Cleaner for short-term rental in Berkeley

[Ori Skloot]

Hey folks,

After reading about people's experiences on BP with Airbnb and short-term rentals, I decided to give it a try.  I have a studio in Berkeley that I have leased out for years, but I didn't look for a new tenant this time and listed it on Airbnb.  Within a week, almost the entire summer was booked.  Then it occurred to me that I probably listed it too low, and raised the price.  LOL...live and learn.

Now I am in need of a reliable house cleaner.  Seems like the average cleaning fee on Airbnb in my area is around $30-40.  The studio is only 400 square feet so would be easy to clean.   Anyone out there in the East Bay (Berkeley, El Cerrito, Oakland) have a lead on an individual who does short-term rental cleaning?  If I can't find someone through BP my next step is to try TaskRabbit. 

Thanks for any help!

[J. Martin]

@Ori Skloot,

I don't have a cleaner with extra time right now, but plan on finding some back ups. 

TaskRabbit can be tough, because you get a different person every time, depending on who's available. (unless you get their info personally and call them back outside the app)

I think it's best to find someone reliable that's closeby. If they're running around in traffic, you'll get more delays. 

Can you keep freshly washed linens, extra supplies, and cleaning stuff on-site? Maybe in a locked closet? Or put in some small locking cupboard? 

In case a cleaner doesn't show up, having everything on-site will save you. On that note, be sure to have an extra extra set of keys for the backup cleaner or other access. (if not all electronic). 

Also, I recommend having a written checklist for them to perform, so you get consistent results, and someone else can do the work if you don't have your regular people (like task rabbit). Print some extra copies and keep them with your supplies/cleaning stuff for the cleaning staff. 

Guesty charges 3% of revenue for their software, and also has features to text your cleaner, which is a nice reminder. I like it a lot, because you can automate all the check-in/out emails with the guest also. 

$30 sounds way too cheap to get someone to go out there at a particular time of day, every day you need it. $40 also doesn't sound super compelling, considering what needs to get done. Get a couple quotes to figure out a good price, pay what it's worth to make sure it gets done, and charge the guest accordingly. They're mostly looking at the final price. Not necessarily trying to nitpick the cleaning fee. 

Good luck Ori!
Way to take the leap!! :)

(And yes, you priced too low if you booked up the whole summer that fast ;)