I take care of vacation rentals (clean/manage). The renters have to sign a rental agreement/contract in which they agree to leave the rental in the same condition that they have found it upon arrival. They have also paid a required cleaning fee for general cleaning ie; stripping and making beds, laundering all bed linens and towels, wiping all surfaces in kitchen and bathrooms, sweeping, vacumning and moping of all floors. What is not included in this general cleaning and is the responsibility of the renter is the removal of all trash, all food, washing of all used dishes (leaving the dishwasher running is OK) and putting any furniture back if moved. If this is not met it would be considered excessive cleaning and you will be charged accordingly.
So my question is if in the event that a renter leaves the place a mess and it is found that there is vomit and or feces and or blood on walls, floors, beds, etc., all the bathroom trash cans full with used sanitary products as well as other yukky things that you would find in bathroom trash. What would you consider a reasonable fee? Or should there be an extra charge based on what the rental agreement/contract that they have signed states? I am very confused on the proper protocol to follow.
I would do it just as I do my rental property. Take it as a deposit beforehand. If it passes, refund it. If not, keep it or prorate it. However, you will need to have it in your contract what the fees are--such as $5 per trash can to empty, $10 for dirty dishes left out, $50 for having to wash curtains, walls or trim work, $100 to clean carpets.
The best way to handle this is to collect the fee beforehand and then to refund it upon a thorough inspection of the room. Once the occupants leave it's harder to collect.
I agree-require a large cleaning fee at first and then refund a set amount to refund if the places are completely clean. The refund will be credited after the places are inspected. If there is ANY PROBLEM, no refund at all! Put this specifically in the rental agreement and make sure people read and sign!
Some people are such losers that they make life more difficult for all!!!
I think the incident that was described must be used as your model. What could have been done to prevent loss... "better late than never". I do think that a menu of charges will help, trash 10.00, dishes 10.00, etc.
A charge for normal cleaning plus a refundable charge for excessive dirt/damage to the unit. Also explain to the renters face to face or at least by phone what some of the excessive misuses are, so they have no excuses if they do those things.
How are your rental prices in comparison to others in your area? Is it feasible to raise the base rental price to compensate for the extra cleaning needed?
Looks like you have really gotten some great advice/ideas!
I have rented vacation homes in the past (when grandchildren wanted to stay at the beach) but that was in simpler times.
Maybe you could get some ideas from these sites:
www.luxuryvacationrentalcompany.com/
This link is a PDF (but it is safe if you want to check it:
www.lesliesvacationrentals.com/
