One of my properties is managed by an agency as it is located a good distance away from me (different state) but in a very high tourism area. 3 months ago they raised the cleaning fee to $350.00. Since they did this, I noticed my booking rate drop significantly. I’ve tried talking to them about lowering it, but they won’t budge on it. How else can I approach this with them? They’ve admitted there is a spread on what they charge vs what they pay, and I’m thinking they just pocket the other $150.00. They say it’s for “maintenance reserves” and for small things they may have to buy for the guest when they are there (soap, etc) but when they don’t need to, they just put it in the “reserve fund”.

I know the “cleaning fee” resentment people have towards Airbnb, and I can only think that this is one of the primary reasons my booking rate has dropped significantly. November last year had 85% occupancy at this property, this year I didn’t even break 35%