Free Cabin Analysis – Vacation Rental Expenses
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Homeowner Big Bear Vacation Rental Expenses
The following list is not an inclusive list of Big Bear vacation rental expenses. In addition, we are excited to help you prepare to rent out your cabin with a FREE analysis. For additional information on owning a Big Bear vacation rental, please call us and speak with our experienced staff.
City and County Ordinance Information
Vacation rental properties must be registered with either the City of Big Bear Lake or the County of San Bernardino depending on the location of your parcel number and zip code. Big Bear Lakefront Cabins will arrange for the permit and renewals so long as the owner continues their contract with us. You will be notified of the extent and cost of the permit prior to the completion of the work and will see charges on your reoccurring statement.
Big Bear Lakefront Cabins does not profit on any items that need to be updated to meet the code enforcement. We have resources to fix and complete all items needed, or if you prefer, you may hire your own contractors.
Registration of Vacation Rental / Permit Fees (subject to change)
- City of Big Bear Lake Registration/Annual Renewal Fee: $550+ tax (valid for 2 years.)
- City of Big Bear Lake Transfer Fee of $50+ tax (if there is a change of rental agency within 6 months of renewal/registration fee being paid.)
- County Application Fee: $667 (valid for 2 years.)
- County Bi-Annual Renewal Fee: $489.
Before any home can be rented, it must be inspected and pass with both Bear Valley Fire and either the city or county. You can reach the city at (909) 866-5831.
This is managed and completed by Big Bear Lakefront Cabins during the permitting process.
ON-GOING FEES: Subject to change
1) Hot Tub Fees
Regular Weekly Cleaning: $105 per month / Back-to-Back Cleaning: $45. Dump-and-fill is around $55 and is needed occasionally as chemicals can only do so much after so much guest usage.
2) Housekeeping
Housekeeping fees are taken from the guests and range from $95-$300 depending on the sq ft and bedroom number for your home. Owner cleaning fees are decreased cleaning fees as well as guest of owner cleaning fees. A guest of owner cleaning fee is slightly more than an owner cleaning fee. Owners may choose to clean the home themselves to not pay the cleaning fee.
3) Quality Inspector
QC fees come out of the housekeeping charges to the guest. An owner will not be charged for a quality inspection of their home before and after guests arrive.
4) Snowplow
$60-80 per removal as needed depending on the amount of snow and size of the driveway. For up to 5” of snow, a plow is not needed. Additional fees are charged for hand shoveling decks, walkways, stairs etc…
5) Laundry services
We do all laundry at our office in the laundry room so that our owners are not additionally charged, this service is included in the commission we charge. We also provide all towels and linens. Your washer and dryer may be used by guests but rarely by us to save on your water bill.
6) Annual Maintenance
While there is maintenance that happens throughout the year there is also an annual maintenance list that must be completed. These can either be completed by the owner, a hired contractor, or by Big Bear Lakefront Cabins for additional charges.
- Flush water heaters that are not tankless.
- Clean refrigerator coils.
- Clean dryer vent.
- Clean vacuum filters.
- Replace heater filters.
- Change smoke alarm / CO2 batteries with ladder.
- Check fire Extinguishers.
- Dishwasher deep clean and filter clean.
- Sinks and shower drain cleaning.
- Check for carpet cleanings, landscaping, weeds gutter cleanings, and refer outside vendors to assist.
- Additional items may be performed.
Total (estimated) annual maintenance price: $375
Additional, chimney sweep: $145
Minimum twice yearly:
- Deep Cleaning/Spring Cleaning: Prices are normally 2-3 times the normal cleaning fee but can be completed by the owner for no charge.
- Weed abatement and yard clean up required by the city twice a year. Charges vary.
Additional expenses due to increased use (accepted wear and tear of rental property)
Damage deposits are collected at the time of guest booking to cover extreme damages and circumstances. Small items that are not damaged by the guest are subject to cost by the owner.
- Light bulbs and batteries will frequently need to be replaced.
- Pool sticks and tips break and will need to be replaced. Foosballs, ping-pong balls, paddles, and other game pieces will need to be replaced.
- Dishes, small appliances, and utensils will need replacing or become sparse.
- Shower curtains and liner replacement.
- VCR/DVDs will stop functioning and remotes will get lost or stop working.
- Lamp switches and shades get broken, or the lamp stops functioning.
- Carpets will need cleaning usually several times per year. In reference to having a pet-friendly home, guests are charged a pet fee of $25 per dog per night with 2 dogs maximum. This pet fee covers the cleaning of the pet hair or if needed a carpet cleaning.
- Vacuum cleaners can stop working for guests. Big Bear Lakefront Cabins housekeeping provides their own equipment for cleaning but requires a vacuum in each home.
- Toilets will become clogged and possibly flood the bathroom.
- Furnishings will become stained and need cleaning or replacing. Kitchen tables get dents, scrapes, and gouges. Kitchen chairs become loose on a regular basis and require Gorilla Glue and screws.
- Garbage disposal will become jammed and eventually need to be replaced.
- Charcoal BBQs are not allowed in San Bernardino County, only propane or natural gas.
- Window cleaning and screen replacement are frequently required.
- Paint for touch-ups is recommended for inside and out.
Big Bear Lakefront Cabins can take care of any maintenance. Owners may also take responsibility for the maintenance and pay for anything separately. Please note all prices are estimated. These costs may fluctuate depending on the work required for your home. Prices are also subject to inflation or change by vendors.
Take a look at some Owner FAQ’s HERE!
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