What Does It Cost to Own a Vacation Rental in Big Bear?
A Practical Guide to Vacation Rental Expenses for Homeowners
Owning a vacation rental in Big Bear can be a rewarding investment—but it also comes with ongoing costs and responsibilities. At Big Bear Experiences, we believe in full transparency. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common expenses that homeowners can expect when operating a short-term rental in the Big Bear area.
This list is non-exhaustive, and actual costs may vary by property size, condition, and location (city vs. county). If you have any questions about getting started—or want a custom breakdown for your home—our local team is just a phone call away.
City & County Registration Requirements
Depending on your home’s location, it must be registered with either the City of Big Bear Lake or San Bernardino County to operate as a legal vacation rental. This includes:
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Mandatory inspections
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Compliance with safety codes
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Annual renewals
Typical Permit Fees (subject to change):
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City of Big Bear Lake: $550 annually
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San Bernardino County: $1,370 initial application
Our team can handle these logistics for you—from scheduling inspections to managing any required updates. If repairs or upgrades are needed to meet compliance, we’ll notify you when appropriate and coordinate with trusted local vendors.
Ongoing Property Management Costs
Hot Tub Maintenance
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Routine Cleaning: $100–$150/month
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Back-to-Back Guest Cleanings: $25 each
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Occasional Drain & Refill: ~$80 (based on use and chemical load)
Guest Departure Cleaning
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Standard Turnover: $60–$450 (based on home size)
We bill you only what the cleaner charges us. If you book your own guest stays, a standard cleaning fee will still apply.
Opening & Closing Services
Our team prepares your home before and after each guest stay:
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Opening Service: Lights on, heating adjusted, hot tub prepped, water systems turned on
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Closing Service: Lock-up, damage check, utilities reset, cleanliness inspection
Fees vary based on your service package. Ask us for the current owner rate sheet.
Snow Removal
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Driveway Plowing: $30–$175 per event (based on size and accumulation)
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Optional Add-ons: Shoveling walkways, decks, or stairs (billed separately)
Laundry Services
Homes without onsite laundry (or with non-functioning machines) will incur a laundry fee. Homes with in-unit laundry typically pay less in turnover costs.
Recommended Maintenance & Upkeep
Seasonal Deep Cleans
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2–4 times/year recommended
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$150–$500 depending on home size
Weed Abatement
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Required by city ordinance (typically twice/year)
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Pricing varies by lot size and vegetation
Other Common Maintenance Costs:
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Light bulbs, batteries, smoke detector replacements
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Game room items (ping-pong balls, pool cues, foosballs, etc.)
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Broken or missing kitchenware (dishes, utensils, small appliances)
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Shower curtain liners, window screens, remote controls
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Occasional appliance repairs or replacements (e.g., garbage disposals, vacuums)
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Carpet and upholstery cleaning (typically needed a few times/year)
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BBQ replacements (Note: only propane or natural gas grills are allowed—no charcoal per County ordinance)
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Touch-up paint and minor furniture repairs
Normal Wear & Tear vs. Damage
We collect guest security deposits to help cover unusual damages, but some wear and tear is simply part of owning a high-traffic home. We always keep an eye on your property and will notify you of any issues, major or minor.
Ready to Simplify Your Ownership?
Our mission is to make owning a vacation rental in Big Bear stress-free and profitable. We manage the logistics so you can enjoy the benefits of your investment—without the headaches. Contact us today for an appraisal and we’ll walk you the expected costs based on your home’s size and location.
Contact Us
(909) 878-0485