Damaged furniture

[Dan-And-Anne1]

Recently took over hosting rentals long term rentals I own, and how hard guests can be on them!

Current guest pointed out chips and bubbles in dining table, and on coffee table. These are only 2 years old...

How can I fix these?

I need indestructible furniture, teak or distressed that's not expensive? Limit to 2 people and avoid the kids that are hard on the furniture?

Thanks

[Shelley159]

I have a sheet of heavy glass cut to size and put it on the wooden table top @Dan-And-Anne1

I don't know whether decorators would want to slaughter me over that 😆, all I know is it's really quick and easy to clean.

[Dan-And-Anne1]

Thank you Shelley and others. I appreciate the comments.

Yes, those guests did not want that attributed to them. Unfortunately with that turnover I was not able to get into the unit. I have not been in that unit for the last two turnovers, due to necessary travel. My husband handled one of them and the co-host handled the other one... So these are lessons learned.

I might get glass or just distressed wood. I'm going to give myself enough time between guests guests to get everything done in time that unit. The furniture in there is cheap, wayfair, but I don't want to keep repairing it either or throwing it in the garbage...

@Helen3, @Shelley159 and @Lorna170 How often do guests damage your furniture? 

It's a little bit harder living because these are people that stay 1 to 6 months...

[Lorna170]

@Dan-And-Anne1   We have several long term rentals as well as STRs, so we experience both kinds of guests/renters.  We do not rent via AirBnB to guests who stay more than 30 days.  Our long term guests must sign a lease and pay a damage deposit as per our State rental regulations.

Expect water glass rings, counter or tabletops marred by hot pans, furniture rips or tears, broken chairs, gouged floors, walls and doors, chipped tile, dented appliances, destroyed pots and pans ... and these are "good" guests.  

Go mid-range for furnishings and kitchen equipment.  We have wood furniture that can be sanded and refinished a few times before replacing.  Commercial rugs hold up well and handle deep cleaning.  Couches and chairs that are commercial in quality can be slip-covered or reupholstered.  Dishes, glassware and pots and pans will need replacements.  Establish a "slush fund" out of your earnings to pay for replacement costs and maintenance.  

As AirBnB and other OTAs do not allow for hosts to charge refundable damage or security deposits, consider other avenues of attracting LTR guests so that you can have guests pay a damage deposit.  I have read on this forum that hosts who have a channel manager(?) can charge additional fees.  Perhaps a Community manager like @Elisa  can assist.

[Dan-And-Anne1]

Thanks so much. Really appreciate all of that advice. I like the wood mid-range that can be sanded...

[Helen3]

Definitely worth investing decent furniture and white goods . @Dan-And-Anne1 

im sure you were already aware of damage to your  tables before your latest guests pointed it out ? 

did you not look to claim for damages from the guests who damaged your furniture? 

not sure whether it's worth fixing or getting new ? 

I put aside a maintenance pot for replacement linens, towels and minor damages from the profits I make .

[Lorna170]

@Dan-And-Anne1  It is possible that the guest is pointing out bubbles and chips because they do not want the damage attributed to them.