Ask what the percentage is applied to
Two companies can both say "15%" and charge very different amounts. One may apply it to the full booking total, including cleaning fees and taxes. Another may apply it only to nightly stay revenue after refunds.
On a home with many short stays, cleaning fees alone can be a large share of the booking total. Always ask for the fee base in writing.
- Nightly stay revenue only, or the gross booking total?
- Before or after refunds?
- Are cleaning fees, pet fees or taxes included?
Check for markups and add-on fees
Some managers add a percentage to cleaning, supplies, linens or repair bills. On a busy home that can cost more than the headline fee. Ask for a sample statement and look for line items you didn't expect.
- Cleaning markup
- Supply or linen fees
- Repair coordination fees
- Setup, photography or listing fees
Fixed payments vs. a monthly percentage
A monthly percentage moves with each month's bookings: higher in peak season, lower in slow months. A fixed yearly fee paid in equal installments is predictable, but it's based on past revenue rather than this month's.
Neither is always better. Fixed payments make budgeting easier. A monthly percentage shares the slow-season risk. Pick the one that fits how you plan.
Who holds the money
Find out whether guests pay you directly or the company collects payouts first. If the company holds your money, ask how it's protected and whether that's allowed in your state. Direct payouts keep you in control of your cash.
A worked example
Say your home earned $120,000 in nightly stay revenue over the last 12 months, after refunds. At 15% of that amount, the yearly fee is $18,000, or 12 payments of $1,500. Cleaning fees, taxes and deposits aren't counted. If the home earned less than $24,000, a $3,600 yearly minimum would apply instead.
This is how WHITCO STAYS figures its fee. It's an example of the math, not a prediction of what your home will earn.
Questions before you sign anything
- Can I see the full agreement and the cancellation terms?
- What happens to my bookings and reviews if I leave?
- Who approves repairs, and up to what amount?
- Is the company allowed to provide these services in my state?
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules differ by state and town. Updated October 2026.