Water and electricity usage for long term stays.

[Walter813]

I would like to inform people that make a booking for more than one month about extra cost for the water and electricity consumption.  What would be the best way to do that?

[Walter813]

I found a good place to put the info: Under Listing, Description, Other details

[Helen3]

Definitely put in your house rules too and in your booking confirmation message @Walter813 

[Elisa]

Hi @Walter813 😊, 

Thank you for bringing up this topic in the community, it's really interesting!

Have you already received bookings for more than one month?

I'm tagging a few hosts who have discussed this here: @Marianne676, @Thomas3227, @Mike-And-Jane0, @Tariq52, @Nahid26, @Shaun571, @Gloria53 and @Snehal1.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

Warm regards, 🌻

[Shaun571]

Hi - I like to repeat key details so I recommend putting the information under listing with a brief blurb and under other details for more specifics. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Walter813 So if I assume you give a discount for visits over one month you then plan to recoup that discount by charging for water and electric. Great business model for the host but not so good for the guest.

[Walter813]

Guests have extremely different power consumption. We have 33 degrees in Thailand and electricity is not cheap there too. So people that use the Aircon 24/7 on 21 degrees would create unbearable cost. How would you handle this?

[Tariq52]

Hello @Walter813 , 

How do you plan on collecting those extra charges? Though a separate payment gateway outside of Airbnb? That's a bad idea. Instead, you should look at including the extra fees through your pricing, either through cleaning fees or otherwise.

Another host mentioned the default monthly discount that Airbnb includes. If you need to recoup those costs then consider getting rid of the discount.

If I'm getting a discount for my stay, then being sent a bill at the end of my stay, no thank you!

Tariq

[Arz545]

To inform guests about extra water and electricity costs for long-term stays, you can include clear information on your booking page, in confirmation emails, and within the rental terms and conditions. Additionally, a friendly notice in the property or a dedicated FAQ page can further clarify these charges. Sending a personalized email to guests before or early in their stay ensures transparency and avoids any surprises later.