Appliance question

[Kevin2069]

Hi all,

This feels like a silly question, but I wanted to make sure I'm not making an issues out of my own potential misunderstanding. I checked into my Airbnb yesterday, and for the most part the place seems great. I did notice however that despite having a microwave listed as an amenity in the listing, the place doesn't have one, but it does have a toaster oven. For Airbnb amenity definition purposes, is a toaster oven the same thing as a microwave? As I'm staying for a full month, would it be out of place for me as a guest to buy a cheap microwave (I'm happy to pay for this out of pocket, but should I ask the host to cover part of the cost)? My weekdays are usually filled with back-to-back work calls, and I wouldn't have time to step away for more than a few minutes to prep lunch, hence my silly question about a microwave.

For what it's worth, the listing also had a dishwasher as an amenity even though there isn't one (this isn't a problem for me). I contacted the host yesterday upon check-in regarding the microwave but have not received a response yet.

[Sarah977]

@Kevin2069  A guest has the right to expect that a listing has what is listed as amenities. How long ago did you message the host about this that they aren't answering? 

The host needs to install another microwave. No, a toaster oven is a toaster oven- it doesn't take the place of a microwave. It's possible that it just died before your arrival, but the host should have told you that and needs to put one back in.

They also need to either delete the dishwasher from the amenities list, or install one. It wouldn't be a big deal to me, either- I've always hand-washed dishes, and adaptable guests who don't make a huge deal out of things are certainly preferable than those who complain about every little thing.

But if a microwave is something you use, the host definitely needs to supply one.

[Kevin2069]

@Sarah977 Thank you, this is very helpful! The host replied earlier this morning after I followed up and will be providing a microwave, though she said it's not an amenity offered in the listing (very strange as I still see it listed, maybe a technical glitch?). But yes, definitely didn't want to nitpick over a potential misunderstanding. Thank you again!

[Sarah977]

@Kevin2069  There are definitely lots of tech glitches on the Airbnb platform. Hosts sometimes find their settings mysteriously changed without having done anything. This host may not realize that, but she should look through her settings on a regular basis to make sure nothing has glitched out.

It's great when a guest is aware that when dealing with an online platform, tech glitches do happen and not just get mad at the host right away.

It also sometimes happens that guests consider several places before booking one and might have gotten confused about the amenities offered on one listing as opposed to another. 

Glad it's worked out for you.