1) Inconsistent response
During their stay, the host constantly ask them, "Is everything okay? Is there anything you think I can improve?" And they say, "No, everything is perfect." Then after they check out, they leave you a negative review, complaining about this and that. Many hosts find this annoying and confusing, too!
2) Self-Defense
We all make mistakes. Guests may make mistakes when they are not familar with certain features in your house. This is totally understandable. When you remind them of a mistake they have done, some will just say, "Sorry! It won't happen again!" And then you will not think about it twice. But others will have a lot to say.
Recently a guest left the stove on for hours unattended after cooking till I came home around 21:45 and found it. I told her about it and asked her to be more careful. She explained a lot and sent me a long message too, telling me that she was not sure if she should turn it clockwise or counter clockwise, she had never done it before, she had only been here for 3 days, she did not mean to do it, she would need to get used to my "personal habit and preference," blah blah blah. She did not realize that all I wanted to hear was 5 words "Sorry, it won't happen again."
3) Unrealistic Expectations
Airbnb has made lots of travels and career-related tasks possible and more affordable. For example, before Airbnb, students who traveled out of town to do an intership had to stay at a motel, because most landlords would not rent out their property for just a few weeks. Usually a one-year lease is required.
However, I have had a few medical interns who stayed at my place and who did not realize how grateful they should be to Airbnb and to their host, and they seemed to have unrealistic expectations. One asked for A/C. Another complained in his review after check-out that he was not allowed to cook a "full" dinner (because I made it clear that the kitchen was shared by 4 people and only light cooking was allowed).
These young people did not realize that if they wanted A/C or full access to kitchen facilities, they could choose motels, hotels or apartels. I have googled--most motels in my area cost at leat $110/night, without a kitchen! And my room only charges $30+. So am I helping them save money or making them spend more on eating out or buying semi-prepared food?
4) Treating your home like a cheap motel
I have had 3 guests who ruined my towels. Two wiped their dirty suitcase with a white bathtowel. One wiped his hair and left hair dye stains. I bet that these people had done that before at hotels, probably many, many times. They might have wiped their shoes, too.
gotta run. to be continued 🙂