We often hear Airbnb horror stories, but most are from the guest’s point of view. However, we don’t often talk about how it can be challenging for the host as well. I mean, we all know the world has plenty of weirdos. Imagine trusting them with your property. Urgh, sounds scary, doesn’t it?
With nightmare guests like that, people must really regret being hosts. From stealing to turning the place into an absolute mess, they can run into all kinds of problems. But an online community lets hosts share stories about what unhinged guests are capable of. Check out the wildest ones below!
#21
The nerve of some guests
In December we had a guest stay at one of our homes. Turned out they were a construction crew traveling with a dog (none of that is an issue as we are pet friendly). During their stay, everything was prefectly fine, never heard from the guest which we prefer.
After they checked out however is where things started to go downhill. The cleaner informed us that they left the house trashed, and that they allowed the dog to use the basement as it's bathroom and there were pet messes left everywhere.
Ultimately, since we charge a pet fee, we did not file a claim. However, we did leave an honest review with a 3 star indicating both the human and pet messes that were left.
This is where the entitlement of this guest becomes shockingly apparent. Yesterday, over a month after they checked out, they messaged us asking us to remove our review. Their reasoning... because now hosts won't approve their inquiries on other properties! NO, I won't be removing the review! This is the entire reason why there are reviews in the first place. Had I known how poorly they would treat our property, we wouldn't have approved their reservation either! THE NERVE!
In December we had a guest stay at one of our homes. Turned out they were a construction crew traveling with a dog (none of that is an issue as we are pet friendly). During their stay, everything was prefectly fine, never heard from the guest which we prefer.
After they checked out however is where things started to go downhill. The cleaner informed us that they left the house trashed, and that they allowed the dog to use the basement as it's bathroom and there were pet messes left everywhere.
Ultimately, since we charge a pet fee, we did not file a claim. However, we did leave an honest review with a 3 star indicating both the human and pet messes that were left.
This is where the entitlement of this guest becomes shockingly apparent. Yesterday, over a month after they checked out, they messaged us asking us to remove our review. Their reasoning... because now hosts won't approve their inquiries on other properties! NO, I won't be removing the review! This is the entire reason why there are reviews in the first place. Had I known how poorly they would treat our property, we wouldn't have approved their reservation either! THE NERVE!
11points
Hometime is a professional Airbnb management company. It offers helpful tips on dealing with difficult guests. It starts by warning hosts to stay professional when problems arise, no matter how frustrated they are. Here are the important tips:
- Implement guest screening to weed out any potential bad guests.
- Set clear Airbnb house rules with guidelines and instructions for using your facilities.
- Use automated messages to ensure you send reminders.
- Record all communication with guests, in case you need to dispute false damage claims or have falsified reviews removed.
#22
Guests redecorated cabin.
We rent out a small rustic cabin. Very rustic, but it is equipped with anything a chef would need. Has power, indoor plumbing and wifi. It was built in the sixties on a limited budget back then. The site has specific pictures of the entire two bedroom cabin so people aren’t surprised when they don’t find a modern building.
It has old barn plank floors, very well aged wooden walls, etc. The exterior was completely renovated including a brand new roof, siding, heat pump, decks, insulation, etc. a couple of years ago.
These guests came in, raved about how wonderful the place was, sent messages about how cosy and serene. The visit went well, they were here for almost two weeks. When I went into clean they had taken all the pictures off the walls and moved them around, changed the furniture configuration, taken all of the pots and pans and dishes and rearranged the kitchen, and switched curtains from one room to another. It took me hours to change everything back. There were some old maps of the area that were on the walls which just disappeared. They also threw out a doormat, and small rugs. They asked me how I liked their surprise. When I told them I wasn’t pleased and some of the items were missing and we wanted them back, they were incensed. I said the place was small and everything was were it was for a reason. Example, why did they move the kitchen table and chairs in front of the door leading to the deck? Why did they move long curtains to small windows and vice versa? Their answer was fengshui.
We rent out a small rustic cabin. Very rustic, but it is equipped with anything a chef would need. Has power, indoor plumbing and wifi. It was built in the sixties on a limited budget back then. The site has specific pictures of the entire two bedroom cabin so people aren’t surprised when they don’t find a modern building.
It has old barn plank floors, very well aged wooden walls, etc. The exterior was completely renovated including a brand new roof, siding, heat pump, decks, insulation, etc. a couple of years ago.
These guests came in, raved about how wonderful the place was, sent messages about how cosy and serene. The visit went well, they were here for almost two weeks. When I went into clean they had taken all the pictures off the walls and moved them around, changed the furniture configuration, taken all of the pots and pans and dishes and rearranged the kitchen, and switched curtains from one room to another. It took me hours to change everything back. There were some old maps of the area that were on the walls which just disappeared. They also threw out a doormat, and small rugs. They asked me how I liked their surprise. When I told them I wasn’t pleased and some of the items were missing and we wanted them back, they were incensed. I said the place was small and everything was were it was for a reason. Example, why did they move the kitchen table and chairs in front of the door leading to the deck? Why did they move long curtains to small windows and vice versa? Their answer was fengshui.
11points
#23
Guest is filing a police report
I had a guest yesterday night. Left a 5 star review. She messages this evening and says her two Nintendo switches must have been left behind. When I cleaned there was no such thing. She says the only time they were left out of their hands was when they went for dinner.
The Airbnb is above the garage in my home. I was home all evening. Nobody took anything, no cars arrived etc. I’d hear someone if they went up there. I don’t know if she’s implying I took it.
She then says she looking her jewelry box and several gold items are missing and her husbands watch. She says she is filing a police report as it must have happened while she’s out for dinner.
Is this a scam? There is genuinely no way anyone took anything. We’re way out in the country on a long driveway. You’d see and hear someone. And nothing from our house is taken. What do I do?
I had a guest yesterday night. Left a 5 star review. She messages this evening and says her two Nintendo switches must have been left behind. When I cleaned there was no such thing. She says the only time they were left out of their hands was when they went for dinner.
The Airbnb is above the garage in my home. I was home all evening. Nobody took anything, no cars arrived etc. I’d hear someone if they went up there. I don’t know if she’s implying I took it.
She then says she looking her jewelry box and several gold items are missing and her husbands watch. She says she is filing a police report as it must have happened while she’s out for dinner.
Is this a scam? There is genuinely no way anyone took anything. We’re way out in the country on a long driveway. You’d see and hear someone. And nothing from our house is taken. What do I do?
Report
11points
#24
Mother books for 18-year-old daughter and friends, the mother gets mad at the host for her daughter drinking.
I had a mother book a reservation "celebrating her daughter's 18th birthday". All of Mother's messages indicated that she would be staying with her daughter as they were in town for a concert with one other person. No big deal.
Three guests show up, and they all look 18. They brought alcohol and started smoking right away. I called the number on file, but there was no answer. I go to the unit's front door and ask to speak to (guest's name). The young daughter says that it is her. I asked to see an ID and that she looked very young to have an 18-year-old daughter. I told her it was better not to lie. She admitted she wasn't the guest and was underage. I asked if someone who was not drinking could drive them home. They said they had someone.
I messaged the mother in the app, telling her what happened and that some were using alcohol. I also told her that they told me one was not drinking and could drive them. Her first message was that she was shocked by their behavior. The next morning, she messaged me saying how terrible I was for kicking them out and that if they were drinking, I was somehow responsible.
Lady, you're the one who booked. You're supposed to be at the listing; you're supposed to be responsible for your guests and your now adult daughter. You're the one who booked knowing the rules and sent her the information on how to get in. You're the one who raised her to act that way. What did you want me to do? Call the cops? I called you first.
Edit: For the few people who think that I was in the wrong, here is some clarification. I knew from the mother who booked, that someone under the age of 21 was coming. From my doorbell camera, I observed three young individuals enter my property with what looked like alcohol. They all appeared to be about the same age. As the mother has said that her daughter is 18, I assumed they were all around that age. If you are a host and not watching when guests first come, you are asking for trouble. While trying to figure out what was going on, someone came out to smoke, holding a drink. We don't allow smoking on the property. So I called the mother who booked, but there was no answer. So I was confident she was not there. At that point, I could have done nothing, and it could have turned into a party with more underage individuals showing up and drinking, or I could have kicked them out before anything really started. When I confronted them, I asked if they had someone who had not been drinking. If they didn't have someone, we would have figured something out. It was so early on they had just started drinking, but individuals under 21 can't have any alcohol in their system if they drive. I called Airbnb right after. When they were leaving, nobody was visibly intoxicated, stumbling etc. The individual was 18, so they were their own legal guardian.
Also, when Airbnb was looking for proof that it was a third-party booking, these geniuses signed the guest book with their real names (not the person who booked) and said, "18th Birthday Party".
I had a mother book a reservation "celebrating her daughter's 18th birthday". All of Mother's messages indicated that she would be staying with her daughter as they were in town for a concert with one other person. No big deal.
Three guests show up, and they all look 18. They brought alcohol and started smoking right away. I called the number on file, but there was no answer. I go to the unit's front door and ask to speak to (guest's name). The young daughter says that it is her. I asked to see an ID and that she looked very young to have an 18-year-old daughter. I told her it was better not to lie. She admitted she wasn't the guest and was underage. I asked if someone who was not drinking could drive them home. They said they had someone.
I messaged the mother in the app, telling her what happened and that some were using alcohol. I also told her that they told me one was not drinking and could drive them. Her first message was that she was shocked by their behavior. The next morning, she messaged me saying how terrible I was for kicking them out and that if they were drinking, I was somehow responsible.
Lady, you're the one who booked. You're supposed to be at the listing; you're supposed to be responsible for your guests and your now adult daughter. You're the one who booked knowing the rules and sent her the information on how to get in. You're the one who raised her to act that way. What did you want me to do? Call the cops? I called you first.
Edit: For the few people who think that I was in the wrong, here is some clarification. I knew from the mother who booked, that someone under the age of 21 was coming. From my doorbell camera, I observed three young individuals enter my property with what looked like alcohol. They all appeared to be about the same age. As the mother has said that her daughter is 18, I assumed they were all around that age. If you are a host and not watching when guests first come, you are asking for trouble. While trying to figure out what was going on, someone came out to smoke, holding a drink. We don't allow smoking on the property. So I called the mother who booked, but there was no answer. So I was confident she was not there. At that point, I could have done nothing, and it could have turned into a party with more underage individuals showing up and drinking, or I could have kicked them out before anything really started. When I confronted them, I asked if they had someone who had not been drinking. If they didn't have someone, we would have figured something out. It was so early on they had just started drinking, but individuals under 21 can't have any alcohol in their system if they drive. I called Airbnb right after. When they were leaving, nobody was visibly intoxicated, stumbling etc. The individual was 18, so they were their own legal guardian.
Also, when Airbnb was looking for proof that it was a third-party booking, these geniuses signed the guest book with their real names (not the person who booked) and said, "18th Birthday Party".
10points
Well, being a host is definitely a challenge. In fact, research shows that participating in Airbnb both enhances and diminishes hosts’ material, relational, and subjective well-being.
Moreover, Tracey, founder of The Sustainable Host, mentions that apart from burnout, hosts also experience anxiety. “The uncertainties of guest preferences, fluctuating income, and the need for constant availability can fuel anxiety, leading to incessant worry about potential negative reviews, guest issues, or the stability of one’s income,” she adds.
#25
It finally happened. First time I had to cancel someone's reservation and kick them out
As it happens with all Airbnb horror stories, it started with a last minute booking. It was for the next day. We chatted a bit, she seemed like a nice young woman. She said she and her husband were on a road trip and were stopping here for a few days. They had their dog with them. I approved the booking.
Today, she checks in and corners my cleaning person who was in the building an other apartment asks her 3 sets of extra towels and 3 sets of sheets. She's staying in a one bedroom apartment maximum occupancy 3.
My cleaner nevertheless takes her the extra sheets and the towels and when the guests open the door 4 dogs jump the cleaner. Not one, FOUR dogs plus 3 extra guests.
Cleaner called me, I checked the doorbell camera, sure enough five people and 4 dogs strolled into a one bedroom city apartment.
Called Airbnb and then messaged the guest. I told Airbnb to cancel the reservation. I told the guest that she had to leave with her FOUR dogs and 3 extra guests. I would be there in 15 minutes.
Her response, I told you we had a dog, didn't know extra dogs would be a problem. Also, didn't realize she couldn't bring 3 extra guests. This woman has 27 5* reviews. How is this possible?
I told Airbnb, I didn't their money, I just wanted them out and if they vacated the property in the next 10 minutes, I would give them refund. They were gone by the time I got there, but I was ready to call whoever I need to get those people out of there. My brother thinks I'm insane to go there to confront five guests, but I was seeing red at that point.
As it happens with all Airbnb horror stories, it started with a last minute booking. It was for the next day. We chatted a bit, she seemed like a nice young woman. She said she and her husband were on a road trip and were stopping here for a few days. They had their dog with them. I approved the booking.
Today, she checks in and corners my cleaning person who was in the building an other apartment asks her 3 sets of extra towels and 3 sets of sheets. She's staying in a one bedroom apartment maximum occupancy 3.
My cleaner nevertheless takes her the extra sheets and the towels and when the guests open the door 4 dogs jump the cleaner. Not one, FOUR dogs plus 3 extra guests.
Cleaner called me, I checked the doorbell camera, sure enough five people and 4 dogs strolled into a one bedroom city apartment.
Called Airbnb and then messaged the guest. I told Airbnb to cancel the reservation. I told the guest that she had to leave with her FOUR dogs and 3 extra guests. I would be there in 15 minutes.
Her response, I told you we had a dog, didn't know extra dogs would be a problem. Also, didn't realize she couldn't bring 3 extra guests. This woman has 27 5* reviews. How is this possible?
I told Airbnb, I didn't their money, I just wanted them out and if they vacated the property in the next 10 minutes, I would give them refund. They were gone by the time I got there, but I was ready to call whoever I need to get those people out of there. My brother thinks I'm insane to go there to confront five guests, but I was seeing red at that point.
10points
#26
Guest WiFi Complaints after sharing access
So, had a family of four (mom, dad, two late teen kids) check in for five days. On day two they complained that they could not stream movies. I check my internet account to check for and see that they have 32 devices attached (in addition to my 2 Rokus and Ring doorbell) including 14 phones, 10 laptops, two Apple TVs, a couple gaming consoles and the rest “unidentified”.
I ask how many people are in the unit and they say four. I ask about all the devices and they decline any knowledge, saying only a phone and laptop each, one AppleTV and one gaming console. I suggest that I will disable all devices and add theirs back one by one, to remove and block the “pirate” devices. They then fess up that they shared the Wi-Fi with the two families next door (they were traveling together) since our Wi-Fi was so much better than the one provided by the AirBnB next door.
I explained that the system couldn’t handle that much streaming all at once ( this was after dinner, everyone back at the condo looking for entertainment). No biggie, but always amazed that a guest thinks a complaint and request for discount are in order when they create the problem.
Does anyone have Wi-Fi that supports 7-8 people all gaming or streaming content at the same time?
So, had a family of four (mom, dad, two late teen kids) check in for five days. On day two they complained that they could not stream movies. I check my internet account to check for and see that they have 32 devices attached (in addition to my 2 Rokus and Ring doorbell) including 14 phones, 10 laptops, two Apple TVs, a couple gaming consoles and the rest “unidentified”.
I ask how many people are in the unit and they say four. I ask about all the devices and they decline any knowledge, saying only a phone and laptop each, one AppleTV and one gaming console. I suggest that I will disable all devices and add theirs back one by one, to remove and block the “pirate” devices. They then fess up that they shared the Wi-Fi with the two families next door (they were traveling together) since our Wi-Fi was so much better than the one provided by the AirBnB next door.
I explained that the system couldn’t handle that much streaming all at once ( this was after dinner, everyone back at the condo looking for entertainment). No biggie, but always amazed that a guest thinks a complaint and request for discount are in order when they create the problem.
Does anyone have Wi-Fi that supports 7-8 people all gaming or streaming content at the same time?
10points
#27
Guests Used 11,000 Gallons of Water in 15 Days... Bill was over $200
Me and my wife lived in this townhome for 5 years, and our monthly water consumption was usually 2,000 gallons but never over 3,000 gallons which was always under $40 in that time. Over the last year with Airbnb guests that is pretty much what we have continued to see, with the exception of one month where it got up 7,000 gallons last December. Today we got a bill for a record breaking 11,000 gallons and I just don't even know how someone could possibly use that much water. What is truly amazing is the fact that August was our largest vacant month in the last year with only 50% occupancy.
So here is some math. We only had guests for 15 days in August and they used a record breaking 11,000 gallons. Our shower heads are rated at 2 gallons per minute. 11,000 gallons is enough water to take a 6.1 hour shower every day for those 15 days. Just pure insanity.
I doubt there is much that can be done about these one off months, and its just the cost of doing business, so this is more of a rant. We also had guests set the heater to 80F for their entire stay when it was 90F outside... and another guest that had heat set to kick on at 70F and ac set to kick on at 72F.
Me and my wife lived in this townhome for 5 years, and our monthly water consumption was usually 2,000 gallons but never over 3,000 gallons which was always under $40 in that time. Over the last year with Airbnb guests that is pretty much what we have continued to see, with the exception of one month where it got up 7,000 gallons last December. Today we got a bill for a record breaking 11,000 gallons and I just don't even know how someone could possibly use that much water. What is truly amazing is the fact that August was our largest vacant month in the last year with only 50% occupancy.
So here is some math. We only had guests for 15 days in August and they used a record breaking 11,000 gallons. Our shower heads are rated at 2 gallons per minute. 11,000 gallons is enough water to take a 6.1 hour shower every day for those 15 days. Just pure insanity.
I doubt there is much that can be done about these one off months, and its just the cost of doing business, so this is more of a rant. We also had guests set the heater to 80F for their entire stay when it was 90F outside... and another guest that had heat set to kick on at 70F and ac set to kick on at 72F.
10points
Tracey advises hosts to prioritize self-care, set work-life boundaries, and seek help if things get too challenging. Dealing with weird guests can definitely take a toll on the hosts. This list is proof of what they have to go through.
Anyway, dear pandas, which one of these was too creepy or annoying for you to handle? Let us know about them in the comments!
#28
Medically diagnosed chemical sensitivity (Oy vey)
Saturday night, ten pm. My reservation for Sunday cancels; the guest sends a nice note apologizing for the last minute cancellation. As I’m reading it I get a notification that the space has already rebooked.
Ok, cool. I’m happy to double dip income:-)
Incoming guest is from Ohio and sends a wall of text. It’s obvious she cut and pasted it in…paragraph after paragraph about her medically diagnosed sensitivity to fragrances. Wants a full list of all cleaning products used, if there are air fresheners, tells me that she travels with her own bedding and towels.
My brain goes ‘oh, no’ but whatever. I don’t like scented products personally and it’s a pretty short list of cleaning things we use. Murphys oil soap is about the strongest smelling thing. I tell her that I don’t have any control over the mopping of the lobby floor and the janitor seems to love Fabuloso for everything building related. Tell her that the bath products are all from public goods.
I get back another list of clarifications from her, she asks that all bath products get removed. Inquires when the floors were mopped with Murphys, tells me how wrong I am for using it. Wants details on bed pillows.
Asks if she can check in at 9 am the following day. I tell her no, the current guests will likely still be sleeping at that time and cleaning starts around 11….check in starts at 4pm.
This morning at 11:30 my cleaning crew calls me, asking if it’s ok for them to show a lady at the space the cleaning bucket. Yes, the guest is already there and followed them in. My cleaning crew is super professional…I tell her to do whatever she thinks is appropriate.
2 pm cleaning crew lets me know all is tidy. They did not mop, per the guests request. They put the towels and bedding on the shelf instead of making the bed, removed the bath products. Apparently the lady has been sitting in the garden for 2.5 hours.
I message the guest that all is ready for her.
About 5 minutes later I get a notification from the Amazon fire stick thing that the ‘fox news’ app has been added to the tv.
It’s going to be a long three days.
Saturday night, ten pm. My reservation for Sunday cancels; the guest sends a nice note apologizing for the last minute cancellation. As I’m reading it I get a notification that the space has already rebooked.
Ok, cool. I’m happy to double dip income:-)
Incoming guest is from Ohio and sends a wall of text. It’s obvious she cut and pasted it in…paragraph after paragraph about her medically diagnosed sensitivity to fragrances. Wants a full list of all cleaning products used, if there are air fresheners, tells me that she travels with her own bedding and towels.
My brain goes ‘oh, no’ but whatever. I don’t like scented products personally and it’s a pretty short list of cleaning things we use. Murphys oil soap is about the strongest smelling thing. I tell her that I don’t have any control over the mopping of the lobby floor and the janitor seems to love Fabuloso for everything building related. Tell her that the bath products are all from public goods.
I get back another list of clarifications from her, she asks that all bath products get removed. Inquires when the floors were mopped with Murphys, tells me how wrong I am for using it. Wants details on bed pillows.
Asks if she can check in at 9 am the following day. I tell her no, the current guests will likely still be sleeping at that time and cleaning starts around 11….check in starts at 4pm.
This morning at 11:30 my cleaning crew calls me, asking if it’s ok for them to show a lady at the space the cleaning bucket. Yes, the guest is already there and followed them in. My cleaning crew is super professional…I tell her to do whatever she thinks is appropriate.
2 pm cleaning crew lets me know all is tidy. They did not mop, per the guests request. They put the towels and bedding on the shelf instead of making the bed, removed the bath products. Apparently the lady has been sitting in the garden for 2.5 hours.
I message the guest that all is ready for her.
About 5 minutes later I get a notification from the Amazon fire stick thing that the ‘fox news’ app has been added to the tv.
It’s going to be a long three days.
Report
10points
#29
Review Removed!
I had a guest book for 7 and actually have 10 guests. My limit is 8. I messaged him in the app asking him to update the reservation... twice. Crickets. So I sent the alteration request myself, which included additional cost for the extra guests. He declined. He said the place has 9 beds and he thought it was big enough for 10. I involved Airbnb. As a courtesy, I gave him the option of staying and paying. If that wasn't agreeable, they had to leave. An hour and a half of him arguing the house is big enough, and he finally agrees to pay. In his message to me, he says he'll pay, but is leaving me a "trash a*s review".
His bad review shows up today. I screenshot what he said and Airbnb's policy on retaliatory review for enforcing rules. My first request to remove it was declined. I used the words "I feel". Don't do that! My second request was approved; I didn't use those words again.
Just a tip and giving y'all hope that reviews CAN be removed with this new system.
I had a guest book for 7 and actually have 10 guests. My limit is 8. I messaged him in the app asking him to update the reservation... twice. Crickets. So I sent the alteration request myself, which included additional cost for the extra guests. He declined. He said the place has 9 beds and he thought it was big enough for 10. I involved Airbnb. As a courtesy, I gave him the option of staying and paying. If that wasn't agreeable, they had to leave. An hour and a half of him arguing the house is big enough, and he finally agrees to pay. In his message to me, he says he'll pay, but is leaving me a "trash a*s review".
His bad review shows up today. I screenshot what he said and Airbnb's policy on retaliatory review for enforcing rules. My first request to remove it was declined. I used the words "I feel". Don't do that! My second request was approved; I didn't use those words again.
Just a tip and giving y'all hope that reviews CAN be removed with this new system.
10points
#30
Airbnb canceled long term booking because the maid entered as planned.
My listing is serviced - maid comes every Friday at 8am. It’s in the house tiles and I wrote it in a message to a longer term Guest J when she checked in. When maid arrived 5 nights after checkin, knocked then used her key to enter, just exactly like they do at a hotel. Guest J freaked out and messaged me. I reminded her that the maid - who has worked for me for over a decade and is over 60 and a smiley round grandmother - comes every Friday per the listing and per my message to her at checkin. She went quiet and then reported a safety concerns to Airbnb that she was “violated in her privacy.” The let her leave and refunded the rest of the month (about 25 nights).
Now I’m fighting with Airbnb support and I am so frustrated. Canned, AI lack-o-logic responses and cases being closed with no resolution. They say now I have to get each guest’s active acceptance of the maid. They have to say in writing it’s ok she comes.
Anyone else have this issue? Anyone not lose this battle - for the refund or for there weird maid agreement requirements?
My listing is serviced - maid comes every Friday at 8am. It’s in the house tiles and I wrote it in a message to a longer term Guest J when she checked in. When maid arrived 5 nights after checkin, knocked then used her key to enter, just exactly like they do at a hotel. Guest J freaked out and messaged me. I reminded her that the maid - who has worked for me for over a decade and is over 60 and a smiley round grandmother - comes every Friday per the listing and per my message to her at checkin. She went quiet and then reported a safety concerns to Airbnb that she was “violated in her privacy.” The let her leave and refunded the rest of the month (about 25 nights).
Now I’m fighting with Airbnb support and I am so frustrated. Canned, AI lack-o-logic responses and cases being closed with no resolution. They say now I have to get each guest’s active acceptance of the maid. They have to say in writing it’s ok she comes.
Anyone else have this issue? Anyone not lose this battle - for the refund or for there weird maid agreement requirements?
9points
#31
Had my first 'why do you even have cameras' moment today...
Guest: messages at 2am Hey just letting you know we're only 2 people staying not 4
Me: Outdoor cameras show 4 people entered at checkin
Guest: oh those are just friends visiting
Me: At 2am? With suitcases?
Guest: leaves me on read
Been hosting for years and this is why I'll never remove my outdoor cameras. The audacity of some people thinking we won't notice extra guests
Anyone else catch guests trying to pull this? Still debating if I should charge them the extra guest fees or just leave a review about dishonesty.
Guest: messages at 2am Hey just letting you know we're only 2 people staying not 4
Me: Outdoor cameras show 4 people entered at checkin
Guest: oh those are just friends visiting
Me: At 2am? With suitcases?
Guest: leaves me on read
Been hosting for years and this is why I'll never remove my outdoor cameras. The audacity of some people thinking we won't notice extra guests
Anyone else catch guests trying to pull this? Still debating if I should charge them the extra guest fees or just leave a review about dishonesty.
Report
9points
#32
Guests Brought a bed bug today and took a video and expected to get a free stay.
Funny situation today. So a guest brings a bed bug throws it on the bed and takes a video and sends it to me. I said "I'm going to give you a free refund no questions asked". But you have to leave by 11am normal check out time.
He asked me if if I could help help them find another place, I said "NO". I Said I believe in Excellent customer service "BUT MY RESPONSIBILITY ENDS ONCE I REFUND YOU".
But guess what...I called the BOOKER, and the BOOKER Said "NONE OF HIS OTHER FRIENDS WANTED TO LEAVE"... All of his other 12 friends were enjoying the house and didn't want to leave.
The BOOKER admitted that it was "suspicious" as to the bed bug and they couldn't find any other evidence of bed bugs. Except that one bed bug.
The little scam didn't work. I guess he thought I'd give him a refund and he'd get to stay for free.
Love it!!! STAY VIGILANT!!!!
Funny situation today. So a guest brings a bed bug throws it on the bed and takes a video and sends it to me. I said "I'm going to give you a free refund no questions asked". But you have to leave by 11am normal check out time.
He asked me if if I could help help them find another place, I said "NO". I Said I believe in Excellent customer service "BUT MY RESPONSIBILITY ENDS ONCE I REFUND YOU".
But guess what...I called the BOOKER, and the BOOKER Said "NONE OF HIS OTHER FRIENDS WANTED TO LEAVE"... All of his other 12 friends were enjoying the house and didn't want to leave.
The BOOKER admitted that it was "suspicious" as to the bed bug and they couldn't find any other evidence of bed bugs. Except that one bed bug.
The little scam didn't work. I guess he thought I'd give him a refund and he'd get to stay for free.
Love it!!! STAY VIGILANT!!!!
8points
#33
Guests are beginning to wear on me.
We had 7 people stay for two days. First notice I get from them. “We saw a mouse, not off yo a great start.” I was surprised because we just had an exterminator in. But I comped them first night, meaning we will get 40 dollars from the two day stay.
Next day, he tells me a bulb is blinking. I mean, it’s a 4 story Victorian. Sometimes bulbs blow out. He sent me like 9 dms about it.
As he left today, he dm’s “not to add insult to injury, but there were ants on top flooring my SIL’s bed and they bit her.” I know for sure this is a lie. He’s hoping I’ll make the trip free for him. I’m so done though, just want him to leave.
We had pest control come after they left. Report said “no sign of any recent rodent activity. No signs of ants.”
So, I think guy lied and why are people like that? I changed my stay minimum to 3 nights. I actually want less people. Lol.
We had 7 people stay for two days. First notice I get from them. “We saw a mouse, not off yo a great start.” I was surprised because we just had an exterminator in. But I comped them first night, meaning we will get 40 dollars from the two day stay.
Next day, he tells me a bulb is blinking. I mean, it’s a 4 story Victorian. Sometimes bulbs blow out. He sent me like 9 dms about it.
As he left today, he dm’s “not to add insult to injury, but there were ants on top flooring my SIL’s bed and they bit her.” I know for sure this is a lie. He’s hoping I’ll make the trip free for him. I’m so done though, just want him to leave.
We had pest control come after they left. Report said “no sign of any recent rodent activity. No signs of ants.”
So, I think guy lied and why are people like that? I changed my stay minimum to 3 nights. I actually want less people. Lol.
8points
#34
Guest had a party and trashed my place. How harsh can I be in my review?
I just started as a host and my second guest ever threw a party and left an absolute mess. Thankfully I was able to catch it before things got completely out of hand and the guest was evicted the same night she checked in. The guest completely lied about why she was interested in my property, and I’m not even certain that the person I communicated with in the app is the person who showed up at the property.
When I showed up with police the entire front of the house was under a thick fog of smoke and even the police were shocked at how overwhelming the smell was. It took my cleaners an extra day to get the smell out of the furniture and hallways. On top of all of that the guest lost the key fob that opens the gate to the property.
Airbnb Support is still investigating the incident and I have videos and pictures to document everything. Airbnb sent the payout this morning and I now have the opportunity to rate the guest. Are there any negative implications to going scorched earth on this person? I wouldn’t wish her on any other host.
I just started as a host and my second guest ever threw a party and left an absolute mess. Thankfully I was able to catch it before things got completely out of hand and the guest was evicted the same night she checked in. The guest completely lied about why she was interested in my property, and I’m not even certain that the person I communicated with in the app is the person who showed up at the property.
When I showed up with police the entire front of the house was under a thick fog of smoke and even the police were shocked at how overwhelming the smell was. It took my cleaners an extra day to get the smell out of the furniture and hallways. On top of all of that the guest lost the key fob that opens the gate to the property.
Airbnb Support is still investigating the incident and I have videos and pictures to document everything. Airbnb sent the payout this morning and I now have the opportunity to rate the guest. Are there any negative implications to going scorched earth on this person? I wouldn’t wish her on any other host.
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8points
#35
Some guests are just….special.
So checkout at my place is so simple. Literally toss your keys on a red tray (with a large label on it that says ‘please leave your keys here’ and go. No cleaning, no trash to takeout….just go. It has worked well for me for years.
Recently I had a guest who was relatively young and had several reviews but was unable to use the app. Lots of oddities during his stay, but his last note was ‘had to leave, keys at the pizza place’. Wouldn’t answer a call or give any more info. I live in an area with at least ten pizza joints that are within a few blocks. I had to actually walk into several places, asking random people at counters if a stranger had by chance left keys. And by golly someone had them…he apparently walked in and just handed them to the counter person and walked out without saying anything.
I felt so bad I bought a pizza.
The kicker…this place was not all that close and was not on the way to the train or any other destination I would have imagined.
So checkout at my place is so simple. Literally toss your keys on a red tray (with a large label on it that says ‘please leave your keys here’ and go. No cleaning, no trash to takeout….just go. It has worked well for me for years.
Recently I had a guest who was relatively young and had several reviews but was unable to use the app. Lots of oddities during his stay, but his last note was ‘had to leave, keys at the pizza place’. Wouldn’t answer a call or give any more info. I live in an area with at least ten pizza joints that are within a few blocks. I had to actually walk into several places, asking random people at counters if a stranger had by chance left keys. And by golly someone had them…he apparently walked in and just handed them to the counter person and walked out without saying anything.
I felt so bad I bought a pizza.
The kicker…this place was not all that close and was not on the way to the train or any other destination I would have imagined.
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8points
#36
Guest with PTSD claims she was trapped in my house and wants full refund
I had a guest check out two days ago. She spent one night and the only message from her during her stay was a question about parking. Today I received a message from Airbnb stating that the guest was trapped in the house and is requesting a full refund because of her trauma. When I wrote to the guest, she said that her sister was forced to knock the bedroom door down because she was trapped inside and her PTSD was triggered and why should she have to pay for this trauma. When I asked her why she never mentioned it during her stay, she said that I was harassing her and she knew that this is what she was up against, and the reason that she didn’t contact me before. I actually called the police and attempted to file a report for making false allegations but I have no recourse there. She left a review which I have not yet seen - I know it will be ugly and the Airbnb representative said that it is. I asked her to remove it as there is no damage to the door and clearly this guest has a mental disorder which has nothing to do with me beyond my control. Airbnb is claiming that they are not able to remove her review because it’s subjective to her experience. There is nothing wrong with the door. Any input appreciated!
UPDATE: I finally left a review for the guest and warned other hosts not to let her book. Her review was then revealed and it was very nasty, as I thought it would be, with her accusing me of harassing her and complaining about the driveway, even though I gave her a permit for street parking, and making false claims that the bathroom and linens smelled, and of course, that I caused her to have PTSD. I immediately called Airbnb, and the representative told me that because she mentioned the cost of what she paid for the visit, which is a violation ( who knew?), they were able to remove the review. I’m so relieved about that but because she gave me all 1’s, that part still factors in and my rating dropped so dramatically that I’ll probably lose my Super Host status for this round. At least I don’t have to see her horrible lies among my great reviews! Thanks to all of you for the support and encouragement.
I had a guest check out two days ago. She spent one night and the only message from her during her stay was a question about parking. Today I received a message from Airbnb stating that the guest was trapped in the house and is requesting a full refund because of her trauma. When I wrote to the guest, she said that her sister was forced to knock the bedroom door down because she was trapped inside and her PTSD was triggered and why should she have to pay for this trauma. When I asked her why she never mentioned it during her stay, she said that I was harassing her and she knew that this is what she was up against, and the reason that she didn’t contact me before. I actually called the police and attempted to file a report for making false allegations but I have no recourse there. She left a review which I have not yet seen - I know it will be ugly and the Airbnb representative said that it is. I asked her to remove it as there is no damage to the door and clearly this guest has a mental disorder which has nothing to do with me beyond my control. Airbnb is claiming that they are not able to remove her review because it’s subjective to her experience. There is nothing wrong with the door. Any input appreciated!
UPDATE: I finally left a review for the guest and warned other hosts not to let her book. Her review was then revealed and it was very nasty, as I thought it would be, with her accusing me of harassing her and complaining about the driveway, even though I gave her a permit for street parking, and making false claims that the bathroom and linens smelled, and of course, that I caused her to have PTSD. I immediately called Airbnb, and the representative told me that because she mentioned the cost of what she paid for the visit, which is a violation ( who knew?), they were able to remove the review. I’m so relieved about that but because she gave me all 1’s, that part still factors in and my rating dropped so dramatically that I’ll probably lose my Super Host status for this round. At least I don’t have to see her horrible lies among my great reviews! Thanks to all of you for the support and encouragement.
7points
#37
Well, that’s a new one. Guest moved all her personal possessions into our Airbnb for a week.
This one blindsided me. Girl messages me a couple weeks ago. “I live in the neighborhood and my home is having work done for a week. I’d like a place to relax”. She had 22 five-star reviews. Seemed like an easy stay.
Today was checkout day (11am). She messaged me a 10:15 saying she overslept and asked if she could stay until 2. I let her know we have a 4pm check-in, but that I could accommodate 1pm if that worked for her. She said absolutely and thanked me.
I drive up to the home at 1:20pm. There’s a car backed into the driveway. Uh oh. Then I look at the front porch.
It’s *PACKED* full of boxes, laundry, furniture, etc. I realize she’s loading up her Prius and making trips with all this stuff. I park down the street and watch her run 3 more car fulls of stuff before she’s done.
I’d estimate there was enough stuff there to have filled a small u-haul. Especially if she’d been doing this since messaging me in the morning.
The inside of the home was even stranger. She didn’t use the master bedroom- she slept in the smallest guest bedroom and left everything else untouched. Home was spotless except for packing debris *everywhere* on the floors.
I mean… I guess you’re allowed to bring as much stuff with for your stay as you like? If she’d timed moving it all better, I wouldn’t have even known. But I am so confused.
This one blindsided me. Girl messages me a couple weeks ago. “I live in the neighborhood and my home is having work done for a week. I’d like a place to relax”. She had 22 five-star reviews. Seemed like an easy stay.
Today was checkout day (11am). She messaged me a 10:15 saying she overslept and asked if she could stay until 2. I let her know we have a 4pm check-in, but that I could accommodate 1pm if that worked for her. She said absolutely and thanked me.
I drive up to the home at 1:20pm. There’s a car backed into the driveway. Uh oh. Then I look at the front porch.
It’s *PACKED* full of boxes, laundry, furniture, etc. I realize she’s loading up her Prius and making trips with all this stuff. I park down the street and watch her run 3 more car fulls of stuff before she’s done.
I’d estimate there was enough stuff there to have filled a small u-haul. Especially if she’d been doing this since messaging me in the morning.
The inside of the home was even stranger. She didn’t use the master bedroom- she slept in the smallest guest bedroom and left everything else untouched. Home was spotless except for packing debris *everywhere* on the floors.
I mean… I guess you’re allowed to bring as much stuff with for your stay as you like? If she’d timed moving it all better, I wouldn’t have even known. But I am so confused.
7points
#38
Guest showed up at 10:30am and got upset because her code didn't work
Just venting.
I had a guest checking in today. Our check in time is 3pm. She reached out and asked if she can check in early.
The cleaners were scheduled to be there early in the morning, the previous guest checked out yesterday. I told her sure, we could accommodate her. I told her she could check in at 12pm and adjusted her codes accordingly. Thank god, they were there at 6am and were finished by 9am (it's a 1 bedroom).
She called me from the door at 10:29am and she was very upset that her code didn't work. I reminded her our conversation and that she was approved for 12pm check and that's when the code would be active. She started complaining about how cold it was and she didn't want to wait on the porch for another 90 minutes. She was making a lot of noise and yelling at the ring camera. I have tenants on the first floor. I didn't want her to wake the nurse who works night the shift, the poor thing, I finally told her just to hold on and I opened the door for her.
I'm just mad at myself for caving in to her bad behavior. But also, Gold help me, she's staying for an entire week. She was so lovely in the messages!
Edit: Obviously I will leave the appropriate review and make sure other hosts know she showed up at 10:30am and Karen'ed her way in.
Just venting.
I had a guest checking in today. Our check in time is 3pm. She reached out and asked if she can check in early.
The cleaners were scheduled to be there early in the morning, the previous guest checked out yesterday. I told her sure, we could accommodate her. I told her she could check in at 12pm and adjusted her codes accordingly. Thank god, they were there at 6am and were finished by 9am (it's a 1 bedroom).
She called me from the door at 10:29am and she was very upset that her code didn't work. I reminded her our conversation and that she was approved for 12pm check and that's when the code would be active. She started complaining about how cold it was and she didn't want to wait on the porch for another 90 minutes. She was making a lot of noise and yelling at the ring camera. I have tenants on the first floor. I didn't want her to wake the nurse who works night the shift, the poor thing, I finally told her just to hold on and I opened the door for her.
I'm just mad at myself for caving in to her bad behavior. But also, Gold help me, she's staying for an entire week. She was so lovely in the messages!
Edit: Obviously I will leave the appropriate review and make sure other hosts know she showed up at 10:30am and Karen'ed her way in.
7points
#39
Guest refusing to leave
We booked a guest very last minute this morning - she said she missed her flight and needed somewhere to sleep in the day and would leave at 7pm for her flight. The booking was based on that.
She booked for one person but has had 3 male visitors having said she’ll just be sleeping. The first one she was obviously ‘having relations with’ and on viewing the doorbell camera it is obvious they had never met before.
Then she had a second one round who we kicked out. She now has another guy staying in there. We asked them to leave and they are refusing - also quite obviously doing substances (laughing gas) in the room.
She’s said she will leave at 9pm but I doubt that’s going to happen. My fiancée and I agreed to give them one more chance at 9pm but then we’re calling the police.
We’re in the UK so any advice on whether calling the police would help or not would be much appreciated!
We booked a guest very last minute this morning - she said she missed her flight and needed somewhere to sleep in the day and would leave at 7pm for her flight. The booking was based on that.
She booked for one person but has had 3 male visitors having said she’ll just be sleeping. The first one she was obviously ‘having relations with’ and on viewing the doorbell camera it is obvious they had never met before.
Then she had a second one round who we kicked out. She now has another guy staying in there. We asked them to leave and they are refusing - also quite obviously doing substances (laughing gas) in the room.
She’s said she will leave at 9pm but I doubt that’s going to happen. My fiancée and I agreed to give them one more chance at 9pm but then we’re calling the police.
We’re in the UK so any advice on whether calling the police would help or not would be much appreciated!
7points
#40
Are toys provided considered free for the taking?
Hosting for almost 4 years. This year alone, I have noticed after a stay that includes a child, I’m noticeably lighter on toys, books, coloring books etc.
From one mom who messaged me to let me know she took them because her daughter loved them, (thought it was her Christian duty to inform me, but wasn’t Christian enough to send them back), to the parents who simply pay no attention to what’s going on and gather up things which happen to include all 4 provided coloring books and several smaller toys, it just feels like this could get old long term. I loathe the notes for every single thing but Lordy. Do I need to specify that if everyone just went ahead and took home their favorite toys, there won’t be any for anyone as I’m not sure I’m cool constantly resupplying?
I get that I can find them “fairly cheaply” (relative term) from yard sales etc, but I tend to try and put out specific things that will clean well and appeal to all genders and ages. Not as simple as it sounds. Thanks in advance for the input!
Hosting for almost 4 years. This year alone, I have noticed after a stay that includes a child, I’m noticeably lighter on toys, books, coloring books etc.
From one mom who messaged me to let me know she took them because her daughter loved them, (thought it was her Christian duty to inform me, but wasn’t Christian enough to send them back), to the parents who simply pay no attention to what’s going on and gather up things which happen to include all 4 provided coloring books and several smaller toys, it just feels like this could get old long term. I loathe the notes for every single thing but Lordy. Do I need to specify that if everyone just went ahead and took home their favorite toys, there won’t be any for anyone as I’m not sure I’m cool constantly resupplying?
I get that I can find them “fairly cheaply” (relative term) from yard sales etc, but I tend to try and put out specific things that will clean well and appeal to all genders and ages. Not as simple as it sounds. Thanks in advance for the input!
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7points