Following the inventory

[Mujde1]

I started hosting in October'25, then I had a long stay by a work crew but none for rest of this month and rest of the year. 

My problem is the missing pots and pans. They burn the pans and throw away the- I am guessing burned pots. 

I did not realized the pots until Monday so I am not sure which guest was that. 

Do you guys make a check list to see what us gone and needs replacement?

Last guest brought two dogs instead of one. Then I found out dogs chew on my small table that I put for dog bowls

 Will you open a case for it. I know it was them I found slivers in the bedroom and they broke the steps to the back yard. It was getting old but definitely still working please send me some advice. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Mujde1 don't claim for small things - its not worth the bad review you will get. Even if you get paid it will be a depreciated amount so not very much at all

[Greystone0 · Accepted solution]

hi @Mujde1  - you should anticipate some minor upkeep from using your property as a rental. It just comes with the territory.

Each individual thing you have described is not a significant thing but together this type of damage or wear and tear certainly adds up.

I agree with the advice given and will just add a few thoughts:

- hopefully the poor guest results are mixed with really good guests 

- yes, you should take some sort of inventory or review of your stuff after each guest check out. You can use a video or photos and compare before and after.  You can keep a check list of things that you wish to confirm .

- you should be prepared to replace everyday items that go missing or are damaged or whatever, occasionally. In the case of cookware, for example, we have enough pieces that we can remove from inventory any items that are burnt and then we work on cleaning when time allows. If you have non-stick you may wish to find an alternative, like ceramic or stainless steel that can outlast a guest with poor cooking skills. 

- the guest with two dogs - if you don't outline your rules about this then it becomes difficult to follow up. So you can say something like "additional dogs or people beyond what is in the reservation count will be charged an additional fee of XXX and XXX" or something like that.

- I would reconsider your occupancy to bed ratio as it might help with the type of guests attracted to your listing. I would remove the couch bed as an option for sleeping and reduce the occupancy accordingly. 

- and I would fix the stairs as part of my responsibility as a host. So that just leaves the chewed on bowl-table. That alone might not be worth it and I would just provide things that a dog can't chew on?

Sorry that you have these issues and wishing you much success!

[Randy755]

@Mujde1 We set up an inventory and took tons of photos. Cleaning crew checks for missing and damaged, documents with photo evidence and provides a complete set of photos "as of this date". We have not filed any claims as the cost to replace somethings is budgeted, just changes the timing. Of course if it is frequent then we must evaluate should that item be upgraded or removed.

Not allowing pets is seen as negative, but due to allergies and damage risk, we'll accept the potential lost bookings. A $500 sofa is not worth a weekend booking.

Just IMO of course.

[Razni0]

@Mujde1 I think even if u rent the place instead of maintaining it as a homestay there will be more repairs and more money will flow. We dont keep precious things in homestays so the rest considering everthing we need to handle..

[Susan6359]

I think one must allow for some damage. I have never experienced anything major. I don't accept one night stays and I limit occupancy to 4 people. I find that almost all our guests are considerate and take good care of the furniture etc. It helps that all our furniture is washable and hard wearing and our cushion covers are all removable and washable. Hope this helps.

[Tara883]

I don’t do a full inventory, but in my check in instructions I mention there will be a $50 fee plus the cost of the item for anything missing or broken (not by accident).  This usually gets people to tell you ahead of time if things broke and they won’t want to take anything.  It’s worked pretty well!

[Róisín0]

@Mujde1 Photos are a document in themselves: If you have date-stamped photos of before and after stays that should qualify as evidence. Even if you have outside cleaners this could be initiated easily. 

[Rachel3439]

I think most of what I would add is covered by other comments, however one way I deal with having extra inventory is by buying at thrift and yard sales. I keep everything in a loose color scheme but don’t worry about things matching. For example, my dishware follows  white, yellow, blue and red (primary colors) so if I see a few yellow plates at a yard sale I pick them up. I do the same for pots and pans and basic appliances. I keep boxes labeled for the extra stuff so if a guest tells me the toaster is broken I can quickly replace it without a big cost. 

I also have in all my communications to let us know if something is broken or damaged so we can repair it. 

Finally I’d recommend looking at various examples of different house rules on other listings. I did that and realized I needed a house rule that says please only eat in the kitchen/dining room and outside dining areas. I assume not all guests will follow this but the conscientious ones will understand and be mindful. 

[Robert9593]

we have never had this type of problem that I am aware of.