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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Holiday cottage cleaning - is this agent taking the piss?

127 replies

Bunpea · 14/04/2023 20:29

Is this agent taking the piss? I’ve just booked a 2 bedroom holiday cottage for a week in July, in St Ives in Cornwall. £1600. Just spotted in the agent’s fine print that I must “i) on the End Date, remove belongings and refuse from the Property and leave the Property clean and tidy so that the Property is ready for immediate re- occupation“. It’s that last bit that gets me - and there is a threat of retaining my deposit. Checkout by 10:00 is usually a scramble, I expect to wipe surfaces, sweep floor, basic bathroom clean etc but that’s it - always assumed a housekeeper would be in. How clean is the place likely to be when I check in, if it depends on the previous guest? Want to cancel now.

OP posts:

Muchtoomuchtodo · 14/04/2023 20:32

YANBU. They cannot expect guests to thoroughly clean the property ready for the next guests whatever the checkout time is.

you have booked a holiday cottage, not a cleaning holiday! Is there a cooling off period? I wouldn’t want to be ending my holiday like that.

Jumpingvert · 14/04/2023 20:32

I wouldn’t rent it.
We use sc accommodation here and abroad regularly and leave it tidy with the washing up all done and beds stripped if requested but I’m not cleaning

Sundaefraise · 14/04/2023 20:34

I understand leaving the place in a decent state, but I would want to know that it was properly cleaned before I went on holiday there, and for £1600 quid too, those are not budget prices. Is there any way you can check?

livingthegoodlife · 14/04/2023 20:35

That's ridiculous. And not hygienic! Is it worth a message to the letting agent to clarify what that means?

I own a cottage near Padstow, my guests today asked me if they should strip the beds (which is very kind of them) but I told them to leave it, they are on holiday!!

Surely they can't expect guests to actually clean?

drpet49 · 14/04/2023 20:38

I wouldn’t hire a place like that. Guests cleaning for the next guests. No thanks

Tillyteacup · 14/04/2023 20:38

Goodness! I would do exactly the same as you eg quick wipe and sweep, beds made and rubbish taken out and presume a cleaner would be in afterwards to do a thorough job. Do they expect you to be scrubbing shower screens and sinks etc? Absolutely unreasonable when you are there for a break.

PinkiOcelot · 14/04/2023 20:39

If I was paying that for a week, I would expect it to be cleaned properly, not by the previous holidaymakers. They’re cutting corners not wanting to pay for proper cleaning. I would cancel and give this as the reason.

BonnieGlasses · 14/04/2023 20:40

I'd be surprised if they didn't still have a cleaner going in. If the checkout time is 10, what is the check in time? I'd read that clause (possibly wrongly!) as just trying to cover themselves in case you leave the place in an absolute state that the cleaner couldn't sort in the short turnaround time.

strawberryjeans · 14/04/2023 20:40

Big red flag, are you able to cancel?

rowanisla · 14/04/2023 20:41

Could it not just mean it has to be ready to be turned over that day - ie nothing that will take more than a couple of hours for their cleaners to sort out - no major damage / massive mess or soiling etc? That’s how l think I’d read it (but I’d def want to check!)

SarahC50 · 14/04/2023 20:41

I'm a SC owner and I'd cancel. They are charging a huge amount and for hygiene and COVID between let's all properties need a deep clean. I clean every plate and utensil as often they are put away dirty.
Is it on a platform like air BnB or booking.com? If so I'd report it to them as a responsible owner wouldn't operate this way.

I'd definitely cancel they are taking the utter puss

ChocHotolate · 14/04/2023 20:44

So presumably the previous occupants will have cleaned for you? No thanks

Lifesagamethentheytaketheboardaway · 14/04/2023 20:44

Who changes the bed sheets and towels? I assume they still have someone come in to do that but they don’t want to have someone do a full clean?
It is actually getting more common for places to stipulate that you leave it in a, “ready for next guest clean” condition but someone would still pop in to check that it actually is and change sheets.

BillyNoM8s · 14/04/2023 20:45

I would take that to mean don't leave shit everywhere, so the cleaner can come in and just get straight on with cleaning and changing beds.

I wouldn't assume it means that you are literally cleaning for the next occupants. Someone will obviously have to come on for linens, laundry and to check for damages.

neighboursmustliveon · 14/04/2023 20:46

We nearly booked a similar place last year. Check out was 1pm. It put me off but not my brother and his wife so I think next time we will go for this property.

Anoisagusaris · 14/04/2023 20:49

Not a chance I’d book that. And partially because I wouldn’t want to be relying on the previous guests cleaning it properly before we arrive.

faffadoodledo · 14/04/2023 20:51

Cancel! I own a holiday let in Cornwall and there's no way I would trust one set of visited to clean for the next. And nor should they!

That said I wonder if there's a shortage of cleaners in st ives these days? Still not acceptable of the owner. But I wonder...

BCBird · 14/04/2023 20:55

They are taking the pee. It is reasonable for u to remove rubbish and to leave washing up free and tidy but not to clean. It winds me up.when they show cleaning fee,also booking fee especially as you book it yourself. Thst is serious money for accommodation

cherish123 · 14/04/2023 21:09

This is why I never stay in cottages.
I don't go on holiday to clean.
I would not leave dirt or a mess but this is taking the mick. Stay in a nice hotel instead.

MolkosTeenageAngst · 14/04/2023 21:11

What about stripping and changing the bed linen etc? Surely they have to have someone in to do that unless you’re expected to wash and dry the sheets and re-make beds before departure?

Allwelcone · 14/04/2023 21:14

OP could you contact them to see exactly what they're expecting? If they sound like pitas then cancel.

saraclara · 14/04/2023 21:16

Call the agent toorrow and ask for clarification.

Jellykat · 14/04/2023 21:16

I clean holiday lets, those agents are taking the piss!
How can you do a full clean before 10.00 and why the hell should you? thats disgusting, definitely cancel and go elsewhere!

Eggseggseverywhere · 14/04/2023 21:18

Last year out 2k cottage was leaking oil fumes most of the week. No offer of any compensation.. We were loading the car at the check out time and the cleaner had a go at us for leaving the dishwasher on!
Cleaning issues hit us every holiday.. Once had to mop the entire downstairs before I could put a crawling dc down...
Once did get a partial refund when I sent photos of an entire Christmas party residue from under a sofa.

One October..
And same place over 50 dead decomposed flies along every sill.

GCAcademic · 14/04/2023 21:18

I would be asking them if this means that the cottage won’t be professionally cleaned for your arrival.

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