Guest thought they were renting a whole apartment to themselves, but I live here too

[Jack67]

Strange one.  Have been hosting for just over a year, and so far very pleasant experiences; this one probably 1 out of 100..

However, have some guests here now who, from the get-go, seemed presumptious.  3 days into a 9 day stay.  Agreed an arrival time: arrived early.  Noisy in the mornings - appearing to have no concern that there is anyone else here.  Have a document which I give to all new guests re-iterating that they are renting a room in my apartent; that they can use the kitchen within reason, but tha the living room isn't part of the deal, but on asking is available - translates as, if I like you, you can use the space.

Now: my Airbnb description is firmly in the category of a room in a shared apartment - ie, my apartment where I live, but I have a really nice room with ensuite that I rent out.

This guest is under the impression that they were renting a whole apt, and (unbelievably - 1 out of 100 guests - behaving like that.  We have argued - the guy is reasonable and up for negotiation; the partner isn't.

So, how - firstly - is it that they were under that impression? I seem to remember, when listing the space, the forst question is about whether it is a whole apartment or a room in an apartemnt. Secondly, that I really don't want to be the negative party here, and ruin their holiday.  So, in essence, in my own house, I feel quite uncomfortable, and wondering what they way forward is.

This is nothing to do with the prospect of a negative review.  I have had about 100 guests, and received five-star reviews consistently, super-host staus maintained as far as it can be.  These people are first-timers and I don't wish to ruin their future Airbnb prospects with a bad review, though right now I feel they deserve it.  Any advice greatfully received.

[Lilian20]

sometimes i leave a bad review to a group of guests who honestly deserve it and i rely on other hosts to give me a clear idea of how their guests have behaved. 

[Debra69]

First , though I've said pet friendly, they use towels for the dog to "go on" but they want the living room rug removed so the dog doesn't get confused and use my rug.

ive said limited use of kitchen and they are asking to make breakfast and a heat up dinner.

im getting anxious about their requests plus I have a big dog.

should I reject them?

Hartland, VT

[Iya1]

Hello Jack!

I am really hoping you could give me some advice 🙂

I've lost my job recently but luckily i'm a home owner so I've decided to rent out my spare room. I want to try do it on Airbnb while it's summer, but I am a bit scared to let strangers into my home. Could you please advide me on things like do i fit a lock on my bedroom (and their room), do I get tenant insurance, do I let them share all the living space with me such as the use of my whole kitchen? I know it all depends on my preferences but I currently don't have any and was hoping to hear some ideas from more experienced people.

Any advise is much apreciated (from anyone 🙂 ).

Thank you!

Iya

[Jack67]

Hi Iya,

First of all, I should point out that this thread was created in response to one particularly tricky guest, and it has been the only one out of around 150 total bookings I've hosted so far, so that's pretty good odds.

I would say that you do need to give it some thought.  It is undeniably odd at first to have strangers in your house, you have to be very trusting, and its not for everyone.  I must say, though, thgat you get used to it very quickly and the vast majority of people I've had have been very respectful and I have not felt uncomfortable.  The big advantage I have, though, is that the guest room is at the end of the hall, and they have their own bathroom/shower so it means that if guests don't really want to socialise, they don't have to - and that goes both ways.

I don't have a lock on my bedroom door, and I don't have a lock on the guest room.  The way I see it is, if you trust them, they must trust you also.  This works very well all the time.  It is entirely up to you how much of your space you want to share.  Officially my guests don't have access to the rest of the flat except for a tea or coffee in the morning, but I have found that I can tell what people are like within a few minutes of them arriving, and I let them use the kitchen living room on a discretionary basis if I like them.  Its your home - they have no rights to it, but you must make it clear on your profile what you're letting them do for their rent.  I find it best to say that they're only renting the room, and access to other areas are not permitted except for tea/coffee/light breakfast.  Then, once theyre here and I like them, I say that they can use the rest of the space if they ask.  Most of my guests are tourists, and want to be out and about as much as possible.

Finally, depending on your outlook on life, it can be a very rewarding experience.  I live alone, so I rally like having other people around, hearing laughter etc.  The great thing about hosting people on holiday is that theyre always in really good moods and excited to be here!

Good luck,

Jack

[Sita5]

I've had 4cancellations due to this same issue...its clearly mentioned  on my profile that im hosting private rooms. It's upsetting as this is my first time hosting which hasn't happened  yet thanks  to this issue

[Linda108]

@Sita5  I know you are new and your previous posting resulted in great resources for you to review.  I hope you have followed up with those suggestions.  To your concern in this post, when I look at your listing I think there is some confusion.  You have three bedrooms.  Are you intending to rent each bedroom to different parties of guests?  If so, then you need to have a different listing for each bedroom.  Name each room differently and you will have a calendar for each listing.  Make sure each listing has pictures of the particular bedroom and bathroom.  I think this is what is confusing your potential guests.  

Look at other listings in your area so you can see how they are set up.  Good luck with your new business.

[Sita5]

Thank you so much Linda I appreciate you taking the time to explain this to me!

[Lilian20]

agree with @Linda108 one bedroom = one listing