Airbnb has revolutionized the travel industry by offering travelers the opportunity to stay in unique and authentic accommodations. However, with this new way of traveling also comes the responsibility for hosts to maintain clean and welcoming spaces. One of the most debated questions in the Airbnb host community is that of housekeeping fees: should they be charged to travelers, and if so, how much?
- The advantages of invoicing cleaning costs
Charging a cleaning fee on Airbnb has some significant advantages for hosts:
a. Compensate for cleaning costs: Cleaning an accommodation after each stay can involve costs in terms of time, effort and cleaning products. Charging a cleaning fee enables the host to offset these costs and keep the accommodation in good condition for future travelers.
b. Encourage cleanliness and respect: When travelers pay a cleaning fee, they are more likely to respect the space and leave it in a decent state. This can reduce incidents of damage or neglect.
c. Recognition of hosts' work: Hosts spend time and effort preparing and cleaning their accommodation for guests. By charging a cleaning fee, travelers recognize and respect this extra work.
- The disadvantages of invoicing cleaning costs
On the other hand, there is criticism of the fact that travelers are charged for cleaning services:
a. Additional costs for travelers: Travelers often look for affordable accommodations, and high housekeeping fees can add to the total cost of the stay, which may discourage some potential travelers.
b. Competitiveness with other listings: In a competitive market, travelers may prefer accommodations that do not include additional cleaning fees, which can put hosts who charge such fees at a disadvantage.
c. Complexity of calculations: Determining the appropriate amount for a cleaning fee can be tricky. Some hosts may over- or underestimate these charges, which can lead to problems with travelers.
- How to determine household expenses
To determine the amount of housekeeping fees to charge, hosts should consider the following:
a. Size of dwelling : Cleaning costs should increase with the size of the dwelling. The larger the space, the more time and effort it will take to clean.
b. Services provided: If the host provides additional equipment such as sheets, towels, toiletries, etc., this may justify a higher cleaning fee.
c. Complexity of cleaning: If the accommodation includes delicate or difficult-to-clean features, such as thick carpets, delicate fabrics or fragile decorations, additional cleaning costs may be justified.
d. Professional cleaning fees: Some guests prefer to outsource cleaning to professionals. In this case, the cleaning fee should reflect the cost of these services.
Ultimately, the decision whether and how much to charge for housekeeping on Airbnb is unique to each host. It's important to consider the pros and cons, as well as the specific factors associated with each accommodation. Whatever the choice, transparency is key: housekeeping fees should be clearly stated in the listing, so that travelers know exactly what to expect. With a thoughtful approach, housekeeping fees can be a fair way to keep accommodations spotless for travelers while recognizing the hard work of hosts.
