Homeowners often ask us if they should include any extra fees – such as for cleaning or linens – in their rental prices. The fact is, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. (See our previous post about the pros and cons of charging an extra cleaning fee.)
But if you DO charge any extra fees, you must make that very clear on your listing! Not doing so can be construed as false advertising.
It’s only fair
When vacationers are searching for a rental home, naturally they are comparing prices. If you do not mention on your listing that you charge additional fees, they are led to believe that there are no extra fees. Disclosing those fees after they inquire seems deceitful and diminishes their trust in you.
Where’s the appropriate place to note your extra fees?
Often, we find information about fees at the end of a listing’s Property Description, where it can often get overlooked. The appropriate place is in the “Other Price Info” field located near the bottom of your Calendar page. The information then appears on your listing just above your pricing and availability calendar.
The lodging tax factor
Are you deliberating between adding extra fees to your rent or simply incorporating the fees? Admittedly, not including the extra fees initially makes your home more attractive financially than those whose rent includes all fees. But keep in mind that adding too many extra fees, combined with the lodging tax, increases the posted rate substantially in the end and can be a real turn off to prospective guests.
If you do charge any extra fees, have you posted them on your listing?
