@Paula I’ve been dealing with a recurring issue that I’m sure many of you may have experienced, and I’d really value your insight.
I clearly state in my listing and house rules that no visitors or gatherings are allowed, and I also make sure guests explicitly acknowledge and accept these rules before check-in. Despite this, I’ve had multiple situations where guests disregard the rules, bring in unauthorized visitors, and essentially host gatherings.
When I address the situation during their stay politely but firmly enforcing the rules I often end up receiving retaliatory negative reviews.
What’s been especially frustrating is that when I escalate these cases to Airbnb, even with message and video evidence showing the guest violated the rules, the reviews are NEVERremoved. It feels like there’s little protection for hosts who are simply enforcing their own clearly stated policies.
A recent situation (similar to one I had with a guest named Gladys) followed this exact pattern: rule violation, respectful enforcement, then a negative review as a result. It’s becoming a pattern that directly impacts my ratings and business.
I’m trying to understand:
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How are you all preventing these situations more effectively?
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Have you had success getting unfair reviews removed in similar cases?
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Are there specific wording strategies, deposits, or screening methods that have worked better for you?
At this point, it feels unfair that we are expected to uphold our house rules, yet penalized when we do. Any advice, strategies, or even shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all in advance.
