Hosting with children

[Nick3415]

Hi all,

My wife and I have a split-level home, and are looking to rent out our lower level. We'll have a family friend stay down there for two months starting in about a week, and will hopefully get a lot of feedback from them. We've also installed a door at the bottom of the stairs to fully section off the downstairs from the rest of the house, with a locking door on our side.

My primary concern is hosting while we have two small children, 4yo and -6 months (due in June). If you have children, you can imagine what kind of noise potential we have in our house. We're planning to provide some disposable earplugs as well as a sound machine for guests. Are we crazy? Is this a terrible idea on our part?

Thanks in advance for any support you might be able to provide. We're eager, but ignorant still to the experience of hosting.

[Paul12052 · Accepted solution]

Simply state in your listing you have a child/children and you may hear some crying, running around, etc.  If they book, great! If they don't, someone else will if  it's fine for them. Good luck!

[Carolyn284]

I agree, be transparent.  I think a noise machine, or earplugs is very thoughtful of you.  But I wouldn't necessarily mention those in the listing as it may truly scare someone off.  Have your family friend give you an honest assessment of the accommodations, noise, water heating, amenities etc.  And have your guest use the sound machine also to see if it makes a difference.   Good Luck! 

[Elisa]

Hi @Nick3415 😊, 

Thank you so much for asking this question here, it's really interesting!

@Paul12052  shared some great advice, what do you think of it?

What are you planning to do regarding this situation?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Joan2709]

@Nick3415 

As @Paul12052 stated already, be sure you indicate the guest is not renting the entire house and this is a lower level space and that Host lives in upper level. I would also indicate any shared spaces like driveway, backyard, deck as well as the potential for noise. Do this in several places on the listing and under Property Info in the Guest Safety Section:

Alternatively, you can live in the bottom lower level and rent the upstairs, but that might not be feasible or desirable depending on the home. There will also still be noise from the kids downstairs, but not as noticeable perhaps?

[Helen3]

Think about installing additional soundproofing and carpeting in your home. .

think about your family routine for example avoid using the washing machine or hoovering late at night/early in the morning . 

@Nick3415