I'm a fairly new host with a question

[Cindy84]

Hi everyone!

I've only hosted a few times and each guest I've had I've lowered the price for.  

Right now I have someone coming in in a couple weeks that will be with me until August.

Looking at listing in my area I decided last night that I'm probably better off lowering the price and lowering my monthly discount.

Also, I may charge a minimal cleaning fee and ask for a deposit since I do mostly long term rentals.

Here is the question..

Would it be okay to go into my profile and edit now or should I wait until after August when my booked tenant leaves?

I don't want to mess up the "special price" I sent her.

Tia .. Hope this makes sense. 😉

Cindy

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

@Cindy84

Hi - once a guest confirms a booking then any changes you make to your pricing or security deposit (or any house rules) do not apply to guests who have already booked. So you can go ahead and make changes now.

I would question why you keep lowering your price if you are getting guests though - lower prices seem to attract guests that are looking for a bargain and press for additonal extras and discounts. Think through carefully your pricing so that you maintain the quality of your offering and you get the right type of guest.

You should always have a deposit set - remember the guest does not pay this up front. It's just an agreement to pay up to a certain amount in the event of damage.

Also - long term stays are different when it comes to cleaning. Personally, I think you should have a separate charge for a weekly or fortniightly clean and be clear with your guest when linen/towels are changed and when their room will be cleaned. That way you can keep on top of your property's cleanliness etc.

[Cindy84]

Thank you so much for your response and input.

Frankly I've lowered the price because I have a lot of competition here.    

I don't mind bargaining and "giving a little break" but I've had a few that suggested prices that would basically cover the cost of the extra utility use.  Those I thanked for their interest but passed on.

I decided to do long term rather than a night or two for a few different reasons.

One being I live in a small HOA community where the neighbors would probably object to a lot of "coming and going."    Another is I travel out of the country at least once a month so can't have folks coming and going for a few nights because sometimes I'm places where I can't be reached.  I like to be here when they arrive to orientate them to the house and the surrounding area.

I may write up a simple rental agreement for this tenant and and ask her to sign.  In retrospect I should have asked for a security deposit.

As far as cleaning; I ask that they do their own sheets, laundry, bath and also vac their room.  The same with kitchen use; I expect them to clean up and leave it as they found it.  

I do supply all toiletries along with kitchen staples.

Last summer I had an awesome summer intern.  Hopefully this year's will be also be a pleasant experience.

Food - if I cook; I invite them to enjoy it with me.

Basically I want them to feel at home, relax and do their own chores. 😉