Cape Town Load shedding

[Rowén0]

So we have a couple booked in this week, whilst Cape Town is experiencing load-shedding. We have being trying to get lanterns to the unit, in the event of loadshedding taking place in the evenings. But this couple are being really difficult about it, and said we should access the apartment when they were not there to leave the lanterns. I declined to go via this option.    We are trying to be as accommodating as can be, but it seems nothing is working. I was told by the guest that the lanterns should have already been in the unit. I can see this review going south already...and I guess I should have  known from the onset because initially when the booking was made, I was asked what kind of coffee machine I have, when pics are available on my profile. I was then asked that I WhatsApp communication, which I declined, as I always make use of the Airbnb platform to protect both myself and the guest. This morning, the spouse phoned me about a key.  This after I requested that the Airbnb platform is used for all communication. I was surprised because when you look at the booking, it says 1 guest, although we do not charge for the second guest, but I would prefer to deal with the individual who made the booking. Am I being pedantic? What do you do with difficult guests? 

[Lisa723]

@Rowén0 "loadshedding" is a new term to me. Does this mean some kind of electrical black-out? In any case, why are you reluctant to leave the lanterns when the guests are out? Why is that difficult? And I have to agree with the guests that, if you knew this was an eventuality, you should have warned them in advance and left the lanterns in the unit before they arrived. It is extremely common to get questions about things that are explained or shown in the listing and is just part of hosting. Many guests don't have the airbnb app on their phone and therefore try to communicate off-platform. It's also common to accidentally book for just one person with no ill intent. Frankly in the grand scheme of things these guests don't sound all that difficult.

[Rowén0]

I am not reluctant to leave the lanterns. I am reluctant to enter the apartment when the guests are not there. I personally would not want anyone entering my place if my personal belongs are there. 

If you booking into an hotel, do you book for 1 when you have your spouse with you? Just a question to ponder...

Airbnb also states that all communication should go through their platform. In today’s society, most individuals have smartphones that are App enabled. These are also part of my house rules that guests have agreed to.

[Helen3]

@Rowén0 

Personally I would charge for a second person in the apartment as there are extra costs involved and it means guests need to declare the total number of guests so you are covered by Airbnb's guarantee.

You still haven't told us what load-shedding is 🙂

If the guests have given you permission to go into the apartment and you need to do so, then I would tell them what time you are planning to arrive and delivery them.

There is no reason for them not to us the app, keep reinforcing that everything is on Airbnb and if you speak on the phone follow it up with a message on Airbnb.

And yes guests do ask about stuff that is already in your listing.

[Rowén0]

@Helen3 

Cape Town is experiencing rotational electricity cuts for a period of 2 hours because of improper maintenance. Basically, the grid cannot handle the supply, which is why this is happening. 

I will continue enforcing the Airbnb platform usage.

I will consider your suggestion of charging for the second guest, in future. Thanks for that.

we only started hosting from 30 January this year, so it’s all fairly new. Trial and error, I suppose.

thank you for your helpful comments.