Understanding Vacation Rental Cleaning Costs
As the short-term rental industry continues to grow, keeping your vacation rental clean and well-maintained is crucial for guest satisfaction and positive reviews. Whether you’re a vacation rental cleaner, property owner, or property manager, knowing how much to charge for cleaning vacation rentals ensures profitability while providing high-quality service.
Setting the right cleaning fee is not just about covering labor and supplies; it also affects guest expectations, booking rates, and the overall reputation of your property. This guide delves into vacation rental cleaning costs, pricing strategies, and essential considerations to help you set competitive and fair rates.
Factors That Determine Vacation Rental Cleaning Fees
Cleaning costs for vacation rental house cleaning can vary based on several key factors. Understanding these variables helps determine a fair and competitive price for your cleaning services.
1. Property Size and Type
Larger properties naturally require more time and effort to clean. A vacation home cleaning job for a five-bedroom house will cost significantly more than cleaning a small studio apartment. Consider the following when pricing based on size:
- Studio or 1-bedroom apartments: $50 – $100 per cleaning
- 2–3 bedroom homes: $100 – $200 per cleaning
- Larger homes (4+ bedrooms): $200 – $400 per cleaning
2. Frequency of Turnovers
A short-term rental cleaning schedule varies depending on the frequency of guest stays. Properties with frequent turnovers need more regular cleanings, which may reduce per-cleaning costs through bulk scheduling discounts.
3. Cleaning Scope and Services Included
Basic vacation property cleaning typically includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms, and changing linens. However, additional services like deep cleaning, laundry, or restocking supplies may justify a higher cleaning fee.
4. Location and Market Demand
Urban areas or high-tourism destinations may have higher cleaning rates due to increased demand. Researching competitors in your area can help set competitive rates.
5. Seasonal Variations
Peak tourist seasons may require faster turnovers and more intensive cleaning, leading to higher vacation rental cleaning fees.
How Much Do Vacation Rental Cleaners Charge? Industry Standards
One of the most common benchmarks for pricing is the cost of vacation rental cleaning services. Many property managers and owners charge cleaning fees to guests, making it important to understand standard rates.
Average Vacation Rental Cleaning Fees
- Small apartments: $50 – $100 per stay
- Standard-sized vacation homes: $75 – $200 per stay
- Luxury properties or large vacation homes: $150 – $400 per stay
Vacation Rental Cleaning Price Variations
Location and property type affect the final cost:
- Urban properties: Higher costs due to labor rates
- Remote vacation rentals: Higher cleaning fees due to transportation costs
- Luxury properties: Premium pricing for deep cleaning and additional services
Setting the right vacation rental cleaning fee ensures that you remain competitive without overcharging guests.
Pricing Strategies: What to Charge for Cleaning Homes and Vacation Rentals
Pricing your cleaning services effectively is crucial for maximizing profits while ensuring guest satisfaction. Here are some key strategies for pricing your vacation rental cleaning services:
1. Cost-Plus Pricing
Calculate your total expenses for cleaning supplies, labor, and travel, then add a markup for profit. This ensures you cover all costs while maintaining a healthy margin.
2. Market-Based Pricing
Research local competitors to determine a competitive price based on vacation rental cleaning fees. Adjust rates based on property size and location.
3. Flat Fee vs. Variable Pricing
- Flat Fee: A set charge per cleaning, regardless of property size or complexity.
- Variable Pricing: Adjust rates based on cleaning requirements, such as deep cleaning or same-day turnovers.
4. Offering Tiered Services
Consider providing multiple service levels, such as:
✔ Standard Cleaning: Basic tidying and sanitation
✔ Premium Cleaning: Includes laundry, dishwashing, and supply restocking
✔ Deep Cleaning: Detailed scrubbing, carpet cleaning, and furniture maintenance
Typical Cleaning Fee for Vacation Rentals and Short-Term Rentals
Setting a typical cleaning fee for short-term rentals requires understanding industry standards and guest expectations.
1. How Vacation Rental Cleaning Fees are Displayed
On most platforms, the cleaning fee is listed as a separate charge, so it’s essential to ensure that your rate reflects the real cleaning costs without discouraging bookings.
2. Competitive Cleaning Fees
- Budget rentals: $40 – $80 per cleaning
- Mid-range rentals: $75 – $150 per cleaning
- Luxury properties: $150 – $400 per cleaning
A well-calculated cleaning fee ensures that you stay competitive while covering costs.
Vacation Rental House Cleaning: What’s Included?
A professional vacation rental cleaner ensures that every rental is spotless before the next guest arrives.
Standard Cleaning Checklist
✔ Changing linens and towels
✔ Cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms and kitchens
✔ Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming
✔ Taking out the trash and replenishing essentials
Additional Services (For Extra Charges)
✔ Carpet shampooing
✔ Outdoor cleaning (patios, grills)
✔ Restocking hospitality items (coffee, toiletries)
Offering customized vacation rental cleaning services allows flexibility and increased earnings.
Should You Charge a Separate Cleaning Fee or Include It in the Nightly Rate?
Hosts and cleaners often debate whether to charge a cleaning fee separately or incorporate it into the rental price.
Option 1: Charging a Separate Cleaning Fee
Pros:
✔ Transparent pricing for guests
✔ Helps cover higher cleaning costs for short stays
✔ Allows customization for different property sizes
Cons:
✘ Guests may avoid rentals with high cleaning fees
✘ Potentially discourages short-term bookings
Option 2: Including Cleaning Costs in the Nightly Rate
Pros:
✔ Simplifies pricing for guests
✔ May attract more bookings
✔ Works well for long-term stays
Cons:
✘ Hosts may absorb costs for short-term stays
✘ Cleaning expenses are less visible to guests
A hybrid approach—offering a modest cleaning fee while adjusting the nightly rate—often provides the best balance.
Price Sheet for House Cleaning: How to Create One for Vacation Rentals
Creating a price sheet for house cleaning helps standardize your rates and present a professional image to clients.
Elements of a Price Sheet
- Base cleaning rate (per stay or per hour)
- Additional services and costs
- Emergency or same-day cleaning fees
- Bulk discounts for property managers
Providing transparent pricing ensures trustworthiness and professionalism in your vacation rental cleaning business.
Hiring a Vacation Rental Cleaner vs. Doing It Yourself
Deciding between hiring a vacation rental cleaner or doing it yourself depends on property size, time availability, and guest turnover rates.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Cleaner
✔ Saves time for hosts
✔ Ensures a higher standard of cleanliness
✔ Allows for faster guest turnovers
DIY Cleaning Considerations
✔ Reduces expenses for small properties
✔ Suitable for hosts with fewer turnovers
✔ Best for budget-conscious owners
For high-turnover properties, outsourcing to a professional vacation rental cleaning service is often the best option.
Conclusion: Setting the Right Cleaning Fee for Profitability and Guest Satisfaction
A well-calculated vacation rental cleaning fee ensures a spotless property, happy guests, and a profitable business. By considering property size, market demand, and cleaning scope, you can set competitive yet fair pricing.
Whether you choose a flat fee, market-based pricing, or a tiered structure, ensuring transparent and justified cleaning costs will enhance guest trust and booking rates.
