Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Short-Term Rental Turnover and Co-Hosting Business
Cleaning and restocking Airbnb and Vrbo homes between guests on a schedule set by bookings, with the option to co-host (manage listings and guests) for owners who live elsewhere.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026
$769 – $3,139*Pending verificationSourcesConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business (updated December 25, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Jobber — pricing page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
High
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Follows local travel seasons; weekends and holidays are busiest
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.9 out of 5
Average of 7 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $3,139
3 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
1 / 5Month 3
Conservative forecast preset, opening in March, with the lean startup cost. The preset's job counts are assumptions; see the forecast section.
Franchise closure rate
4 / 512.2% a yearPending verificationSourcesiTrip 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026, as amended July 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026SkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Casago 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended August 6 and October 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 3 brands: iTrip Vacations 7.9% (2025); SkyRun Vacation Rentals 9.8% (2025); Casago 18.9% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
4 / 510.1% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
268 of 2,657 SBA 7(a) loans to Janitorial Services (NAICS 561720), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 272 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
2 / 5Growing fasterPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Janitorial services (NAICS 561720) employer establishments +8.3% (62,592 to 67,799) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023. The category covers all janitorial and house cleaning, not vacation rentals alone.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
No state license for cleaning; only a city or county business license (a real estate broker license only if you also manage rentals; see Licensing).
Customer concentration
3 / 5A few large customers or referral partners
Work usually comes from a handful of hosts or property managers, so losing one large client hurts.
Physical demand
5 / 5High
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $10,000 – $112,000Pending verificationSourcesiTrip 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026, as amended July 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026SkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Casago 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended August 6 and October 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — MaidThis Cleaning(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $23,000 – $1,287,000Pending verificationSourcesiTrip 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026, as amended July 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026SkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Casago 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended August 6 and October 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — MaidThis Cleaning(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $769 – $3,139*Pending verificationSourcesConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business (updated December 25, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Jobber — pricing page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 1.5% – 6% of revenuePending verificationSourcesiTrip 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026, as amended July 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026SkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Casago 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended August 6 and October 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — MaidThis Cleaning(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $26,410 – $27,610Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — house cleaning business insurance cost (updated September 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Insureon — property manager insurance cost (updated February 19, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Jobber — pricing page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $26,410 – $27,610 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $109,484 – $1,390,949 | $27,179 – $30,749* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $10,000 – $112,000Pending verificationSourcesiTrip 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026, as amended July 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026SkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Casago 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended August 6 and October 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — MaidThis Cleaning(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $23,000 – $1,287,000Pending verificationSourcesiTrip 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026, as amended July 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026SkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Casago 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended August 6 and October 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — MaidThis Cleaning(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $769 – $3,139*Pending verificationSourcesConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business (updated December 25, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Jobber — pricing page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 1.5% – 6% of revenuePending verificationSourcesiTrip 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026, as amended July 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026SkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Casago 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended August 6 and October 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — MaidThis Cleaning(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $26,410 – $27,610Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — house cleaning business insurance cost (updated September 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Insureon — property manager insurance cost (updated February 19, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Jobber — pricing page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $26,410 – $27,610
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $109,484 – $1,390,949
- Independent
- $27,179 – $30,749*
5-year totals assume $60,736–$111,696 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
iTrip Vacations
Item 19 reports 2025 total rental revenue per territory for 82 franchisees (100 territories) open at least 12 months. This is the owners' booking revenue plus taxes that flows through the business, not the franchisee's own income or profit.
- Average total rental revenue per territory, 2025, 82 franchisees in 100 territories open at least 12 months (owners' bookings plus taxes; not franchisee income or profit)$2,395,376 a yearPending verificationSourceiTrip 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026, as amended July 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Includes guest rent, cleaning and other fees, plus sales and occupancy taxes. Most of it belongs to the property owners; the franchisee keeps only its management fee. 31 of 100 territories met or beat the average. Pulled from iTrip's software and not audited. Some franchisees came in with an existing book of business. Your results may differ.
- Median total rental revenue per territory, 2025, same 100 territories (owners' bookings plus taxes; not franchisee income or profit)$1,767,339 a yearPending verificationSourceiTrip 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026, as amended July 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Same definition and caveats as the average. The lowest territory reported $273,697 and the highest $12,013,906. Your results may differ.
SkyRun Vacation Rentals
Item 19 reports 2025 gross revenue and properties managed for franchised businesses open all year, split into 9 New Businesses (12–24 months old) and 24 Experienced Businesses. SkyRun's gross revenue includes guest rental revenue, so it is far larger than what the franchisee keeps.
- Average gross revenue, 2025, 9 New Businesses open 12–24 months (includes guest rental revenue; not profit)$289,878 a yearPending verificationSourceSkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross revenue includes rental revenue, cleaning fees, booking fees, and other guest and owner charges, before paying owners, royalties, and expenses. 2 of 9 (22%) met or beat the average; the lowest was $0. These businesses managed an average of 15 properties. Your results may differ.
- Median gross revenue, 2025, 9 New Businesses open 12–24 months (includes guest rental revenue; not profit)$180,815 a yearPending verificationSourceSkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Same definition and caveats as the average. Your results may differ.
- Average gross revenue, 2025, 24 Experienced Businesses open 24 months or more (includes guest rental revenue; not profit)$1,698,975 a yearPending verificationSourceSkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Same definition as above. 9 businesses (38%) met or beat the average; the lowest was $0 and the highest $8,040,522. These businesses managed an average of 38 properties. Some converted from licensees of SkyRun's predecessor. Your results may differ.
- Median gross revenue, 2025, 24 Experienced Businesses open 24 months or more (includes guest rental revenue; not profit)$1,098,128 a yearPending verificationSourceSkyRun 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Same definition and caveats as the average. Your results may differ.
Casago
This FDD makes no financial performance representation.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Brand and booking website that brings guests to your owners' homes
- Proprietary property management software and initial training
- Twelve months of operational support included in the opening fees
- Territories sized by the number of local short-term rental listings
- A network of about 105 franchised outlets at the end of 2025 to learn from
- Reservation system and online listing distribution
- Brand fund and marketing programs
- Initial and ongoing training
- Territories sized by the number of local short-term rentals
- 41 franchised and 8 affiliate-owned outlets at the end of 2025
- Full-service vacation rental management system and brand
- Initial training for your designated manager at no tuition charge
- Can be started from a home office
- Rapid network growth: 125 franchised outlets at the end of 2025, up from 37
- Brand focused on residential and vacation rental cleaning
- Established operating systems and software
- A network of other owners to learn from
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning supplies and equipment (vacuum, tools, products, caddies)Pending verificationSourceConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business (updated December 25, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Single tier-3 guide (a software vendor's article about cleaning businesses); to be cross-checked against supplier prices before verification. | $500 | $1,250 | $2,000 |
| California LLC filing (Articles of Organization and Statement of Information)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026$70 for the Articles of Organization plus $20 for the Statement of Information, both filed online. California also charges LLCs an annual minimum tax through the Franchise Tax Board, which is not included here. | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| City or county business license and permitsPending verificationSourceConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business (updated December 25, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Single tier-3 guide (a software vendor's article about cleaning businesses); to be cross-checked against supplier prices before verification. Fees are set by each city or county. | $50 | $275 | $500 |
| Scheduling and invoicing software (first month)Pending verificationSourceJobber — pricing page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Jobber Core plan: $29 a month billed annually, $49 a month with no commitment. | $29 | $39 | $49 |
| Marketing launch (cards, website, host-group listings)Pending verificationSourceConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business (updated December 25, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Single tier-3 guide (a software vendor's article about cleaning businesses); to be cross-checked against supplier prices before verification. | $100 | $300 | $500 |
| Total | $769 | $1,954 | $3,139 |
Share of mid estimate
- Cleaning supplies and equipment (vacuum, tools, products, caddies)64%
- California LLC filing (Articles of Organization and Statement of Information)5%
- City or county business license and permits14%
- Scheduling and invoicing software (first month)2%
- Marketing launch (cards, website, host-group listings)15%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
Mid is the halfway point between low and high where a source gives only a range.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Ticket is the low end of Thumbtack's standard-cleaning range ($146), for hosts who pay standard rates. Turnovers per week, ramp-up, the 10% supplies-and-travel cost, and the seasonal shape are our assumptions for an owner who cleans alone, not operator data. No co-hosting income and no wages are included. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 3
- Year-1 revenue
- $42,325
- Year-2 profit
- $49,262
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 7.8 | $1,139 | $564 | $575 | -$1,379 |
| 2 (Apr) | 11.9 | $1,740 | $624 | $1,116 | -$263 |
| 3 (May) | 16.7 | $2,436 | $694 | $1,742 | $1,479 |
| 4 (Jun) | 22.1 | $3,227 | $773 | $2,454 | $3,933 |
| 5 (Jul) | 28.2 | $4,112 | $861 | $3,251 | $7,184 |
| 6 (Aug) | 32.4 | $4,729 | $923 | $3,806 | $10,990 |
| 7 (Sep) | 28.2 | $4,112 | $861 | $3,251 | $14,241 |
| 8 (Oct) | 28.3 | $4,128 | $863 | $3,265 | $17,507 |
| 9 (Nov) | 27.7 | $4,049 | $855 | $3,194 | $20,701 |
| 10 (Dec) | 31.2 | $4,555 | $906 | $3,650 | $24,351 |
| 11 (Jan) | 27.7 | $4,049 | $855 | $3,194 | $27,545 |
| 12 (Feb) | 27.7 | $4,049 | $855 | $3,194 | $30,739 |
| 13 (Mar) | 31.2 | $4,555 | $906 | $3,650 | $34,389 |
| 14 (Apr) | 34.7 | $5,061 | $956 | $4,105 | $38,494 |
| 15 (May) | 38.1 | $5,567 | $1,007 | $4,561 | $43,054 |
| 16 (Jun) | 41.6 | $6,074 | $1,057 | $5,016 | $48,071 |
| 17 (Jul) | 45.1 | $6,580 | $1,108 | $5,472 | $53,542 |
| 18 (Aug) | 45.1 | $6,580 | $1,108 | $5,472 | $59,014 |
| 19 (Sep) | 34.7 | $5,061 | $956 | $4,105 | $63,119 |
| 20 (Oct) | 31.2 | $4,555 | $906 | $3,650 | $66,769 |
| 21 (Nov) | 27.7 | $4,049 | $855 | $3,194 | $69,963 |
| 22 (Dec) | 31.2 | $4,555 | $906 | $3,650 | $73,613 |
| 23 (Jan) | 27.7 | $4,049 | $855 | $3,194 | $76,807 |
| 24 (Feb) | 27.7 | $4,049 | $855 | $3,194 | $80,001 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Vacation rental cleaning, per clean (national range)$179 – $257Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026National average range from Thumbtack's house cleaning price guide; no published sample size. Local prices vary, and busy vacation markets may differ.
- Standard house cleaning, per clean (for comparison)$146 – $202Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026National average range from Thumbtack's house cleaning price guide; no published sample size. Local prices vary, and busy vacation markets may differ. Shown so you can see that vacation rental cleans are priced above a standard clean.
- 1-bedroom home, per clean$133 – $174Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026National average range from Thumbtack's house cleaning price guide; no published sample size. Local prices vary, and busy vacation markets may differ. Thumbtack's bedroom-count prices are for house cleaning in general, not vacation rentals specifically.
- 3-bedroom home, per clean$166 – $250Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026National average range from Thumbtack's house cleaning price guide; no published sample size. Local prices vary, and busy vacation markets may differ. Thumbtack's bedroom-count prices are for house cleaning in general, not vacation rentals specifically.
- Co-host fee, share of booking revenue10% – 30%Pending verificationSourceHostaway glossary — Airbnb Co-Host Network (updated February 12, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Single tier-3 source (a software vendor's glossary). Airbnb itself publishes no typical rate: its Co-Host Network page says many co-hosts are paid a percentage or a fixed amount per booking, and its help center lists four payout options set by the host (the cleaning fee, the cleaning fee plus a percentage, a percentage, or a fixed amount). Rates are agreed between you and the owner.
- Full-service vacation rental management fee, share of gross rental income15% – 30%Pending verificationSourceHostaway glossary — Management fee (updated February 23, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Single tier-3 source (a software vendor's glossary). Shown for comparison: this is what full-service management companies charge, which is more work (and in California may need a broker license) than co-hosting.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average yearly receipts per self-employed janitorial and cleaning business with no employees (NAICS 56172, U.S. nonemployer businesses, 2024)$21,483 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Nonemployer Statistics 2024, U.S. file (nonemp24us; receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census file: $25,205,719,000 in receipts across 1,173,265 nonemployer businesses, rounded to the nearest dollar. Many are part-time, and the group covers all janitorial and house cleaning, not just vacation rentals. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit.
- Average yearly receipts per janitorial firm with fewer than 5 employees (NAICS 561720, U.S. employer firms, 2022)$185,432 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states, 6-digit NAICS (us_state_6digitnaics_2022; receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census table: $7,375,379,000 in receipts across 39,774 firms, rounded to the nearest dollar. NAICS 561720 covers office janitorial work and residential maid services, not vacation rentals alone. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit.
- Average yearly receipts per self-employed property manager with no employees (NAICS 53131, residential and nonresidential, U.S. nonemployer businesses, 2024)$75,308 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Nonemployer Statistics 2024, U.S. file (nonemp24us; receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census file: $21,314,552,000 in receipts across 283,031 nonemployer businesses, rounded to the nearest dollar. The nonemployer file does not split out residential property managers (531311), and most of this group manages long-term rentals and commercial property, not vacation rentals. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit.
- Average yearly receipts per residential property management firm with fewer than 5 employees (NAICS 531311, U.S. employer firms, 2022)$408,105 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states, 6-digit NAICS (us_state_6digitnaics_2022; receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census table: $11,093,508,000 in receipts across 27,183 firms, rounded to the nearest dollar. Most of these firms manage long-term rentals and apartments, many under a broker license; a new co-host should not expect numbers like this. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Tight same-day turnovers
Most turnovers must fit between a morning checkout and an afternoon check-in. A late checkout, a no-show cleaner, or a messy party house can make the next guest wait, and the host's review suffers.
How to manage it: Keep a backup cleaner on call, cap how many same-day turnovers you book per crew, and agree in writing with each host what happens when a guest checks out late.
Income depends on someone else's bookings
Your work volume rises and falls with each host's occupancy, travel seasons, and local short-term rental rules. A host who sells the house, switches cleaners, or is shut down by a city ordinance takes that work with them.
How to manage it: Serve many hosts rather than one large client, mix in regular residential cleaning for steady weeks, and watch city council agendas on short-term rental rules in your area.
Physical strain
Stripping and making beds, carrying linens and supplies, and cleaning bathrooms against the clock is constant bending and lifting. For someone in their mid-50s it is hard to do several turnovers a day, day after day.
How to manage it: Plan to clean yourself only at the start, then hire cleaners and move into scheduling, inspection, and host relationships. Price turnovers so you can afford help.
Damage, missing items, and blame
Guests break things and take things. Hosts may blame the cleaner, and an Airbnb damage claim needs evidence within a short window.
How to manage it: Photograph every room at each turnover, report damage to the host the same day, carry liability insurance and a bond, and keep a written checklist each host signs off on.
Co-hosting can cross into licensed property management
In California, managing rentals for someone else for pay generally needs a real estate broker license. There is an exemption for stays of 30 days or less, but it is narrow, and the state has warned it will investigate people who use it to avoid licensing.
How to manage it: Keep co-hosting to stays of 30 days or less, do not handle longer leases or security deposits, put your scope in a written agreement, and ask the DRE or a real estate attorney before you take on anything beyond that.
Cleaner turnover and no-shows
Once you hire, your reputation depends on cleaners who work alone in empty homes, often on weekends and holidays. Staff turnover in cleaning work is high.
How to manage it: Pay fairly and on time, use a checklist with photo proof, inspect a sample of turnovers yourself, and keep more trained cleaners than your schedule strictly needs.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
No state license for cleaning
Pending verificationCleaning and restocking rental homes needs no state license in California. Your city or county will still require a business license, and CalGold lists local permits by business type.
Verify with the CalGold permit assistance(opens in a new tab)City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Apply with the city where your business is based (or the county if you are outside city limits). If you clean in several cities, check each one's rules.
Verify with the CalGold permit assistance(opens in a new tab)Real estate broker license — may apply if you co-host or manage
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia DRE — Real Estate Law, 2025 edition (Business and Professions Code §10131 and §10131.01)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Bureau of Real Estate (now DRE) — Licensee Alert on short-term residential rentals (2016)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DRE — Requirements to apply for a real estate broker license(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026California requires a real estate broker license for anyone who, for pay and on behalf of another, rents or offers to rent property, solicits listings of places for rent, finds tenants, or collects rents (Business and Professions Code §10131(b)). There is no separate property manager license. Section 10131.01(a) exempts anyone who, on behalf of another, 'solicits or arranges, or accepts reservations or money, or both' for transient occupancies (stays of 30 days or less) in a single-family home, an apartment, or a unit in a common interest development such as a condo. The DRE's 2016 alert says this exemption is narrow and will be disallowed for anyone using it to evade licensing. What is unclear: the exemption's wording covers reservations and money for short stays, but not explicitly signing up owners as clients ('soliciting listings'), stays over 30 days (Airbnb allows monthly stays), or property types it does not name (such as a duplex or a unit on a mixed-use parcel). We found no newer DRE guidance written for Airbnb co-hosts. A broker license needs two years of full-time licensed salesperson experience (or a qualifying degree or equivalent) and eight college-level courses, so it is not a quick step.
Verify with the California Department of Real Estate(opens in a new tab)Local short-term rental rules are the host's job, but know them
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Bureau of Real Estate (now DRE) — Licensee Alert on short-term residential rentals (2016)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026City and county short-term rental permits, caps, and transient occupancy taxes are the property owner's responsibility. The DRE's 2016 alert notes that many cities charge a transient occupancy tax on stays of 30 days or less, which must be collected and accounted for. If you co-host and handle money, agree in writing who files and pays it.
Verify with the CalGold permit assistance(opens in a new tab)Janitorial employer registration — likely not needed for homes only
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia DIR — Janitorial Workers Registration FAQs(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026California requires janitorial employers to register with the Labor Commissioner each year. The DIR says a business that only cleans residential dwellings, including private residences and condos, does not have to register. The FAQ does not mention vacation rentals, so if you also clean offices, hotels, or other commercial space with employees, check with the DIR.
Verify with the California DIR — Janitorial Workers Registration FAQs(opens in a new tab)Workers' compensation insurance (once you hire)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia DIR, Division of Workers' Compensation — employer information(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026California requires every employer to carry workers' compensation insurance, even with only one employee. Have the policy in place before anyone cleans for you.
Verify with the California Division of Workers' Compensation(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Decide whether you will offer cleaning only or cleaning plus co-hosting
- Form your business and get a city business license
- Get general liability insurance and a janitorial bond
- Write a turnover checklist with photo steps for every room
- Set up scheduling software that can follow each host's booking calendar
Phase 2
Pricing and agreements
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Finding your first hosts
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Turnover operations
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Hiring and managing cleaners
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Adding co-hosting
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Turnover scheduling and host software
Apps that sync with booking calendars to schedule cleans, plus general field-service scheduling.
Cleaning supplies and linens
Commercial cleaning products, guest amenities, and bulk linens and towels.
Insurance and bonding
General liability, janitorial bonds, and professional liability for co-hosts.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Do I need a real estate license to co-host in California?
Not for cleaning. For co-hosting, California's law exempts people who arrange reservations or accept money for stays of 30 days or less on behalf of an owner, but the exemption is narrow and some situations are unclear. If you will handle longer stays, sign leases, or act like a full property manager, ask the Department of Real Estate or a real estate attorney first.
How do co-hosts get paid on Airbnb?
The listing owner chooses. Airbnb's help center lists four payout options: the cleaning fee, the cleaning fee plus a percentage, a percentage of each booking, or a fixed amount per booking. The amount itself is agreed between you and the owner.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.