Why do Airbnbs have cleaning fees and chore lists?
Short-term rental platforms tack on steep cleaning fees while still requiring guests to handle exhaustive checkout tasks like taking out the trash and scrubbing up. This double standard makes travelers feel exploited and drives them back to booking traditional hotels.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Switching to booking traditional hotels or aparthotels instead
- 2Only using short-term rentals for large family groups where more space or a kitchen is strictly necessary
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Between the $150 "cleaning fee" (where they still ask you to take out the trash), the chore list on the fridge, and the inconsistent quality... I find myself just booking a hotel.”source ↗
“Being expected to thoroughly clean the place yourself AND a massive cleaning fee being tacked on is just so absurd.”source ↗
“If I’m paying a cleaning fee, I’m not putting myself out. I leave things neat but I will not be fussy about it.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 5Why are service fees so expensive for tiny repairs?
- 7When your family treats household chores like an IT help desk
- 4How to handle a demanding houseguest who expects to be waited on
- 2Why do tiny household things keep coming loose?
- 2When should I hire a process server for an unresponsive tenant?
- 2How to optimize household chores when living alone