If you own one vacation rental, one of the most important decisions you will make is how many nights a guest must book. This choice directly affects your cleaning costs, linen expenses, guest quality and final net income.
Below is a practical look at the main cost categories and a clear comparison of 1-night, 2-night and 3-night minimum stay rules, calculated at 40% occupancy.
Main Cost Categories
OTA / Platform Commissions
Usually 12–18% of the booking value (around 15% is typical).
At R2,000 per night this is roughly R300 per night.
Cleaning & Turnover
Professional cleans for a 1- or 2-bedroom unit typically cost R450–R1,100 each time guests leave.
This is the cost most affected by minimum stay rules.
Linen & Laundry
R80–R150 per set, plus an amortised amount for eventual replacement.
Consumables
Toiletries, toilet paper, coffee, tea and basic supplies — a few hundred rand per stay.
Maintenance Reserve
A practical buffer of 8–12% of gross revenue for repairs and upkeep.
Fixed Costs
Rates, insurance, security, internet and levies continue regardless of occupancy.
How Minimum Stay Rules Affect Your Results (40% Occupancy)
40% occupancy on a 30-day month equals 12 occupied nights.
Gross revenue at R2,000 per night = R24,000
OTA commission (15%) = R3,600
| Minimum Stay Rule | Approx. Number of Bookings | Number of Turnovers | Cleaning + Linen Cost (range) | Net after OTA + Cleaning* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-night minimum | 9–12 | 9–12 | R5,400 – R9,000 | R11,400 – R15,000 |
| 2-night minimum | 6–8 | 6–8 | R3,600 – R6,400 | R14,000 – R16,800 |
| 3-night minimum | 4–6 | 4–6 | R2,400 – R4,800 | R15,600 – R18,000 |
*Approximate figures only. Maintenance, consumables and fixed costs are excluded so the impact of cleaning is clear. Actual results depend on your location, exact cleaning quotes and real occupancy.
Key Points for Single Property Owners
- A 1-night minimum maximises the chance of filling every gap but multiplies turnover costs.
- A 2-night minimum is often a practical middle ground that still captures weekend demand while cutting cleaning costs.
- A 3-night minimum spreads the turnover cost over more revenue nights and usually delivers the highest net income with less operational work.
Many owners use dynamic rules — shorter minimums in quiet periods and longer ones during peak season or high-demand weekends.
Choosing the right structure helps you protect your margins, reduce wear-and-tear, and decide whether to push for more direct bookings that avoid OTA commissions. Get local quotes for cleaning and linen so your own numbers are accurate before you set your rules.