Setting the Right Airbnb Cleaning Fee: A UK Host's Guide

In the UK, managing Airbnb cleaning fees is an essential aspect of hosting, helping to ensure your property remains attractive and clean for each new guest. Cleaning fees cover the cost of preparing your property between stays, but setting the right amount can be a delicate balance. A well-calculated cleaning fee not only recovers your expenses but also enhances guest satisfaction without deterring potential bookings.

1. What Do Airbnb Cleaning Fees Cover in the UK?

Airbnb cleaning fees in the UK typically include costs associated with cleaning products, professional services, and the time invested in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. This might involve tasks such as laundering bed linens, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, and restocking essential items like toiletries and toilet paper. For properties in popular tourist destinations like London, Edinburgh, or the Lake District, higher cleaning standards are often expected, which can influence the fee you set​.

2. How Much Should You Charge as a UK Host?

The appropriate cleaning fee can vary widely depending on the type of property, location, and the expectations of your guests. For UK hosts, the average cleaning fee often ranges between £40 to £70. However, this can increase for larger properties or those in high-demand locations such as central London.

To set a competitive and fair cleaning fee:

• Assess Your Costs: Include the cost of cleaning materials, your time, or professional services. In the UK, professional cleaning services often charge between £12 to £20 per hour, depending on the region.
• Consider Regional Comparisons: Look at similar Airbnb listings in your area. For example, cleaning fees in tourist-heavy areas like York or Bath may be higher than in less frequented regions​
• Seasonal Adjustments: During peak travel seasons, particularly in summer or during major events, you might justify a higher fee due to increased demand and more intensive cleaning needs

3. Communicating Cleaning Fees to Guests

In the UK, transparency is crucial when listing your property on Airbnb. Ensure that your cleaning fee is clearly outlined in your listing, and explain what it covers. For example, detailing that the fee includes professional cleaning services or additional sanitisation measures can help justify the cost to guests. It's always worth mentioning it includes linen and laundering which is an aspect that can be overlooked. UK guests, particularly post-pandemic, have heightened expectations for cleanliness, making it important to communicate these standards clearly.

4. The Impact on Booking and Guest Experience

In the UK, cleaning fees can significantly affect your Airbnb ranking and overall guest experience. Airbnb’s algorithm considers the total cost of a stay, including cleaning fees, when ranking listings. A competitively priced fee can enhance your visibility on the platform, leading to more bookings. Moreover, UK guests often prioritise cleanliness, and consistent positive reviews regarding the cleanliness of your property can lead to repeat bookings and a higher ranking​.

In summary, setting the right Airbnb cleaning fee in the UK involves understanding your costs, bench-marking against local competitors, and maintaining transparency with your guests. By balancing these factors, you can ensure that your fee covers your expenses while still attracting guests, ultimately contributing to the success of your hosting business.

Pass the Keys is very well positioned to support hosts with advice and guidance. Their membership in the STAA and other relevant industry bodies, along with practical experience of supporting hosts with cleaning fees in the UK and Spain, makes them an ideal partner to ensure hosts can set the right expectations with guests.

Get in contact today to understand more about short letting in your local area on 0208 050 2818.