Including extras in your price

When you're setting your rental rates for your holiday home it's a good idea to think along the all inclusive route. Your guests may have a set budget for their holiday and shouldn't be expected to pay over your stated rates and deposits.

With this in mind, try to factor in any costs that may result from letting out your holiday home. This will result in an honest and upfront price that your guests will appreciate.

The following costs should be considered when deciding upon your rental rates:

Utilities such as gas, electricity and water charges. Bear in mind that if your holiday home is not in a destination with year round warm climate, the cost of heating the property will increase in winter.
Cleaning fees if you employ someone to manage changeovers for you.
Laundry costs for bedlinen and towels.
Window cleaning, pool maintenance and gardening fees.

If you are offering a discounted rate, this should still include all your costs.

Sometimes it is OK to ask for a supplement on top of your standard rate. However, you should make these costs clear in your advert and booking contract. Such occasions include:

Shopping for guests. If you offer a service whereby you stock up the cupboards for your guests, you could request payment once the shop has been done.
Charging extra for pets. It is normal practice to request an extra fee should your guests wish to bring their pet(s) with them to your holiday home, since this usually entails extra cleaning following their stay. Be clear on the number and kind of pets that you accept in your holiday home and state this in your contract along with the cost per animal.

When deciding how many pets you are happy to accept in your holiday home, bear in mind the size and suitability of outdoor area your property offers as well as the space inside.