reviews

[Steve74]

Can anyone tell me what it means when a reviewer mentioned that he said something in the "SENSITIVE CONTENTS HIDDEN" section for something that he wanted me to see, but not publicly? It was something pretty simple, he just wanted to know my roommate's name so he could mention him in the review (odd he forgot, since we are both named Steve, lol). I have searched for such a section and can't figure out what he is talking about, or how to find it. I want to be able to respond to him. I sent him a message though the previous messages that we were sending back and forth before he arrived, but I don't know if the messages actually go through to them after they have finished their stay and the contract has ended. Anyone have any idea? Please? Thanks 🙂

Steve

[Sandra126]

Hi Steve, glad you are getting bookings, I knew you would. Messages go through after stays, I just messaged a guest re lost property and she replied so it definitely works. I have seen the sensitive contents hidden thing but always assumed that it was an automatic Air blackout for key things like names, addresses etc.

[Steve74]

Hi Sandra, and thanks for commenting. I finally realized what it was that happened, apparently he posted something in a message where it says you could send a message publicly, instead of the place where you send it privately. He said he added us to something that Airbnb thought shouldn't be said in public so they blocked it out saying (sensitive comments hidden). I don't know what it was, maybe a competing site, maybe a personal email address, or something like that. I can appreciate that Airbnb is diligent enough to catch things like that. As for booking, things have gone great in the past week after months of not getting anything. I guess when it rains it pours, or at least I hope so. I got 2 bookings in one week and they both left glowing reviews. 

If you know, or don't mind answering a couple of other questions, there are some things I am still trying to figure out when pricing. I am curious as to what the conventional wisdom is whether to charge a cleaning fee and a deposit. I don't want to chase people away by over charging, but I don't want to risk anything either. I have checked other places around me and have seen that some do and some don't. I just wanted to opinion of someone who has done this a lot and has more experience with these things. Also, I have to tell you that I am a little concerned about city ordinances, fees, permits and taxes, and whether or not I am responsible for any of these things (beyond a certain amount with the IRS) up front, and whether or not I might be subject to some hefty penalty and back taxes if they find out later that I have been using this site and having what they consider short term guests and subject to hotel taxes. Any words of wisdom you can give me on any of these things I will greatly appreciate. Thanks so much. 🙂

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

A word on deposits: I think you should always have a deposit in place. Remember the guest does not pay this, its just an agreement to have an amount set aside if there is damage to property, etc.

As for cleaning fee - some people include it in the price, some dont. Up to you and it's a bit of weird one given that hotels and B&Bs don't ask you to pay a separate fee. However, a lot of self-catering/property rental companies do so.

If you are charging one separately then its your guarantee to the guest that everything will be top notch from a cleanliness perspective when they arrive!

[Sandra126]

Hi @Steve74, can't be very helpful there sorry. I run my place as a business in its own right, so a bit different from renting out a part of your home. Australia will be different from the US when it comes to taxes and fees, but as far as renting out a room in your house goes, I think you will be fine as it has never been an issue. It is only where you rent out an entire apartment that rules might change.

Remember that if you have an income, you also have expenses. Keep every receipt, utilities bills, cleaning products, whatever. I notice you also give breakfast, so keep your grocery receipts too. Then when you do the tax (and Air is certainly taxable) you will have a claim.

My own opinion on cleaning fee: I don't have one. This is because I like to see how much you are going to pay upfront. I try to run my own place as if I was coming to stay myself. Cleaning fees can be useful if you want to make longer stays more worthwhile for the guest. Such as a one nighter will pay more than a weeklong stay, as the cleaning fee will be paid only once but I have it as part of my price. Most of my guests stay 1-3 nights, romantic getaways, relaxing short stays, intensive tourism.

Security deposits I say are necessary in especially whole city apartments (they seem more prone to bad incidents). I don't have one. Maybe this is something I will live to regret, but I have the loveliest guests. Have done this for many years now and the odd minor accidental incident will simply disappear in the mass of incident free stays. I will just wear it as normal business happenings. Up to you! If you are one of the unfortunate Instant Book places, I say absolutely take a deposit as you can't vet your guests.