1st time as host

[Cynthia1587]

I am new to ABNB and had a single person rent for a week…in town on business. She extended twice and stayed for 17 days. She allowed me access with my contractor and I was shocked at the condition of the house.  Every towel was dripping wet, the bath rug was getting moldy and there were clothes everywhere including a fur coat in the closet…it’s 90 degree. Her reviews were excellent…can I trust the reviews and how do you warn other hosts.   Tuns out it was not a single woman..but a couple.

[Paula]

Hello @Cynthia1587, thank you for posting in the community, and I’m sorry to hear about your experience.

I’m tagging a few experienced hosts here in case they’d like to share their thoughts and experiences: @Kitty-and-Creek0 @Lorina14 @Karen114 and @Christine615 

Thanks, everyone.

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Cynthia1587 @Paula 

What a mess! 

Definitely toss the bath rug, and I hope the bathroom floor is OK underneath. Perhaps she would appreciate a change of bath rug and towels? That is a long stay.

I've noticed that when I get a booking request for one person, it is usually two and the booker did not say 2. I always ask, get them to change the number of persons, and get the 2nd person's name. 

As per the clothes scattered, that is pretty normal. I am a clothes folding person, very organized, but if I'm in a big hurry between appointments on a deadline, I'll tidy up later. As per the fur coat, I can relate that when I am on a long trip including several climate zones, I pack up to 7 layers to stay warm and  be able to peel for the warmer places. I don't travel with bulky things, and don't take more than I can carry. I do at times buy off season bargains along the trip, and perhaps she found one of those she could not resist. A merchant might be delighted to sell a fur coat to a traveler whose climate was good for wearing it in her winter at home. One never knows!

[Christine615 · Accepted solution]

@Cynthia1587 Okay - I will have to tell you that I'm often a cluttered person. I try to be much neater when renting someone else's space, but a bit messier if it's longer (not dirty - just a bit messy). That's because a few days is different than someone who is around for more than two weeks. You aren't rating them on what things look like while they are there. You are rating them on what things look like when they leave. The exception is if something is dangerous and clearly against house rules.

In the future, please confirm with the guest that the reservation is limited to those in the confirmation at booking. I've had families book for 1 and then mention the 4 or 5 other people coming. I tell people in my listing that guests not on the original reservation will be billed at $125/night per person. If they've been honest at booking, the system only charges $25/night for each guest that is more than two.

I think that when people rent they think they can invite people. Or friends invite themselves. Or spouses - or . . . So just be polite and clear that the reservation is for one person and there is extra for any additional people. But if the person is there for a few weeks, I wouldn't get concerned about an overnight guest (we're all human). I would get concerned with a guest that has moved in for the duration.

Okay - on the towels. Every one is dripping wet? I'm confused. How many towels? And how does a bath mat stay so wet that it gets moldy. That's hard to imagine. They're cheap so just commit to throwing it out if it makes you uncomfortable.  I don't know that I would charge for that if it can be replaced easily. But I'm asking because we've hosted groups for several years and have had none of these happen (not even on check-out days when everyone has showered.

So is clutter annoying? Yes - but wait until she leaves to see what condition the apartment is in when returned. People are often surprised that I leave the Airbnb as clean or cleaner than I found it, even though that's not necessarily the case while I'm there. If the apartment is clean and the guest was considerate, then it's a 5 star.  If it's not clean, then report that but be objective.

Being a first time host is hard - but it gets easier.  Good luck!

[Karen114]

@Cynthia1587  As scary as the mid stay iimage may be, you may be pleasantly surprised when she/they leave.  I have witnessed this before when going in to do a repair and was dreading check out for my cleaning staff.  The place was fine and left as it should be. 

It's too soon to tell until they check out and if it does look like a torpedo went off in the space, yes, you can give less stars for cleanliness.  The fact that she has good reviews might indicate that she can get it together on check out day 😀.  Some people just work better under pressure, I am one of those lol. 

[Cynthia1587]

@Karen114 she/they left and with all the clothing gone it was much better.  My hardwood floor was pretty scratched up and again, sopping wet towels in the bathroom.  She left a cast iron pan filled with food in the fridge. Lots of food, beer and ice cream along with numerous empty containers of pre rolled marijuana.  
learning curve for sure.

[Karen114]

@Cynthia1587  Sorry to hear that 😑  Please be sure to mark her down in her stars for cleanliness and house rules.  

[Christine615]

That's not okay @Cynthia1587 . Honestly. People who leave a mess drive me crazy. Report the guest if possible. But rate them low and with a thumbs down. Do not get emotional in your review. Simply say that the guest was not considerate of the space, there were some damages to the hardwood floors and empty containers of food and a foreign substance. Say "unfortunately," I would not be able to rent to this guest in the future.

They won't see your review until 14 days later or after they post a review for you.