Increase in guests asking for extra time

[Gloria5]

Hi All,  I been hosting for 3 years and it seems that now more then ever before I have guests asking for early check in or late check out, sometimes both. I don't mind if I don't have a previous guest or someone coming in that day but it's getting out of hand. As recently as this week I had a guest with a 4pm check in time come in at 1pm and settle in the room without advising me. The room had not even been cleaned from the prior guest which checked out at 12pm.  I always send check in instructions ahead of time as some guests don't have wireless/data plans on their phone so she had the instructions. Then the day of check out, she sends me a message that she will be checking out at 4pm. I had to "remind" her that check out was at 12pm. She then asked for luggage storage until the evening. All in all I believe that about 80% of my guests are asking. Today was the worse, 2 of my guests 1 which wanted to "hang out"  until their flight departed at 10pm... check out is at 11am in this listing. The other guest didn't show up until 5:30pm that he didn't know check out was at 11am. I had to move his things to the living room because I had another guest coming in. Sending reminder check out times is not working as they simply say that they had no data service on their phones. Today with the chaos, I started to reply for request for early check in and late check out with "yes that it's available for a $10 an hour fee". I'm doing this as to deter guest from staying after or trying to check in early. Any suggestions on how other hosts are dealing with this issue is greatly appreciated.

[Maria-Lurdes0]

I 100% agree that this has become a widespread issue in the last year.  When I first started in 2010 it was super rare for anyone to ask for early check in/out.  Now it's almost standard that people ask.  I think it has to do with the widespread nature of Airbnb now, so volume plays a big part of it - and also - no matter how we try and be different then a hotel, most people consider it a hotel alternative.   So they understand they are renting a private apartment (or private room, or shared room) but still "rent" conjures up thoughts of a hotel where there's 50+ rooms in rotation, so likely that a room can be provided for an early check in.  I don't know what else it could be.  

I hate the request because it always seems to start or end the stay in a confrontation of some kind.  Not necessarily hostile, but it either sets the tone that I'm inflexible, or it leaves the parting guest with the feeling that I wasn't as accommodating as they wanted.   Even when you explain everything in a clear and precise manner, proactively ask all the questions about timing of flights, offer options for first day things to do, places to store luggage, etc, guests seem to want to think they are the exception that you'll give in to. 

[Monica4]

There is a word you need to use, and that is NO. Direct them to the nearest hotel if you must. I NEVER allow early check-in or late check-out unless they pay my minimum daily rate of $80 and I have no bookings for that time.

I had one asking me if he could come the day before to "set up" but won't be staying the night! I said NO....!

[Ramon13]

Yes, its exactly this moral double standard I am pointing out here.

What I really want to say, feel free to do business whereever you like, it's business. 

But don't require your business partners to sign a pledge.

I am not religious, but Matthew 7:3 is on the spot here:

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

[Annies0]

I think the simplest way to deal with this is to stipulate charges for it eg check-out is at 12 noon. Later check-out available until 3pm for an extra $? (subject to availability). Free luggage storage until 9pm. (Or whatever times work for you).

[Brenda4]

My guests would was scheduled to check out last Saturday.  The house they bought is not ready and they asked to stay an extra week.  They volunteered to pay for the extra time.  At quite  reduced rate (I charge 60 per night, they wanted 40.00 per night).  I accepted but feel as though I need to give airbnb their percent.  What is the best number or how can I reach a real person (not a recording) to inform airbnb.

Any help will be most appreciated.

Regards.  Brenda B

[Andrew90]

@Brenda4 You just need to change the reservation and they need to accept.  See this guide posted in the community help section. 

https://community.airbnb.com/t5/Hosts/Change-Price-Number-of-Guests-Check-in-or-Check-out-Dates-A/m-...

[Brenda4]

Thank you for your rapid response, Andrew.  

I was concerned that I was not doing the right thing and want to always stay in good graces with  Airbnb.

Take care and be well always.

Brenda