As an AirBnB Superhost, I work really hard to provide the most clean, comfortable, and beautiful home in my local area. I have been really fortunate to have amazing guests from all over the world.
I have an actual BnB, a historic home…filled with art and antiques. I take pride in it being super clean and work hard to keep it that way. My listing states that the home has not had pets in it for over a decade and no one has smoked it it for at least 15 years. My listing also states that anyone violating the no pet/no smoking rule will be held responsible for ALL expense required to bring the home back to allergen free status.
So, a few weeks ago, I showed up on a Friday morning to take out the trash (city trash pick up day) and was hit with the overwhelming smell of cigarette smoke. A quick search revealed cigarette butts in the dining room, living room, and one bedroom with soda cans being used as ashtrays. I took photos, called AirBnB, and had them cancel the reservation and tell the guests to come get their belongings.
I bagged all the “evidence” and then set to cleaning —- all linens, blankets, towels into the wash —- windows open (90+ degrees outside with a small breeze) and I set up box fans and dropped the AC another 10 degrees — and turned on all the ceiling fans too.
The guests returned and were just evil to me in their words and insults (I sat quietly and just let them be jerks — they were trying to get me to fight so THEY could complain and I didn’t give them the satisfaction)
I then put baking soda carpet powders on all the carpets….and I removed all the curtains to run them through the dryer with odor absorption sheets to neutralize them.
I went through 2 large bottles of “febreze” fabric fresheners on the sofas, beds, chairs, etc. All throw rugs went outside to air and then also were treated with baking soda powders.
All told ….I spent over 10 hours cleaning and neutralizing the home. I should have requested over $500 for my time and work…and for the extra utilities and cleaners. Instead, I only asked for half of that.
Of course the guests did what you did and removed their payment information and refuse to respond to AirBnB.
Of course they did.
VRBO collects the damage deposit up front —- and doesn’t return it until 2 weeks after check-out if the host doesn’t file any claims. I had two previous claims with VRBO — one for theft ($130) and one for extra guests ($80). Both were paid immediately from the damage deposit.
Call me naive, but I thought AirBnB collected the damage deposit up front.
They don’t.
Now they are wanting to “negotiate” with me over my $250 claim.
I am so angry. AirBnB needs to take this seriously.
Smoking in a non-smoking rental — and a historic home filled with antiques and artwork to boot — is a SERIOUS OFFENSE an they need to treat it as such.
Bottom line — AirBnB needs to change their policy and collect the deposit up front. They also need to start requiring IDs from ALL ADULTS who are involved in a booking and all those adults needs BANNED FOR LIFE when they abuse hosts and homes.