Guest who broke House Rules during the stay

Shendra2
Level 2
Houston, TX

Guest who broke House Rules during the stay

Hi there

 

I have some questions about a guest that broke our no pet house rules.

 

They had a dog that they brought to our Air BnB.  We don't allow pets, and before they arrived we told them that we don't allow pets.  They ignored our email advising them that don't allow pets.  They also tried to sneak their dog in a duffle bag when they showed up.  Basically trying to sneak them.  

 

We told them that they needed to leave, and they said that their dog is for mental/emotional support.  According to Air BnB guests who have such animals don't have to admit to bringing such a pet. So they could technically show up with their goat, snake, whatever they deem necessary.  

 

Is there any host experiencing the same and what do you think about the guest who showing up with animal for mental/emotional support without telling the host before their arrival?

 

Thanks in advance!

Shendra

1 Reply 1

@Shendra2  Airbnb cannot force you to admit a pet to your property, but they have been known to be ridiculously permissive of guests who claim entitlement to take "emotional support animals" into no-pets properties - even to the extent of suspending listings when someone claims discrimination.

 

Your listing does specify that the animal policy is due to allergies, which gives you some leverage, but the fact that the property is an Entire Home rather than a homeshare means you'll get some pushback from the outsourced contractor who fields your service call. I can't say one way or other what the final resolution will be, but fundamentally Airbnb does not have the authority to force you to keep an unsuitable booking. And the fact that the guest tried to sneak their poor dog in with a duffel bag tells you all you need to know about their character - it's well worth making sure these horrible people never have a key to your house, even if it means you don't get a cent for the booking.