Guests bringing too many belongings - What to do?

[Robert375]

This is increasingly becoming a problem. I have had about six guests this year pull up with a moving truck or several SUV's full of items for stays as little as 10 days. When I have a tight schedule and a guest is arriving the same day a guest is leaving this always results in delaying the guests check-in. On one occasion I had two moving trucks in front of the house with guests moving refrigerators and large tvs in and out. This is usually because a guest is moving into the area and thinks they are going to immediately find an apartment and they use the room as storage. The back unit is only 10X14 and it is currently so full that items are being stacked up in the shared laundry room area. 

I just added in my house rules section that its an airbnb and not a storage though Im not sure if this will be enough and I am considering putting something in the listing that gives a limit of 8-10 items. Is anyone else here having a similar issue and how are you dealing with it?

[Marie8425]

@Robert375 

It sounds like specifically your house rental.  I haven't had snuck appliances but doesn't mean people don't do it just lucky haha.  I would suggest especially if more than 1 time I have things in my rules but I will mention again while vetting.   If you know they are moving I always blame someone else haha.

In case of any inconveniencia to you my insurer (they don't know if you have an insurer) for liability reasons doesn't allow ant undeclared furniture or appliances.

I would suggest you also review your pricing again.Sometimes pricing too low attracts renters that are on a tight budget,  Storage rental for a month isn't an outrageous expense.

[Robert375]

@Marie8425 It’s actually common Im finding, after googling it. There are hosts who limit items to two pieces of luggage per guest. Im going to make it five pieces per guest which is more than enough. There are also guests complaining about this limit but its no different than a hotel - one wouldn't bring a moving truck to a hotel.

[Joëlle135]

Bonjour, c’est une situation inconnue pour moi pour le moment mais je pense que je le noterais dans les règles du logement et je leur dirait de vive voix…

Parler de l’assurance est aussi une bonne idée 😉👍

Google Translation added by Community Manager:  

Hello, this is an unknown situation for me at the moment but I think I would note it in the accommodation rules and I would tell them in person…

Talking about insurance is also a good idea 😉👍

[Karen4192]

@Robert375 Wow!  this is an intersting problem.  You must live in an area that is higly transcient or fast growing.  I agree the statement that this is not a storage but an airbnb may not be enough.  Can ou say that all items must be moved by checkout time or an additonal days rent will be chaarged?  Of course that does not help with incoming guest.

[Lisbeth75]

@Robert375 I didn’t have this issue yet but I’ll say the best is written in your house rules that the house is not storage and will not be allow to bring by large furniture or appliance. I don’t know if you have cameras but maybe have outdoor cameras will prevent this. 
extra option is in case someone actually need the house as storage charge a lot of more to leave extra day between checkout to check in of new guest. 

[Kim3331 · Accepted solution]

@Robert375 , I think some of the other responses are spot on.  You are operating a STR not a storage unit.  I think that people will nickel and dime you (they do it to me all the time) and try to take advantage of your space.  Having firm policies about what they can/can't store on your property is important so they know what to expect.  You may offer to suggest a few local storage units if you have a guest who is moving but needs a place to store their belongings for a short time.  I wouldn't allow storage of their belongings in any circumstance since it could lead to bigger issues.  That may turn some potential renters off but you are running a business and not their personal storage facility.  I would be very explicit when describing the policy that shared spaces are not to be used a storage areas and it may even be a fire code violation.  You'd have to check with your local jurisdiction.  If I had to share a space with somebody who felt entitled to keep their crap in that area I would be ticked!  If the item they have doesn't fit into a suitcase, they need to find another place to keep it.  Good luck!

[Liz6772]

@Robert375 I would suggest having a clause in the terms and conditions that the space is only to be used for lodging, and guests may bring applicable luggage for each person in the house, nothing else.

Then, I would recommend a $300 (or more) fine for each hour they stay over the checkout time. Plus, if the next guest is inconvenienced, they must pay for their stay if the guest cancels the booking because they cannot get into the unit at check-in time. It has to be in your terms and conditions that they agree to when booking. Hopefully, Airbnb will back you up with the fees.

Liz

[Marie8425]

@Robert375 

My only point being as other's have mentioned not an usual Airbnb Host experience.  You can set a rule about 5 pieces of luggage but someone then has to monitor compliance and the resulting negative guest experience.  Instead of creating stress for myself accommodating idiots, sometime the better but slower plan is accommodating guests that apreciaste

I have found sometimes just $5 a night increase brings me the Guests I really want and not police work

[Paula]

Hello @Robert375, what a situation! As our hosts have mentioned, is your place located in a highly transient or fast-growing area, or is this something that has only recently started happening?

There are many great suggestions here on how to address this issue. Let us know when you've had a chance to read through the hosts' comments, and feel free to share if you plan to implement any of their suggestions.

We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact these ideas could have on your listing!

[Luen3]

I don't think it's a problem, I think we should welcome the guest who is coming from afar with all his belongings