What defines a Party/Event?

[Jennifer1828]

Because I, as a guest, think that it’s unfair for a host to categorize every young adult who wants to have a social gathering over a simple bbq, as any other civilized family would hold in their own home, as another “wild human being” who trashes places. Even when all my reviews have been nothing but positive. And to top it off, the people  that I would like to host the bbq party for are not overnight guests. Just coming for the food and to hang out. Period. Yet it’s so hard to convince homeowners who have such a huge entire house for rent available for “2 guests” that a project X party is never my intentions. I’m not being entitled if this post is where it’s defining me. I’m simply stating that not every gathering is how hosts generalizes “parties”. 

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Jennifer1828 

every gathering is not a wild party.... but it can easily be, or become. It's risky and hosts don't like any additional risks and stress, we have plenty of them.

The universal rule is - no visitors at any time of the day or night. If you book for 2 people then only those 2 people have a right to use the accommodation. More guests = more time for cleaning, more wear, and tear, more damages, more water ... =  higher price.

If you think it is the same to invite just one friend for a coffee or 10 friends for a barbecue then try it once at your own home 🙂 

[Jennifer1828]

I understand the stress that comes with it. And the cleaning I believe is why there are cleaning fees included in the booking as well as security deposits for any major damages. I have hosted bbq parties with multiple people in my own home for years now and never had any problems. But as times do change my home is no longer in a state to currently host parties for others. Hence why I’ve been looking for a place with a nice yard and shelter to just accommodate people for a couple of hours. 

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@ Jennifer1907 

cleaning fee ( if charged at all ) usually doesn't cover the cost of laundry service and regular cleaning.  So-called cleaning fee" is actually more like a " longer stay discount" and it should be called that way to avoid such misunderstandings.

So-called "security deposit" is a joke. Our deposit is 100-200$ and is not enough to replace even a broken tv. We are all playing Russian roulette here on a daily basis.

I would suggest you use "more filters/house rules / suitable for events"  for your search

[Emilia42]

@Jennifer1828 

Why not try this approach.... if you and your friends were to rent space at an events center to have a responsible event it would cost you hundred of dollars for an allotted couple of hours. This cost factors in the venues insurance plan, extra use of bathroom facilities, excess trash removal, and many more things that I would know about if I was more familiar with the industry. Try offering to pay the host $500 to have your gathering with X amount of guests. That is how much it would cost you anywhere else. Even invite the host so that they can partake in you fun, organized event. 

[Jody79]

@Jennifer1828 I've had my place used for 'small gatherings' (aka - parties) with not so positive results.  You may be a responsible young adult, however we as hosts don't know that and most of us (myself included) will not allow them and have taken measures to reduce our risks of unknowingly having one on our property.  Every guest promises not to have a wild party or cause damage, however unfortunately many of us hosts have found out the hard way that guests are not always very truthful.

With all that said, there are hosts that do allow parties/events.  I'm sure there are some in the Toronto area.  I would suggest as @Branka-and-Silvia0 mentioned above that you use the filter to bring up listing that allow this.

[Kelly149]

@Jennifer1828   I host up to 40 daytime guests. 

First you would pay to book the space for you. (2 night minimum, average weekend booking is about $175/night plus fees and taxes for up to 4 guests)

Then you would add the “party” at about $15/head/2 hours. I’d want to discuss noise, trash, cleanup, parking. We’d be very clear about activities and timing. The listing is in my backyard so I’d also be immediately adjacent to know if we had any issues. 

So, yes, you certainly could hosts folks at my abb space. BUT it has a cost. So let’s be truthful, this isn’t really a why can’t I have people over question. But rather it’s why do I have to pay to have people over question. 

And the answer is the same reason why movies cost per person and restaurants cost per person and theme parks cost per person.

You cant expect your abb host to be paid for 2 and serve 20 anymore than you’d pay the butcher for 2 portions and expect it to serve 20. 

Happy 4th!

[Danielle681]

Hi Kelly,

Thank you so much for this information. Whilst we do not host parties or events, in the past we had allowed a few guests to hold intimate gatherings, background music or no music and placed a limit to the number of persons allowed and at NO COSTS. However, you cannot stop persons from posting themselves at an "event" on social media and so, others will assume we host events and decide to host events WITHOUT giving us prior notice or give notice and end up having something totally different.

Whilst we do not have an issue with a few friends or family over for lunch, the costs of utilities (especially in cases finding out there is a dj and catering), wear and tear, a breakage here or there starts to add up.I do agree with alot of things you are saying. What may work for some may not work for all and in most cases some do not mention of having people over. Whilst at hosts we try to be flexible but firm, some still abuse the situation. 

Thanks again for sharing!