guest complaint

[Dayna19]

Hello -

I have a two night minimum. I have hosted off and on for years.  No complaints in the past. The guest checked in ( I don’t live on site) The next morning demanded a refund for very minor issues. She was upset that the windows and door (going out to a pool and fenced yard) were not locked.  Although the main door she came thru to enter the mother in law apartment was locked with a smart lock and she can use deadbolt once inside.  She then complained about very small issues. I.e the dog bowl on the floor had crusted dog food in it. Complained about hard water stain on the kitchen sink.  How much should I refund?   She didn’t leave the property until 2 ish the next day.  She stayed there, showered, etc.

What is fair?  I think these are unrealistic complaints.

[Lisa723]

I wouldn't like those things either as a guest. (Why is there a dog food bowl in the space?) I probably wouldn't check out and request a refund, but in your place I would give at least 50%. If she calls Airbnb they're likely to give her 100%

[Sarah977]

@Dayna19  I would also find a dog food bowl encrusted with dog food to be a cause for complaint. I'm a dog owner and even I find that disgusting. My dog's bowl gets washed daily. 

And you should be able to remove the hard water stain in the sink with muriatic acid or CLR.

I can also see why a guest wouldn't feel secure if the back door and windows don't lock or were left unlocked.

I don't see any of this as unreasonable complaints, even if previous guests weren't fussed about it.

I agree with @Lisa723  that 50% would be a reasonable refund.

[Dayna19]

I suppose I agree .. it was tiny bits of dry dog food in a bowl on the floor. But for a fully furnished 700 square foot unit for $75 dollars a night that I think that’s a little finicky .

if one wants to nit pick every tiny thing one should stay in a hotel.

The unit is listed as pet friendly as well .

i appreciate everyone input . Thank you 

[Sarah977]

@Dayna19  Whatever, why would a dog food bowl with dog food in it be left in an entire place listing when a new guest is checking in? That would seem to me that the place hadn't been thoroughly cleaned. That's not what I'd think of as nit-picking every tiny thing.

If it was a shared home listing with the host and the host had a dog whose bowl was visible somewhere, that would be a different story.