Guest Cleaning Expectations

[Carol5235]

I just stayed at an apartment in Paris with 10 people for 4 nights.  A cleaning fee was charged ahead of time, which I knew about and expected.  Upon arrival, our towels were still wet in the dryer and I told our host it was not a problem.  There was a mop bucket full of mop water left in the water closet area.  2 of our duvet covers were still wet, yet placed on the bed, but I did not make a fuss about either of these things - I just thought, it is what it is.

I did inform our host that we were celebrating Christmas (as the dates for our stay included Christmas Day), so there would certainly be excess trash due to gift opening.  I asked him what I should do with the extra trash and if he would like me to separate the cardboard out.  He pointed to some trash bags and said yes to the cardboard.

We vacuumed up every day and washed all of our dishes.  There was, however, quite a bit of excess trash but it was all bagged up, and the cardboard was all broken down and stacked up.  We were not asked to strip linens, so we did not.

I tried for 24 hours prior to departure to make contact with the host regarding check out procedures and he never replied.  Finally, about 15 minutes after check out, we decided to leave the key with the front office of the building.

On our drive home, I received a phone call from the host telling me that I was disrespectful and filthy.  I am floored and confused.  I asked him to send me some pictures of what he was referring to.  He sent pictures of literally minuscule pieces of trash like a wrapper under a bed or a clothing tag in a corner?!  There were things left in the fridge upon our arrival, so we left those things there, plus a couple of our own, that could be useful to the next person.  Am I being unreasonable?  I really do not understand.

[Rowena29]

Hi @Carol5235 ,

You are most definitely not crazy.

I wouldn't have batted an eyelid at any of the photos you posted ( and I don't charge a cleaning fee). I frequently find clothing tags and a few bits and pieces scattered about. Personally I find it a complete over reaction.   I routinely have my house left in a far worse state and still leave 5 stars for cleanliness.   I agree with the others - the cereal could have been swept up, but it hardly justifies having photos taken and a complaint made.

Personally I would message the host and very nicely explain your situation - just as you have done here.  Definitely mention the wet things, mop etc and state you were prepared to go with the flow.  I'd be saying you're really upset he is so unhappy with your checkout, particularly given how accommodating you were with the lack of organisation and preparation at checkin.  I'd remind him that he provided no checkout procedures  - that you tried to contact him about it  - and that in your opinion you really thought you left things reasonably neat adn tidy.  I'd also tell him if he expects his place swept etc he needs to be clearer in his checkout procedures.   I'd say it all nicely and calmly  - as you have here.     It might give him a chance to calm down and see things from your perspective prior to writing a review.    If he does leave a less than glowing review it's really important that you reply in a factual, polite way but state you case - bear in mind your response is not really to that host  but to FUTURE HOSTS who will be checking out your profile and reviews.  Your response is your opportunity to show that you are reasonable, respectful, polite and considerate and to show future hosts that a poor review was the result of unreasonable host expectations and behaviour.   

Sorry you've had a negative experience.  It may well be the hosts way of trying to get you on the back foot to compensate for his poor organisation at check in.   What were his other reviews like? Is he an experienced host?