I pay my turnover crew a living wage and it's $350. It's a 6 bedroom and takes nearly all day to do it right. Laundry is a big part of the fees. If it's bigger than an apt and you aren't paying much for cleaning they probably aren't doing it right. And you're likely sleeping in uncleaned sheets.
I don't think most hosts are gaming it to make money, it's just expensive in relation to the nightly. Usually when I explain the costs the guests understand.
Many see the actual cleaning fee, think it's ridiculous even though it's not and then decide to trash the place because they think they paid to do so. And then that causes you to have to go higher to cover the average turnover.
Yes sometimes the owner does it and they are free to value their time as they see fit. If it’s too much I simply won’t stay there especially for a short trip. I would be pissed if it wasn’t clean though.
If I had to do your dishes, I definitely wouldn’t charge a small cleaning fee either :)
I have my entire house deep cleaned for $200 for 3 people over two hours. There’s no way that takes place for a two bedroom condo.
My last rental charged $140 and we talked to the owner who said she comes and changes the sheets, sweeps up and washes the dishes. The owner of the cabin.