Adding a Cleaning Fee on Airbnb: Best Practices and Tips

As an Airbnb host, adding a cleaning fee is an essential part of your booking process. However, if you discover the need for a cleaning fee after your guests have already booked without one, the consequences can be severe. This guide will help you understand the importance of adding cleaning fees ahead of time and provide detailed instructions on how to do it properly.

The Consequences of Last-Minute Changes

The biggest mistake some hosts make is not including a cleaning fee when guests are first booking. If you realize this after your guests have already paid for their stay, the cost falls on you as the host. This is because you have already made an agreement with your guests based on the initial quote. Ignoring this will likely result in negative reviews and a decrease in future bookings.

Robin Shannon addressed a similar issue in her article, emphasizing the importance of transparency and upfront pricing. Guests will be pleased if they are aware of all the fees upfront, rather than being caught off guard and forced to cancel.

Adding Cleaning Fees to Airbnb Listings

To ensure that cleaning fees are included in your listings, follow these steps:

Log in to Your Airbnb Account: Start by logging into your Airbnb account where you manage your listings. Navigate to the Listing: Once logged in, click on the ‘Host’ dropdown and select ‘Listing’ to access your listing details. Locate the Fees Section: Within the listing, find where you can add additional fees. This is typically in the pricing section. Note the Available Options: Click on the edit button to see all the available options for additional fees, including cleanings fees.

The add-on features for cleaning fees are all set up in advance, allowing you to customize the amount based on your needs. It's crucial to make these edits before the start of each booking cycle to avoid last-minute issues.

Using Airbnb's Built-in Features

Airbnb provides a built-in framework to help hosts set up their listings effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting a base nightly price and applying longer stay discounts:

Setting a Base Nightly Price: Begin by defining your base nightly price. You can use the Airbnb provided tools to set this up easily. Applying Longer Stay Discounts: Once the base price is set, use the longer stay discounts feature to incentivize guests to book for more nights. Remember to explain these savings in your listing description to encourage guests to choose longer stays. Adding Extra Charges: In the extra charges section, include cleaning fees as well as any other service charges like Wi-Fi or parking. Ensure that all these costs are clearly communicated to guests to avoid confusion and cancellations.

Note: If you need to show the steps more visually, we recommend taking a screenshot of the interface and following the outlined directions for reference.

Remember, it's important to click 'Save Changes' once you have completed your edits to ensure they are saved and applied to future bookings.

By following these steps and ensuring you always add cleaning fees upfront, you can avoid the pitfalls of last-minute changes and maintain a positive reputation with your guests. Transparency is key in building trust and ensuring a smooth booking process.