My guests arrive, then invite their whole family over

[Rachel97]

My 4 guests seemed fine the first night. The next day they invited 4-6 other people over (with 3 additional cars in my driveway and across the sidewalk) and they spent the whole morning, afternoon and evening noisily enjoying my house-- kitchen, bathroom, living room, TV, pool, etc. I am FUMING. There was no warning, no permission. My Page says "No Events". Because of the fact the other folks did not sleep over, do I have any recourse? Annoyed!

[Deb29]

No respect!

[Andrea9]

@Rachel97

To be honest it isn't clear from your listing description that the communal areas are shared by you. Half house would to me sound as if it is part of your house separated from the host area.

Your house rules also don't make mention of not having visitors.

If they even read your house rules (guests need to be reminded again and again) they probably didn't connect 'events' as including informal family gatherings.

You'll have to talk to them afterwards and draw clearer boundaries.

[Rachel97]

They have the entire Lower Level with all private beds, baths, kitchen, etc. I am above, seeing all these extra children and strangers in my pristine pool. I am listening to the kids' shrieks all day. I feel my privacy and security are compromised.

[Goranka1]

The „extra people” should not sleep in your apartment, if they do you call the police. 

[Tim-and-Holly0]

Unless you were clear in your house rules and listing that could be viewed prior to booking, it's difficult to make changes in the middle. I would add a couple more rules to my listing to prevent future occurences.

Also, you can always add it to your guest's review after they leave.

[Sandra126]

Here is a listing with a good example of house rules, well put:

www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5714427

For future reference!

and they probably didn't think of it as an ''event'', might have thought of that as weddings, functions, etc

[Rachel97]

Thanks, but I wasn't able to open that link!
😞 Would have loved to see that.

[Ralf5]

Dear @Rachel97,

I just would let them know, that their family/friends are welcome to pick them up and have a coffee/drink while waiting, but definitively I would point out that the usage of the kitchen, swimming pool etc. is only for your booked (paying) guests and not for any visitors. Ask them to make sure, that they respect your property and if they want to meet up with other friends or family members they might do this anywhere else but not in your house, this is strictly reserved for booked guests!

If they are going to continue doing this I would get Airbnb involved and in the worst case I would ask them to leave! Of course you need to negotiate a cancellation without being penalized.

[Dawn33]

I can certainly understand how you feel and have been there. I had iron-clad house rules

and still I had to lay down the law, so to speak.

You are liable for those extra guests at your home. I would be a nervous wreck with the pool.

Your house rules need a lot of work if you don't want this happen again.

How much longer is their stay? I ask because you can't change the house rules mid-game on them.

That wouldn't be fair.

Good luck on this. I have been exactly where you are now (minus the pool) and I had solid rules in place.

I had to do the uncomfortable thing and talk to my one registered guest. He ended up having to leave

due to my rules in place.

[Jerry19]

To me this is NOT a guest problem, it is Host error.  You accepted the booking under rules you wrote and the guest accepted.  Tell me EXACTLY what "rule" the guest broke?  You said guests could use pool but then you complain about use of pool.  Where does YOUR rules say no guests? No kids allowed?

guests booked house and if you do not have detailed rules in place than the blame is yours and not the guests.

[Rachel97]

Lighten up, Jerry; I'm new at this and after a dozen groups through I've had all 5 stars and no problems until now. When my rules say '4 people', those are the people permitted to use my house & pool. NOT SIX MORE that I've never met or heard of. 😡

[Fab2]

I have to second Dawn on this one: there is a liability issue here, should anything happen on your property. While you may not have spelled it out to the paying guests, was the use of the pool and other facilities by their family members brought up by them at all? If not, then you are no more at fault than they are, and clearly dealing with people taking advantage because no one can possibly be that dense, right?!

Hotels are clear and do not allow 3rd party guests on their property for legal reasons, thereofore the same applies here. I'd stand my grounds and inform the guests that this is putting you in a delicate situation, ask them to tell their family to leave, then go ahead and edit your listing so the obvious is highlighted for those lacking common sense or seeking to abuse your kindness and home.

Any event to me implies the hosting of non-paying guests. If it says no event, by default it means no hosting of individuals you have no knowledge of on-site. If Merriam-Webster defines an "event" as a social gathering, then you did do your part, Rachel.   

Also, Jerry needs to relax.

[David-and-Fiona0]

I agree with Jerry. For the host I feel your pain but it's time to tighten up your house rules. We simply say that guests not registered as staying guests are not allowed on the property. It's never been an issue.