I opened my own company in Indonesia to manage my villas in ...
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I opened my own company in Indonesia to manage my villas in Bali. I then funded my new Indonesian account with OCBC Bank, pro...
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Hello! I had a problem with fruit flies, which is quite common in Finland in the fall. The guests came early Thursday evening and I told them about the fruit flies in the kitchen. They also saw them themselves. I gave them an insecticide spray they could use. I did not spray beforehand as many guests do not want to use chemicals for different reasons. They did not comment the issue in any way, just said they would try the spray. The next morning I got a message that the spray did not work and that this was a big issue, especially to the child. (My estimate is that the child was at least ten years old, if not more). They wanted to have a easy and comfortable time, as they put it. They did not want to waste time searching for another apartment. They asked for any suggestions but I did not have a solution. We had discussed a vinegar trap which I presumed they tried next. They left this morning sending me another message with similar content and asking for a partial refund. They again pointed out that if they had been informed about the flies beforehand they would not have come. I mentioned in two messages that the problem realized the evening before and I thought that the spray would help. The guest also feels I did not take their worries at heart and dismissed them. They did, however, said they were happy with the bathroom and soaker tub, which was one of the main reasons they chose the apartment. I do understand that flies can be annoying, despite them being teeny tiny and located just in the kitchen. I would not like to have them where I stayed. I would like your advice on what the refund should be. They stayed 3 nights. I would like to refund the whole amount just to get rid of this awful experience but on the other hand, I need the income. Looking forward to your suggestions.
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@Krista115 . I think their request for a partial refund is reasonable if it upsets their stay's enjoyment that they felt they had to leave (and risk no refund). Its also good that they told you what made them choose your place, so take heart.
I would focus on resolving flies in the kitchen: why are they there?. Do you need annual pest treatments around the building perimeter?
I have flyscreens on every window and door and regularly make sure the critters cant get in. For us here in OZ its essential as I've seen the bad reviews that come when there arent any: people will complain they had to leave their windows and doors closed etc.
Hello @Krista115
The guests have requested a partial refund and yet you are prepared to refund them the full amount even if they stayed for 3 days? Personally, I think that's rather too generous especially as they haven't asked for a full refund.
I think I would ask them what they would consider as a suitable refund and see what sum they are thinking of which would leave you at least with some revenue for the time spent in the apartment.
Did they contact CS do you know? Customer service tend to reimburse 30% for a missing/faulty equipment for every day that the equipment was out of action but this isn't really the case here so difficult to say which is why approaching the guest might be something considering with the hope that they will appreciate your gesture and feel that you are taking into consideration the inconvenience that these fruit flies had on their stay with the hope that they will still leave you a good review as a result or decide not to review which might be the best if you feel that they are going to be harsh🤞
I'm sure that other hosts will give you their take on how to handle the situation too Krista as we all have different ways of hosting.
All the best
Joëlle
Thank you for your response and advice. They did not contact CS. Let's see what happens.
Kind regards
Krista
@Krista115 . I think their request for a partial refund is reasonable if it upsets their stay's enjoyment that they felt they had to leave (and risk no refund). Its also good that they told you what made them choose your place, so take heart.
I would focus on resolving flies in the kitchen: why are they there?. Do you need annual pest treatments around the building perimeter?
I have flyscreens on every window and door and regularly make sure the critters cant get in. For us here in OZ its essential as I've seen the bad reviews that come when there arent any: people will complain they had to leave their windows and doors closed etc.
Thank you Frances. I have screens but but usually the flies come in with the fruit from the stores. The real issue is that my previous guests had left fruit on the counter and this attracts the flies. Without this there would have been no flies at all. They are regulars and excellent guests so I did not want to penalize them. Just asked them to put the fruit in the fridge from now on.
Kind regards
Krista
@Krista115 . Yes, that makes sense and good to add those instructions to the House Guide for all guests to mind during their stay and on check out (if they arent there already).
I would also suggest picking up the phone when there are issues to head them off early- you can sound so much more empathetic than a typed message that some guests may think is AI 😉