Petty Theft Issues

[Austin342]

I've only been hosting a small unit for 2 months and am a little shocked by the process surrounding items "going missing" during a guests stay.

We have now had items go missing on two separate occasions and AirBnb requires forms and about 5 different types of documentation to recoup any amount of money for items disappearing and it has left my wife and I feeling betrayed. Not just by the guest, but by AirBnb. It doesn't feel worth submitting more paperwork than a passport renewal to recoup $20 from a stolen soap pump.

That being said, I really think AirBnb needs to make the process easier to recoup money surrounding petty theft.

Please feel free to let me know your thoughts as I'm sure I'm not the only host experiencing this.

[Helen744]

@Austin342 It does feel still like a betrayal if something is stolen from your Airbnb . I will always greet the guest and show them the home ,this gives the impression that you check the belongings regularly . I always leave a message to the outgoing guest to also 'check ' that they have all of their belongings , before they leave. I will always say that anything left behind can also be forwarded if necessary . I also let them know someone will be down shortly after they leave. this distinguishes between the understanding of what is theirs to take with them and what belongs to the house and shows them that you do check . Its generally enough of a deterrant .If you also show them that their belongings will be cared for too H

[Austin342]

Love this approach and will definitely consider this moving forward! Thank you!

[Michelle1851]

I haven't hosted  too long, but I've really only had items stolen once,  more often then not, they are just misplaced. I try not to fret and just chalk it up to doing business.  

[Austin342]

See I would totally agree with that I usually being the case, however, our unit is only 400 ft.²

The only creative solution I’ve been able to think of is increasing my cleaning fee to help cover any items that end up going missing. It’s unfortunate, to think that some guests could be paying for what others may break/take but I really can’t think of another potential solution. 

[Bethany195]

You can also factor these items into your pricing strategy. For anything under $50 it just doesn't seeam worth the hassle to me for damaged or stolen items. I had to add a percentage to my rate for such items. I had people taking ammenities from other campsites on the same property and instead of chasing them down for costs of ruined towels, stolen firewood, water ect. I just charge more now. Hope this helps.

[Mark4752]

I've been hosting for little over a month. One guest stole a roll of toilet paper every day; a full roll each time. They also took a small blanket from a communal area. Other guests have helped themselves to items in my fridge. They use expensive olive oil in my kitchen without asking.

I've installed CCTV in the kitchen to try to dissuade theft, but it seems a real issue with too many guests. I might ban all use of the kitchen.

I haven't put in any claims so far; asking for £3 for toilet roll seems petty. However, now I'm superhost status I may flex my muscles a little and not worry about upsetting guests who are doing things they shouldn't.