A couple recently left me a 2 star review after I declined to make a share bathroom private for their use only. I clearly stated in my listing this will be a shared bathroom. After the guests checked in they found out there's a door between their bedroom and the bathroom, so the wife asked me to unlock the door. I told her I couldn't do that because I might have other guest book the other room later that day, plus the lock is permanent, it can't be unlocked unless I replace the whole lock. After much of explanation, she left unhappy.
One of the rooms I am renting out has a connecting bathroom which is also shared by another room. I decided to put a permanent lock (can't be unlocked from either side) there to make sure guests privacy, I don't want guests accidentally walk into each other's space when they unlock the connecting door or forget to lock it. I can't count on guests to lock the door properly. I have probably one third of guests never lock the front door, even though I asked them to. Whether they forgot or just didn't care, I don't know. If the connecting door is not locked on both sides and something happens, I am sure I will be in big trouble.
Besides the lock, the review even said I am germaphobic. This old couple are grandparents, they know I have little one at home. Like most parents I do the best I can to baby proof my house, covered up edges, corners, outlets or anything might be dangerous to prevent my kid from getting hurt. I know it's not pretty to look at it, but I don't know doing that can be classified as germaphobic. Moreover I can't even have Roomba to help me clean the house. Really? I can't imaging what people are going to say when one day I need to lock the refrigerator to prevent my kid trapping inside.
I don't understand why guests have became harder and harder to please. I have been bending backwards for them for so many times to try to avoid getting bad reviews. You can not say no to any of their demand. If you dare to do that, you will be taught lessons with bad reviews. I am really frustrated just this seems a small issue could turn into a long paragraph of bad review. Any advise on how to handle it? Thank you!
