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Traveling and exploring new places can be a thrilling experience. Even more thrilling is finding the perfect Airbnb rental.
A decent Airbnb rental can make your vacation not just exciting but a memorable one. But sometimes, despite our best research and our high hopes, we may encounter unexpected issues.
One common concern that many guests face is the cleanliness of their Airbnb accommodations and the associated cleaning fee.
Because of this, some guests have tried to request and process a refund but they don’t know how to. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to get your Airbnb cleaning fee back.
Is Airbnb’s Cleaning Fee Refundable?
Before we go through the steps, let’s find out if the Airbnb cleaning fee is refundable.
If you decide to cancel your booking, regardless of the cancellation policy, the cleaning fee will be fully refunded.
However, this will be possible as long as the cancellation occurs before you check in to the accommodation.
So, if you have not arrived yet, you don’t have to worry about losing that part of your payment.
However, if you need to cancel during your stay, the cleaning fee won’t be refundable. The only option, in that case, is to manage and negotiate directly with your host.
Try and discuss with your host calmly and politely to see if there’s a possibility of reaching a mutual agreement.
The Airbnb cleaning fee is a fee that hosts add to the total cost of their listing for each booking.
It is used to cover the expenses associated with preparing the place for new guests and ensuring that it is clean. Take note that it is not a security deposit.
So usually, guests won’t get the money back at the end of their booking and stay.
The standard cleaning fee remains the same regardless of how many guests are staying. It also does not change no matter how long you plan to stay.
So, hosts can’t increase the cleaning fee for additional guests or extra nights.
Assuming that you are eligible for a refund of the Airbnb cleaning fee, how should you go about processing it? Let’s see.
How to Get Airbnb Cleaning Fee Back – Step by Step
The following steps should only be taken if you have not moved into the Airbnb rental.
Settling in and spending some time in the accommodation before raising concerns does not make you eligible for a cleaning fee refund.
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with Airbnb’s Policies
They say knowledge is power. Understanding your rights as an Airbnb guest is essential in navigating this process effectively.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with Airbnb’s policies, particularly those related to cleanliness, refunds, and dispute resolution.
Have a clear understanding of what to expect and what recourse is available to you.
This knowledge will give you the confidence to approach the situation with a well-informed response.
Step 2: Document the Issue and Capture the Problem
Whatever puts you off the listing, whether it is a dirty bathroom, dusty countertops, or unmade beds, make sure you document the issue.
Take out your smartphone or camera and take a picture if possible. Snap clear pictures or shoot short videos of the areas that are not up to the expected standard.
Having visual evidence will be helpful when presenting or supporting your case before the host or Airbnb support.
Step 3: Contact the Host and Communicate Your Concerns
Now that you have your evidence, reach out to the Airbnb host and discuss your concerns openly but respectfully.
Remember, they might not be aware of the issue, so it’s important to communicate your dissatisfaction clearly.
Share your photos or videos with the host and explain what you found lacking in terms of cleanliness. Give them a reasonable amount of time to respond and rectify the situation.
Do not call the host about any issue without having a piece of evidence.
Step 4: Reach Out to Airbnb Customer Support
If your host is unresponsive or unable to resolve the matter to your satisfaction, there’s more to do.
Airbnb has a dedicated customer support team available to assist you with any issues you encounter during your stay. You can reach out to them through the Airbnb website.
You might also call their customer support hotline. When you talk to them, provide a detailed account of what happened and include the evidence you collected.
Airbnb values guest satisfaction and will strive to find a fair solution for your issue.
Step 5: Use Airbnb Resolution Center
Sometimes, Airbnb may suggest using their Resolution Center. This center facilitates communication between guests and hosts when there are disputes or issues.
It’s like a virtual meeting place where you can present your case and work towards a resolution.
Make sure to present your evidence, share your perspective, and cooperate with the host to find a suitable solution.
In many cases, Airbnb may step in and help mediate to ensure a fair outcome. In most cases, such an outcome would include a partial or full refund of the cleaning fee.
Step 6: Escalating the Issue
In some rare instances, despite your best efforts to communicate and seek resolution, you might find yourself at a standstill.
If you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed, check Airbnb’s policies for formal complaint or dispute resolution procedures.
They might have an escalation process in place to handle challenging situations. In all of these, remember that patience and persistence are key.
Airbnb aims to ensure that guests have a positive and satisfactory experience.
Even after getting your Airbnb cleaning fee back, your feedback can help others. Leaving an honest review about your experience can make a significant impact.
Take a moment to pen down your thoughts in an Airbnb review. For one thing, this gives you a chance to express your satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the cleanliness.
Additionally, it also helps other potential guests make informed decisions.
Remember, your words can shape the future experiences of fellow travelers, and Airbnb values authentic feedback from its guests.
Tip on Reducing Cleaning Fees
Airbnb charges a one-time cleaning fee. It means whether you stay for one day, two days, or even two weeks, that fee remains the same.
So, plan your trip to stay in one Airbnb for an extended period instead of hopping between multiple ones.
This way, you’ll save money. It’s a win-win – you get to enjoy a longer, more relaxing stay. You also keep some extra bucks in your pocket!
Wrap Up
Traveling and vacationing should be filled with beautiful and unforgettable moments. But when your Airbnb rental has cleanliness issues, it can be frustrating.
However, learning how to get the Airbnb cleaning fee back is important so no one cheats you.
By taking the steps outlined in this guide, you can pave the way to getting your Airbnb cleaning fee back.
Remember, once you have already settled in and spent some time in the rental, you are no longer eligible for a cleaning fee refund.
