guest and children

[Marianna10]

My house rules state no children but my current guest invited her sister, brother-in-law  and their children (2.5 and 1 year) over to "check out our suite".  I realize they weren't staying, however the suite is geared and decorated to adult tastes with things that are breakable and down low so children can handle them.  Can I do anything about this or just accept it and hope the adults will moniter the kids?  I'm new to AirBnB and so far everything has gone well.  Any advice?

Marianna

[Linda132]

What a terrible situation for you.  I am also fairly new to Airbnb and have the same rules.  I would not want to have this happen to me.  How did you handle this (besides delicately).  Linda

[Marianna10]

I haven't really, so far.  Just pondering my next move.  The guest leaves today so I'll see what the suite looks like.  I guess it was just that we came home early from dinner and I don't think they expected us to be home but it was 9:15 p.m. when, in my estimation, kids should be in bed.  I think if I had been asked first it would have helped.

[Christine1]

@Marianna10,

I think the surprise aspect of people you did not exactly invite was the bit that has made this unsettling. You have acknowledged this. If you had been a participant by being consulted and been home at the time, no doubt you would have felt less troubled.

To go out and return home to an unexpected bevvy of delightfully cheerful visitors making themselves comfy in your home, can be strangely unsettling......

Hopefully all your precious items will have survived intact. That's important.

Hopefully all has been well and by now you may have had time to settle your self and see another side to things.

What a compliment!

They thought that you and your place were so nice. They were proud to show off where they were staying and no doubt recommend the experience, your premises and hosting and the whole business of travelling with AirBnb. Well done.

If they had friends and family nearby and enjoyed their stay, then there is a very good chance they would choose to rebook with you in future.

I find that once an initial look see and first visit has occurred most family and friends get togethers occur off the premises.

I hope all is well and that you experience some pleasure in the funny side effects of success.

Be cautious with your precious things, perhaps re-locate some of them so that you can feel more relaxed with your visitors.

Best wishes for Happy Hosting

Most Sincerely - Christine.

[Marianna10]

Thank you for your very considerate and lovely answer.  All you said was right and I am over it - however despite getting 5 stars for everything about our suite, we got 4 for Overall Experience" which was the guests way of responding to my appearing at the door.  It doesn't matter however, I did spend considerable time with this particular guest who wanted to see the place before booking (I won't do this again) because it needed to be really, really private as she and her BF hadn't seen each other for 3 months. She wanted to put in some extra added touches and I gave her battery operated candles that I use at Christmas for Ambience plus chocolates.  I won't do that again either!  So host and learn!

[Monica4]

Nothing you can do about it if you do not have a rule in place that prohibits guests having friends and family visit during the day. I suggest that you cross your fingers for this one booking but immediately add a clause to your rules.

For example:

This listing is not suitable for children as guests and as day visitors.

[Marianna10]

Thank you  - that works for me.  Just didn't want to sound rude or totally unkind about kids, much as I love them (I have eight grandchildren and care for two of them twice a week after school and day care).

[Marianna10]

Thanks, Monica - I've already done that.

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

Where you have some absolute no-no's it's a good idea to mention in your email exchange (ie unfortunatly the place is not set up for children, but it sounds like you are all over age xx - 

[Sandra126]

No children means no children. There is no further need to specify no children for visits or whatever. No is No. In my last place I had a no children rule, and when they insisted (but how would you KNOW if I brought a child?) I would say my insurance only covers two adults (and I live next door). No.

All guests defying your rules will be sent to bed early without a bedtime story or dinner!

[Sherry18]

Not sure about laws in your area but I had a lady threaten to sue me because I declined her reservation for 2 adults and 4 children. My house rules stated limit 4 guests but since I had a section regarding children not being allowed due to liability issues she harassed me for 2 days threatening to sue me. I found in the US it's illegal to state no children allowed as its discrimination under the family act. I handled her tactfully and reported her to the site but I did remove the children rules. Now I just decline them stating its not available when they add children to the request.
Arkansas

[Sandra126]

@Sherry18, that's incredible. But you could stick with maximum guests though, couldn't you?

The No Children law is outstandingly dumb. Some places just are not suitable or dangerous.

[Ephraim0]

Perhaps this will help;

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/898/ada-and-fha-compliance-policy

[Marianna10]

Thanks, for that information.  Not sure it applies in Canada as regards to children, but definately everything else - like same sex or different nationalities, etc.   I have a friend with an AirBnB on the 12th floor of a beautiful building and it is absolutely unsafe for children.  If a child climbed up and fell off and was killed the owner of the AirBnB would be responsible; as for our place it is safe for children but the decor is adult orientated and we just don't want to have children in a position of being hurt.  Plus I know my insurance (not AirBnB's but extra rider on our home insurance) made sure we were only having adults. Who would have thought when we started all the ramifications of a home based business!!!  LOL

[Elaine-and-Duane0]

My house rules state only registered guests may enter the suite. This covers me as a host with the airbnb host protection. Airbnb will not cover damages by unregistered guests. Something to consider.