remainder being used for supplies or as a buffer for administrative costs.
Hosts often set their cleaning fees to ensure they can cover the costs of professional cleaning services while also factoring in any additional expenses related to guest turnovers.
How frequently should cleaning fees be adjusted?
Cleaning fees should be adjusted periodically, based on factors such as changes in local labor costs, the frequency of cleaning services, and competition in the local market.
It’s advisable to benchmark cleaning fees against local competitors and adjust them as needed to remain competitive while ensuring the costs cover the cleaning service and necessary supplies.
What cleaning standards are expected by platforms and guests?
Common expectations include fresh linens, clean bathrooms and kitchens, swept or mopped floors, and the removal of trash. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo expect these standards to be met, with some even requiring photographic evidence of cleaning for dispute resolution.
Platforms may also provide specific checklists for cleaning, and failing to meet these standards can result in negative guest reviews or penalties.
How do local regulations impact cleaning fees?
In some areas, local regulations may require hosts to disclose cleaning fees clearly, and there may even be taxes applied to these fees as part of the total accommodation cost.
Hosts should familiarize themselves with any local tax rules and regulations that may affect how cleaning fees are charged and disclosed.
What strategies can hosts use to minimize complaints about cleaning fees?
Clear communication about cleaning fees, including what the fee covers, is key to minimizing complaints. Hosts can also provide high-quality cleaning services and explain their cleaning protocols in the listing.
Hosts should also remain flexible with cleaning fee adjustments based on guest feedback and occupancy patterns.
How can hosts balance profitability with fairness in setting cleaning fees?
Hosts should ensure that cleaning fees cover all cleaning costs while keeping the fee competitive and aligned with local market rates. The fee should also reflect the level of cleaning required based on property size and guest turnover.
By carefully analyzing local competitors and adjusting fees based on demand and reviews, hosts can strike a balance between profitability and fairness.
This is one of the many elements we break down in the short-term rental business plan.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
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