guests scratched my floor

[Adam597]

hey guys,

just started to host and had bad experience with my first guest.

just bought amazing house and decided to host.

a couple that seems nice booked it for 3 days, check out done early in a hurry, when i cleaned the place ive found scratches on the floor and bathroom door.

reached out to the girl who booked it, she denies it, opened a case that ended with nothing towards my damage - not even the security deposit - amazing !!!

im really thinking to cancel all the reservation and cancel my account

any advise ???

[Kath9]

@Adam597, I'm sorry you've had a bad experience with your first booking. Airbnb are not known for readily paying out for damages to homes. However, I would say that this situation is more the exception than the rule. Your home looks beautiful - if you decide to stay on the platform, make sure you screen guests carefully and maybe look into getting your own insurance.

[Sarah977]

@Adam597  Do you think she had dog in there? That could account for scratches on the floor and door. Also guests are known to move furniture around- make sure you have those self-stick felt or rubber pads on the feet of all the furniture. I've also found floor scratches that I think were caused by guests dragging heavy roller suitcases across the floor, sometimes the hard plastic wheels are damaged and make scrapes.

[John1080]

@Sarah977, I have noticed many guests move the furniture, which surprised me at first. I have added to my rules in a few places: "Please do not move furniture, as this damages rugs, floors and the furniture itself." 

Of course, I don't know if people are actually following the rule, but at least I've added it! 

[Clara116]

@Adam597 A drag for sure, sorry you had a bummer with the first guest Adam. I think @Sarah977 is right on target with thinking either suitcases or pushing/dragging furniture around. Some folks just HAVE to change our layout??? But, scratches on the bathroom door suggest either an animal/ dog or cat or they had something hanging and scraping it - I hang chimes from my door and they will scratch  a wooden door over time.  Also,  that security deposit is a tough one to get monies from unless the guests says - oh yes, I'll pay and I did it! Which is a rare event it seems on Airbnb. @Kath9 gives good advice and you certainly want to follow it........Hope all your next guests will be much better and that that was a one time occurrance. happy hosting.