How soon can I ask for non-refundable dog fee

[Marianne353]

Hi,

how soon can I ask my Renters for a non-refundable dog fee for dogs brought to the home, but were not discussed with me at time off booking? I always check my outdoor camera after folks check in to make sure they only had the allowed amount of people and dogs at the House. But now I a have a situation, were they did not mention anything about a dog, didn't answer my question when I asked if they would be bringing a dog. I allow 2 dogs unless we discussed this first and I make an exception. Now upon checking my Camera, they brought 3 dogs. 

I don't want to feel that I am "spying" on them, but it upsets me that they were dishonest with me.

Any suggestions are appreciated,

Marianne

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

It's clear on your listing that your property has outdoor surveillance, so there's no reason to feel you were "spying."

Your listing does disclose a $25 per dog fee, so you are well within your right to send a request through airbnb.com/resolutions for $75 for the 3 dogs.

You're also within your rights to evict the guests for their dishonesty and violation of your House Rules. 

The third option is to do nothing and hope you don't find the home wrecked on checkout day.

Each of those options has consequences, so you'll have to decide what the most desirable result will be. 

[Marianne353]

Andrew,

thank you for your response. Not only did they bring dogs they didn't  mention, they also left them home alone, when I state: Dogs will not be left unattended in the house. GRRR I am fuming.

[Anonymous]

@Marianne353  I would personally order the guests to leave, before their dogs have a chance to do serious damage to your property (hoping they haven't already).  

I love dogs and I appreciate hosts who allow them, but if you're not already aware of this - Airbnb's Host Guarantee does not cover pet-related damage. 

[Marianne353]

@Anonymous I live 4 hrs away and I really don't have anyone close who could go and ask them to leave. I will email them through Airbnb right now, and making them aware that they are breaking my House Rules

[Linda108]

@Marianne353   You do not need to be there to require the guest to leave due to the violation of your rules.  You contact Air BNB and cancel the reservation, by providing the survellience proof. Then the guest is trespasssing and law enforcement can act.  However, if you do not want to go in that direction, the least you should do is notify the guest of the survellience information and request the additional fee.  You can deal with the rule violation in the review.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to have someone identified that is closer just to deal with problems that come up.  It doesn't have to be a formal co-host.

[Marianne353]

@Linda108 I emailed them and explained my point. They should be aware of the camera, since it is disclosed in the Listing.  This is my first year hosting and I still have alot to learn. 

I will definitely leave my comment about Rule violation in my Review. 

Is there such a thing, were guests are listed that didn't follow rules?

Thanks for your advice Linda

[Linda108]

One thing to  remember is you are on a platform that manages the money side of your business and it is best to provide all the information about a situation in the Air BNB message system.  So, be sure your communication is on that system, even if you have a call with the guest.  Summarize the call.  What is it you want to do?  It is not clear to me that you actually want to hold these folks responsible for their behavior.  Are you uncomfortable with confronting them with consequences to their choices?  Are you accepting their bringing 3 dogs and leaving them in the listing without supervision?  

Air BNB has a system of profile flagging for guests that are really bad, but guests who do not follow rules are not only not that unusual but Air BNB sees that as your business.

[Marianne353]

@Linda0, I emailed them. Explained to them my House Rules, also I reminded them that of time of booking they did not mention any dogs. I even asked them if they are bringing dogs, never got an answer on that question, when they booked. 

He said he will pay,  I just would want them to know it's not about the money,  but the honesty. 

Do not lie, be honest.  Now he wants to know if I have cameras inside 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️.

No I don't have indoor cameras.