How to Adjust Cleaning Fee on Airbnb: A Host Guide
Learn how to adjust Airbnb cleaning fees effectively with practical hosting tips, pricing considerations, and a step-by-step process to stay compliant and fair to guests.
According to Cleaning Tips, you can adjust the cleaning fee by editing your listing’s price in the host dashboard to reflect actual cleaning costs. Ensure changes comply with Airbnb’s policies and are transparent to guests. Review local market rates, seasonal demand, and the scope of cleanings to set a fair fee that covers services while remaining competitive.
Understanding Cleaning Fees on Airbnb
According to Cleaning Tips, cleaning fees on Airbnb are a one-time charge that covers professional cleaning services between guest stays, the products used, and laundering of linens. They are separate from nightly rates and should reflect the true cost of turnover. Transparent communication about what the fee covers—dusting, sanitizing, vacuuming, laundry—helps guests understand the value. Hosts who break down what’s included (towels, supplies, and deep-cleaning tasks) build trust and reduce post-booking disputes. This section explains how to assess whether your current fee fairly represents the service level you offer and how to adjust it responsibly over time. Consider factors such as property size, turnover complexity, and local market expectations. A thoughtful approach balances labor costs with guest-perceived value, ensuring cleaners are paid fairly without pricing out potential guests.
Factors to Consider Before Adjusting
Several variables determine the right fee: property size, layout, turnover complexity, and how many linens or amenities are included. Local labor costs and supplier prices shape the cost base, while market norms establish what guests expect to pay. Seasonality and occupancy trends influence when a change feels reasonable. The Cleaning Tips analysis suggests that small, well-justified adjustments tend to preserve bookings, whereas abrupt spikes can lead to price resistance. Ensure your adjustment aligns with the level of cleaning you deliver and with what guests perceive as fair.
Communicating the Fee to Guests
Guests value transparency. Clearly state what the cleaning fee covers in your listing description and booking flow, and reiterate it in the house rules or welcome message. Use a concise bullet list to delineate services (towels, linen laundry, surface disinfection, trash removal) and avoid vague language. If you raise the fee, provide advance notice and a brief explanation tied to enhanced cleaning standards or market costs. The aim is to manage expectations so guests understand the value they’re receiving.
High-level Steps to Adjust (What to Do)
Start by auditing current costs, benchmarking against comparable listings, and validating policy constraints. Decide on a fair adjustment range, then update the listing pricing and notify upcoming guests. Finally, monitor guest feedback and booking pace to ensure the change achieves the desired balance between profitability and occupancy.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Avoid surprise hikes by communicating in advance. Don’t mislabel charges or double-bill for the same turnover, and stay within platform and local guidelines. Also avoid widening the gap between your cleaning fee and the actual service level; guests may feel the fee is unfair if it doesn’t reflect what’s provided.
Real-World Scenarios (Illustrative)
In a high-demand market, a modest adjustment paired with a clear justification (such as improved cleaning standards) can be accepted by guests. If renovations or new furnishings increase turnover effort, reflect that in the fee and explain the reasons to guests before they book. These scenarios demonstrate how thoughtful pricing preserves occupancy while supporting quality cleaning services.
Tools & Materials
- Access to Airbnb Host Dashboard(You’ll edit pricing from the listing’s pricing section.)
- Current Cleaning Fee details(Check your current price and what it includes.)
- Local market rate awareness(Review comparable listings in your area.)
- Airbnb policy awareness(Understand allowed fee ranges and disclosures.)
- Documentation of services covered(Prepare a list of what cleaning covers (towels, linen laundry, etc.).)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-75 minutes
- 1
Review current cleaning fee and costs
Gather receipts, talk to your cleaners, and confirm what the fee currently covers. This establishes a baseline for any adjustment.
Tip: Document all components of turnover to justify changes. - 2
Benchmark against local listings
Compare similar properties in your area to understand typical cleaning fees and scopes of service. Use this to set a competitive range.
Tip: Aim for parity with similar properties, not the top of the market. - 3
Check Airbnb policies and disclosures
Review Airbnb’s pricing rules and ensure any change is communicated clearly in the listing and reservation flow.
Tip: Misleading descriptions can lead to disputes or policy flags. - 4
Decide on a fair adjustment range
Choose a percent or flat-fee change that reflects cost changes without surprise to guests. Plan for seasonal fluctuations.
Tip: Use a gradual approach rather than a large jump. - 5
Update the listing price
Edit the Cleaning Fee in the listing’s pricing section and review how it appears in the reservation summary.
Tip: Preview the price before publishing to ensure accuracy. - 6
Monitor guest feedback and occupancy
After adjustments, watch for reviews and booking pace. If complaints rise, re-evaluate and communicate the value added.
Tip: Adjust if bookings drop or guests flag pricing concerns.
Questions & Answers
Can I adjust the cleaning fee after a guest books?
Yes, you can modify your cleaning fee for future bookings, but it won’t apply to already confirmed reservations. Communicate changes for new bookings and ensure you comply with Airbnb policies.
You can adjust it for future bookings after the change is saved in your listing.
Should I include cleaning supplies in the fee?
Including basic supplies and linen laundry in the cleaning fee is common. Make sure the scope is clear in your listing and not double-charged with other charges.
Yes, include what you actually provide for turnover.
Will guests see the cleaning fee before booking?
Guests see the cleaning fee in the price breakdown during checkout and in the reservation summary. Ensure descriptions are accurate to avoid surprises.
Yes, it shows up in the price breakdown before booking.
How often can I change the cleaning fee?
You can adjust as needed, but avoid frequent changes that confuse guests. Plan changes around booking cycles or seasonality.
You can, but avoid constant changes.
Are there legal restrictions on cleaning fees in my area?
Local regulations may influence what you can charge. Check with local housing authorities or a property management advisor if unsure.
Local rules may apply, so check before changing.
What should I communicate about the fee?
Provide a clear explanation of what the fee covers and any updates. Transparency helps guests understand the value and reduces disputes.
Explain what’s included and why the change is happening.
Will Airbnb flag unusually high fees?
Airbnb monitors pricing for fairness. If a fee seems excessive without justification, you may receive a notice. Stay within typical market ranges.
Prices outside the market can trigger a flag.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Set a fair cleaning fee aligned with services provided.
- Communicate clearly to guests what is included.
- Benchmark against local listings to stay competitive.
- Review and adjust thoughtfully, not abruptly.
