TikToker Mel’s outrage at unexpected post-stay checklist sparks online debate

In a recent Airbnb escapade, TikToker Mel expressed her frustration after discovering an extensive list of post-stay chores, despite already being charged a significant cleaning fee. Mel and her husband were on the lookout for accommodation when they stumbled upon a promising property, like many others listed on Airbnb.

While the nightly rate seemed reasonable at $229, Mel was taken aback by the additional cleaning fee, a hefty $125, attached to the booking. The real shock, however, came when she uncovered a detailed checklist of tasks she was expected to complete before leaving the property, tasks she assumed the cleaning fee was intended to cover.

In a TikTok video posted in 2022, Mel shared the list from the Airbnb’s description. Reading out the requirements, she explained, “We ask that guests complete a few checkout duties before departing to allow time to prepare the house safely and on time,” including duties such as removing garbage, bed linens, starting the dishwasher, and initiating one load of laundry.

Expressing her frustration, Mel stated, “Now, maybe this is like entitlement or privilege talking, however, if I’m paying $229 a night to stay somewhere, plus $125 cleaning fee, I’m not doing any f**king laundry. Full stop. I know it’s one load of laundry, it’ll take me two minutes to do, but it’s the principle that bothers me.”

The video garnered support from fellow TikTokers who shared similar sentiments. Some argued that cleaning fees should be transparently incorporated into the initial booking price, a practice commonly adopted by hotels. Others suggested opting for hotels due to the perceived convenience and transparency in pricing.

Airbnb, in response to such concerns, has previously advised hosts to keep cleaning fees reasonable and, in some cases, to consider not charging one at all. The company highlighted that 45 percent of global Airbnb listings do not charge a cleaning fee, and for those that do, the average fee is less than 10 percent of the total reservation cost.