Is run of the house an expectation for guests? Advice welcome!

[Mary459]

This is my first experience hosting and the experience is not what I expected. I am offering guests the third floor of my home that includes a bedroom, bathroom and TV room. It's completely private, which I thought would be really appealing for business travelers and weekend tourists. Is there an expectation that guests will spend time in areas of the home beyond the areas specified in my ad? My guest has been using my first floor living room for hanging out and meals. It's caused a bit of an issue because I work at home. I've decided to grin and bear it for the duration of his stay and simply work out of my bedroom, but I want to avoid this kind of awkward situation in the future. I was not looking to provide a co-living situation, which is what the guest seems to expect. Am I misreading the Airbnb expectations for hosts? 

[Ali40 · Accepted solution]

Yes, your descriptions might be misinterpreted. I looked at your listing, and even though you specify the "guest area" as the top floor, you also allow guests use of some things in your kitchen (fridge, freezer etc) and say "come an go as you please".  Beef up your house rules. Specify which foors/rooms of the house are off limits. Buy a small fridge/freezer, micro wave & coffee maker to put in the TV room of the guest suite. Those things are all pretty inexpensive, and worth it to keep guests who don't understand boundries out of your private areas. 

[Mary459]

Great advice, Ali.  Thanks so much.

[Linda108]

@Mary459  @Ali40 is totally on point.  You need to provide clearer explanation of guest access.  Look at other private room listings for suggestions about how to describe the space, especially access to the share space.  Many guests appreciate the amenities of being able to use a home.  That is not what you are offering.  Good luck with this business!

[Mary459]

Agree!  Many thanks!

[Kate157]

@Linda108 Is so right, if you add the fridge, microwave, etc., it is more clear to the guests that this is their space. This is what I provide in my space, an apartment on the lower level of our house. Despite this, occasionally a guest will ask to use my kitchen. I politely reply that I don't provide this to guests, and that there are helpers for microwaving in the guest space. I don't want guests in our private space, and I don't want to have the responsibility of keeping my kitchen spic and span for guests. A guest can ding you in reviews, for example, if your kitchen isn't 100% tidy. No thanks.

[Mary459]

I appreciate the feedback, Kate.  I agree that those small investments could really create a more contained - and convenient - space for my guests. Thanks to all of you who have been so helpful and responsive.