Calculate cost of damaged goods

[JuanJose18]

Hi everyone. 
A guest stay for a month with three cats. After leaving two armchairs we’re scratched and damaged.

The armchairs were new  and only been there for two months. 
Do I charge for the price of replacement ? $1,000 cad dollar each

How do I calculate how much to ask for the damage.

The cats also pee on the mud room carpet and the carpet has to be replaced.

The cost will be bigger than the whole reservation since it’s a rural property.

How do I calculate a fair amount to ask back the guest?

Thanks

[Elisa]

Hi @JuanJose18 😊, 

Thank you for asking this question here!

I'm sorry about the situation. Did you try reaching out to customer support?

I'm tagging a few hosts in case they'd like to share their thoughts with you: @Helen3, @Joan2709, @Shelley159 and @Frances3408.

Warm regards 🌻,

[JuanJose18]

Thks Elisa. I've reached out to customer support. I tried to be realistic and send a Money Request for the price of two armchairs from IKEA at $350 each (guest decline it). 

It's really not about the money I will recoup. 

The real bummer is that I won't be able to rent the place until I change the carpet and rid the cat pee smell. 

Just lost a $2000 reservation because of this. 

You probably know that most guests are good, really sucks when you get a bad one 😞

[Elisa]

Hi @JuanJose18 😊, 

Thank you for letting me know!

I completely understand your point, and I’m glad you received kind comments from our experienced hosts. What did you think of their feedback?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Joan2709]

@JuanJose18 

We don't allow pets in most of the listings, and only allow dogs in the few that allow pets for this reason. 

I would replace the rug and chairs with something more durable, and easy to clean. There are actually "washable" rugs that are available. Most Hosts don't actually put them in the washer, but they are easier to clean. Keep in mind Host Damage Protection will only cover depreciated value of the items - not replacement value.

I would wait for the guest to post a review before claiming for damages. Otherwise, you risk a negative review as revenge for the damage claims and Airbnb has not been removing those as retaliatory, as clearly they are. If the guest doesn't post a review, wait until right before the 14day cutoff to post your review and file your damage claim. Gather photos of the damage and original receipts from when you purchased the items. Then purchase replacements and keep those receipts. Once the guest posts their review, post your honest review and file the damages claims. If the guest doesn't pay, then ask Airbnb to cover the costs via Aircover.

Suggest you don't allow cats in the future and specifically state that in your House Rules.

[Shelley159]

Hi @JuanJose18 

@Elisa has tagged me and I'll be honest - I've never submitted a damage claim. Usually when something goes wrong, I go straight to focusing all of my attention on how to prevent something similar from happening again. In this case I would probably:

1) reconsider allowing cats,

2) consider changing the preference to shorter stays (less opportunity for damage, less cleaning at the end, and higher per-night prices without long-stay discount), but this depends on whether you're allowed to host shorter stays in your area. If shorter stays are an option: a listing tends to attract short stays when you remove or drastically reduce the long-stay discount.

3) if the chairs have to be replaced (not sure if they do), get new ones that are as unlikely as possible to show any kind of damage. Same for the carpet - some smaller rugs are machine washable (or can you leave out the carpet in that area altogether?)

Hopefully some hosts with experience at submitting AirCover claims can guide you regarding the calculation of the amounts. Be careful about the timing of any claim: attempts to claim damage often result in a negative review if not properly timed.

[Frances3408]

@JuanJose18. In addition to the excellent advice already provided here I would make your listing more cat proof if you are going to say yes. That means no carpet (hardfloors), cheap and easy to replace rugs in the cooler weather, throws for couches and armchairs and avoid fabric chairs. Where did you place the litter tray?  Minor scratches are wear and tear so unlikely to be reimbursed. Otherwise just say no to cats.

For one month bookings I would not permit cats. My last cat guests were for 4 nights and it was fine. I have a special product called nil odour that is effective on cat wee if you get to it early. So make this a part of the House Rules that they notify you if this happens.

I believe Airbnb should have pet guest profiles too so host can see the good from the bad. In my experience bad pet behaviour is directy related to inconsiderate guests/tenants.

Hope this helps 🙂

In terms of your current claim, no such thing as new for old so depreciation might take between 10 and 70% off the value as a minimum in first year. Your tax agent knows the rate at which to write off fixtures and furnishings so maybe ask them. Carpets can often be patched if you can get rid of the smell, so investigate that too.

Finally why do you have carpet in a mudroom? Ideally high traffic areas will have hard floors with rugs.

[Shelley159]

@Frances3408 Pet Profiles!!! 🤣😂😹 Great idea.

[Frances3408]

Thanks @Shelley159 . I drop this suggestion about once a quarter, hoping AI might pick it up eventually as the suggestion box seems to be deaf 😉

[Helen3]

If the armchairs can't be mended then get quotes for replacement of the chairs .

if the carpet can't be professionally cleaned then get a cost for replacement and fitting 

@JuanJose18 

Airbnb won't give you the full cost or replacement anyway but a depreciated amount depending on how old the item is.