Guest thought they were renting a whole apartment to themselves, but I rent out other rooms too

[Christopher685]

Good Evening Everyone,

So I currently have a guest renting out my Private Bedroom with Bath. I also have another bedroom that I have listed on Airbnb which is my primary bedroom. I plan on renting that out soon. I told my current guest a heads up that I will be having another guest checking in on Sunday. He texts me back and is upset and he said that "It was not part of the deal which was to rent out the hosue for one month." I have never agreed that he would rent out the whole house as my listing only rents out 1 bedroom with a private bath. I have 2 listings for the same home but 2 different bedrooms. Now he is upset because he thought him renting out my bedroom means he gets the whole house. Um, No! It is clearly stated. How do I fix this situation?!?

I would like to host the other guest in my other bedroom that I have listed because I am currently not using it.

I don't think my listings are misleading. Any feedback is greatly appreciated

[Nathan233]

@Christopher685 I also Airbnb a single room and have quickly figured out that very little people actually read the listing and just skim through the pictures.

I have found it helpful to spell out in my captions what is a shared space and what is private. That way if they only look at the pics they'll see what are shared spaces.

You can also consider putting 'private room' or 'bedroom' in your title. Just to make a little more clear what you are offering.

In regards to the guest, he misread the listing, if he's not happy he can take it up with Airbnb.

[Christopher685]

I might do that and spell it out in large caption as well as put it in the title listing. 

Thank you so much for your help! 

[Helen56]

I also rent out a private room in my house.  I only have photos of the room and shared bathroom.  There are none of the rest of the house apart from the patio.  So far my guests have not expected to be renting the whole house.

[Christopher685]

Thank you for your reply. I greatly appreciate it. 

[Helen3]

Hello @Christopher685 

Having read your listing it is crystal clear that it is a shared space. The only thing I would do is make it clear that the space is shared with other guests rather than yourself as the host.

In your situation, I would quote to your guests a few comments in your listing that demonstrate it is a shared space. I would say you are sorry that they didn't appreciate they were booking a room in a home and that if this is not what they wanted, you would be happy for them to cancel so they can find a whole listing.

Obviously you should be keeping all communications on Airbnb not texting your guest about issues like this.

[Linda108]

@Christopher685   You have correctly listed your place as a private bedroom.  However, both your pictures and description do not clearly represent shared versus private space.  As @Helen3 has suggested you need to be very clear.  Under guest access you can spell out that the space is shared with you or with another guest.  Also, you new listing which is apparently your bedroom, you list it as having zero beds.  I think that is an error.  You should have listing specific pictures and description instead of just duplicating the first listing.  When in doubt, always err on the side of being extra communicative on the listing.  I am curious if you are traveling, how will you manage any problems that occur between guests?

[Christopher685]

@Linda108 @Thank you so much for your feedback. I will go in there and make a few changes. I travel all the time and I have someone else that manages while I am away.