Cleaning Service Tipping Etiquette

Gratuity Envelopes – Yes or No?

While it is standard practice to charge a cleaning fee for short term rentals, soliciting a tip for the cleaning service is more controversial.  This article addresses some of the arguments for and against leaving a tipping envelope, as well as its proper cleaning service tipping etiquette.

Against Tipping Solicitation

Arguments against soliciting tips for the cleaning service, including leaving a tipping envelope, are strong.  It also varies by region.  In some areas of the country, tipping envelopes are common practice.

Evaluate these comments and decide what is best for your own vacation rental.

• guests already pay a hefty cleaning fee and asking for a tip is not appropriate
• it’s tacky and a turn-off for guests
• some owners pay the cleaning service the full amount of the cleaning charge, so a tip is not necessary
• some cleaners are paid well above market value, so a tip is not necessary
• STR are different than hotels – the cleaners do not make beds, change towels, etc. each day
• guests who are going to leave a tip will do so without solicitation or a tipping envelope
• the owner does their own cleaning (not a hired cleaning service), so it’s not appropriate

For Tipping Solicitation

• the cleaning service works hard and deserves a tip
• the cleaning service workers are paid minimum wages and they appreciate the extra tip money
• the tipping envelopes prompt more guests to tip the cleaning service
• management companies only pay the housekeepers a small portion of the cleaning fee, so tips are appropriate
• the housekeeper pays for all the cleaning supplies

Cleaning Service Tipping Etiquette

Solicitation for tips does not have to be awkward.  Follow these suggestions for cleaning service tipping etiquette to avoid negative feedback from guests.

Professional tipping envelopes provide a way to request tips in a more safe and secure manner.  In addition, customized envelopes typically contain wording with a pleasant request for tipping the cleaning service.  

Envelopes with wording from the owner/management or that contain a property logo show appreciation and cooperation with the cleaning service.  And the envelope helps the guest to know that the tip they leave will go directly to the housekeeping service provider.

Here are some examples of housekeeping tipping envelopes:

DO NOT leave a tip envelope that is soiled, torn, contains water marks, etc.  This is extremely unprofessional.  Consider this:  how can you expect a tip for cleanliness when the tipping envelope is dirty or damaged?  Gross!

Leave the envelope in a conspicuous location, but it should not be the first thing the guest notices when they enter the property.  

When a guest requests an early check-in or check-out, recommend that they leave a tip for the cleaners for accommodating their request.

Mention tipping as part of your F.A.Q., such as “If you would like to tip the cleaning service, please feel free to do so.”  Or, “Tipping the cleaning service is appreciated, but not required.” 

Another way to make the request less tacky is to include a cleaning feedback section on the envelope.  This can be a list of items the guest rates for cleanliness, or an overall cleaning rating by stars.  When the guest can give the property a 5-star rating for cleanliness, they will be more likely to leave a tip.

Tipping Envelope Alternative

Pay your cleaning service an extra $5, $10, $?, for each mention of cleanliness in guest reviews.  This approach will help your reviews and will give your housekeeping service an incentive to do a good job. 

To prompt those reviews, frame a small sign explaining this practice.  Your guests will notice and will be more apt to mention it in their review.