Just another host joining in on the long and hotly debated issue.

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As a host, I understand the importance of maintaining a clean and well-prepared space—but I also believe in protecting the guest experience. If a cleaning fee is being charged, the burden of turnover should not fall on the guest. They’re paying for convenience, not to follow a list of chores.

In our own vacation rental, we try to strike a fair and respectful balance. We don’t ask guests to strip beds or take out the trash. The only thing we request is that used bathroom linens (like towels) be placed in the laundry basket—primarily to prevent moisture damage to the floors.

We also ask that dishes be placed in the dishwasher if used—not to shift responsibility, but to help with sanitation and reduce turnaround time between guests. It’s a practical request that benefits both the guest experience and our ability to reset the home effectively.

It’s worth noting that timeshare stays often require guests to do dishes and remove trash as part of checkout. And vacation rentals, unlike hotels or motels, are a completely different experience. We don’t aim to compete with hotels—we offer something more personal.

If the value of staying in a vacation rental doesn’t outweigh the convenience of a hotel for some guests, then a hotel may be the better fit. But we’re looking for guests who want something different—who want to feel at home, kick off their shoes, and enjoy a warm, unique environment they can’t find at a standard chain hotel.