I am now already in a +10 day discussion with Airbnb on an i...
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I am now already in a +10 day discussion with Airbnb on an issue of blocked days that are being switched to 'active' in the c...
Latest reply
Hi guys, so I host people in my extra room while I'm in the apartment. Do you find it acceptable when a guest makes himself comfortable enough to lay down on your living room sofa with his feet on, when he didn't ask for permission? And falls asleep, too. Watching TV and Netflix continuously whenever he's in the apartment again, no permission asked.
The guy is older, forgetful and a bit confused with bad hygienic habits...But essentially he's not a bad guy.
What kind of review would you write?
@Inbal11 Your listing description is pretty brief- I would give more information there. You should make it clear to guests whether there are common spaces that they are welcome to share, like the living room and kitchen. I see you only have photos of the bedroom and bathroom, so that's good, that you aren't showing the rest of the house that you don't want guests to use, but some guests may make assumptions, so you need to make things unmistakably clear, both in your listing description, in a message to guest when they book or request to book, and when they arrive.
If you don't mind guests using the living room, but are just upset that this particular guest is making himself way too much at home there, then really all you can do is be straightforward with him about him taking over your living room and sleeping there- common spaces are not places to sleep unless they are set up that way. If he's only staying for a few days, I'd let it go. If he's staying for awhile, you need to set some boundaries. To be fair, older people often don't sleep for long periods at night, and sometimes easily fall asleep for short periods during the day without intending to.
As far as a review goes, I wouldn't mention him using the living room, as you haven't made that clear, it seems, just write an honest review. If his hygiene is bad, give low stars for cleanliness, but don't mention his age or his forgetfuness- that's too personal for a public review. If his forgetfulness caused him to forget to do things you asked of him, like turning out lights when he goes out, or not hanging wet towels over the furniture, then jus say that he seemed to have a hard time remembering to follow simple instructions and house procedures.
Thank you very much for your detailed response! Normally I don't have any problem with guests using the shared spaces, it was just this one that I felt took over my living room...I guess it has to do with me being a relatively new host, and quite lucky with my guests so far 🙂
Anyway I will definitely keep your suggestions in mind, and make the needed adjustments. Thanks!
As @Sarah977 said it is best to add more detailed information to your listing. If you have nothing to specify shared spaces, some guest will just assume the house, and Tv's are fair game. Keep in mind though, a lot of people do not read the listings in detail, so you can also nicely include a private message to them upon booking. Just something simple, thanking them for booking and reiterating what are shared spaces and what are not.
If guest are still using space you would not like them to, you can place a rule sheet or sign somewhere in the room/house. For example, I had an issue with guest continually leaving on the AC and then leaving for hours. I drafted a little "Please remember to turn off the AC/Heater upon leaving" sign and posted it next to the front door. Solved the problem pretty easily.
I wouldn't leave him a bad review in this case. While having someone snooze or watch TV on the sofa may not be ideal, he was not breaking any specified rules. As for his hygiene, as hosts we will probably have to deal with this quite bit. I had a guy stay for 2 nights and I really don't think he ever used the shower. You can rate him lower in cleanliness if it was a noticeable issue.
Happy hosting 😃
Thank you for your response!
As I replied to Sarah, I don't have a problem for guests using the shared spaces it was just this one who made himself way too comfortable in my opinion.
I will definitely use some of your useful tips 🙂
I agree with other hosts that you need to add more information to your listing. You can complete the section about guest access in which you describe expectations of the shared space for example the living room and the kitchen. You can reinforce your expectations with captions of pictures of the shared space. For example a picture of the living room could emphasize joint use of the space with you. Also, you could add a couple of simple rules that contain time limits for the use of the shared space. You need to do a bit more work on your listing to make it clear. It then allows you to use the message system that references your listing and reinforces your expectations. Good luck in continuing to be a host.
I am surprised by the number of people who think that the cleanliness rating is to be used for personal hygiene. I have no idea how one might address excessive body odor in a review, but isn't the cleanliness star system to be used for "how clean did they leave the space?"
You're right about the purpose of the cleanliness section not meant for measuring one's personal hygiene habits. This is why I wanted other people's perspective on the subject.
He did have some unhygienic manners that fall straight under the cleanliness section though .
Anyway he left by now, so I hope I know how to deal with similar incidents better next time.
@Inbal11 wrote:He did have some unhygienic manners that fall straight under the cleanliness section though .
<tongue in cheek> But I bet he left the shower in an almost pristine condition! If you don't use it, it doesn't get dirty!
Lol spot on about the shower!
It wasn't all that bad though, I'm sure that as experienced host, you encountered much worse things...