For most vacation rental companies, housekeeping is one of the largest operational costs. But what if it could also be a revenue driver? With the right data and strategy, your housekeeping fee doesn’t just cover expenses — it becomes a profit center. 

Here’s how to make that shift.

1. Know Your Costs at the Property Level

Before you can charge appropriately, you need to understand what you’re actually spending — and not in broad strokes. We’re talking property-by-property. 

Cleaning Labor 
Whether you use in-house staff or third-party contractors, know what you're paying per clean for each property. Costs can vary widely based on size, layout, and location. 

Amenity Setups 
How much does it cost to restock each home with essentials — toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, coffee, etc.? Averages are fine, but account for variation by property size. 

Cleaning Supplies 
If your company covers supplies like mops, disinfectants, vacuums, and gloves, calculate your annual spend and divide by number of turns. And don’t forget: a four-bedroom eats more product than a studio. 

Laundry 
Whether you outsource or do laundry in-house, get clear on your per-turn cost. If outsourced, what’s your average monthly bill? If in-house, tally water, electricity, detergent, labor — the works. 

2. Charge a Housekeeping Fee That Includes a Margin

Once you’ve nailed down your actual costs, your housekeeping fee shouldn’t just break even. It should include a margin. 

Why? Because this isn’t just a pass-through — it’s a service you manage, coordinate, and quality control. That has value. 

Start with your cost per clean and aim for a margin in the 12–18% range to align with your business goals. 

3. Audit Your Costs Annually (or Bi-Annually)

This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it situation. Labor and supply costs shift — often. Build in time to pull updated numbers at least once a year, ideally twice. 

Yes, it’s time-consuming. But it’s worth it. 

Managing 50+ properties? Automate what you can. Inhaven helps you track inventory, restock efficiently, and keep per-turn expenses consistent — no spreadsheets required. 

4. Don’t Ignore Guest Perception

Charging a margin is smart — but only if you deliver on it. Guests are far more accepting of fees when the home is spotless, fully stocked, and clearly cared for. 

If you’re going to charge like a pro, you have to clean like a pro. It’s not just about recouping costs — it’s about justifying them. 

5. Bottom Line 

Housekeeping doesn’t have to be a loss leader. With clean cost data, smart tools, and a great guest experience, it can drive both satisfaction and profit. 

Want to streamline your operations? Let’s talk. Inhaven helps vacation rental managers track inventory, set smarter standards, and run leaner — without cutting corners.