Lodgify
Finance

What is a Cleaning Fee?

Updated 2026-05-27

A cleaning fee is a mandatory, one-time charge that guests pay to cover the cost of professionally cleaning a vacation rental after their departure. This fee is separate from the nightly rate and any security deposit.

It covers the labor and supplies required for tasks such as laundering linens and towels, sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms, vacuuming, mopping, and generally preparing the property to a high standard for the next guest. The amount is set by the host or property manager and is a non-refundable component of the total booking cost.

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How it works

Hosts or property managers determine a flat-rate cleaning fee based on factors like property size, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the prevailing rates of local cleaning services. This fee is then configured within the property's listing on an Online Travel Agency (OTA) or a booking website.

For example, platforms like Lodgify provide tools that allow hosts to easily add and display cleaning fees as part of their property management and booking system. During the booking process, the cleaning fee is displayed to the guest as a distinct line item before they confirm their reservation.

It is automatically added to the total cost, which also includes the base nightly rate, service fees, and taxes.

Why it matters

For hosts, a cleaning fee ensures the cost of professional turnover is consistently covered, maintaining high standards of cleanliness without eroding the profitability of the nightly rate. It decouples the fixed cost of cleaning from the variable length of a stay.

For guests, it provides transparency about the total reservation cost and sets the expectation of arriving at a professionally cleaned and sanitized property, which is a key factor in guest satisfaction and positive reviews.

Examples

  • A host of a two-bedroom apartment in a major city might charge a $125 cleaning fee to cover the 3-hour professional cleaning service required between guests.
  • On Vrbo, a guest booking a 4-bedroom beach house for a week sees a base rent of $3,500 plus a separate, non-negotiable $300 cleaning fee.
  • An Airbnb host for a small studio may set a lower cleaning fee of $50, reflecting the smaller space and quicker turnover time.
  • A property manager overseeing multiple luxury villas may standardize a $500 cleaning fee across their portfolio to cover deep cleaning, pool service, and linen replacement for each turnover.

Frequently asked questions

Is the cleaning fee refundable?+
No, the cleaning fee is almost always non-refundable. It is a charge to cover the cost of a service that is performed after a guest's stay concludes. Unlike a security deposit, which may be returned, the cleaning fee is collected to pay for the actual cleaning and is not contingent on the condition the guest leaves the property in.
How do I determine the right cleaning fee for my property?+
To set an appropriate cleaning fee, get quotes from local professional cleaning companies for a standard turnover of your property. The fee should accurately reflect this actual cost, including labor, supplies, and laundry. It's crucial not to inflate the fee for extra profit, as excessively high fees can deter potential guests and lead to lower booking conversion rates.
Should I include the cleaning fee in my nightly rate?+
Separating the fee offers transparency and ensures the fixed cost of cleaning is covered regardless of stay length. However, some guests prefer an all-in price. Many OTAs now display a total price including fees in search results, so the impact on guest perception is changing. Analyze your market; if competitors charge separate fees, it's standard practice. If they don't, you might seem more expensive.
Can I charge a different cleaning fee for shorter stays?+
Most major booking platforms require a single, flat cleaning fee per booking, as the cleaning effort is generally the same regardless of whether a guest stays two nights or seven. While some property management systems or direct booking websites might allow for complex pricing rules, this is not a standard feature on OTAs like Airbnb or Vrbo.
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