Guests using listing for photo shoots

[Emily1491]

Hi everyone, I have a dilemma that's becoming more frequent. I rent out a small part of my home (about 500 sq ft, private from the rest of the house, and with a separate entrance). I'm also a keen gardener. Recently, I've noticed more and more people renting my Airbnb for interior/exterior photography (fashion and wedding shoots mostly) and not disclosing their intentions. I specifically ban this use of the space after allowing it a few times as a new host, because it's an awful lot of wear and tear--they tend to drag furniture across hardwood floors, move everything around, have extra guests etc. I also used to work as a photographer and know how much it costs to rent a space for photography. It's a lot more than I charge for lodging.

The last guests I had this week were the worst yet--caused a ton of (small and easily fixable, but annoying) damage, repeatedly either blocked me in or out of my driveway while moving their car around so it wouldn't be visible in photos, trespassed on my neighbor's property to get a photo, pulled out all the contents of the supply closet in the Airbnb to use for 'props' (I specifically ask guests not to use), etc.

At this point, I'm ready to give up on actually banning this practice--it seems to have no effect--and have been thinking about just charging people appropriately for this use so that I can justify the extra work/cleanup I have to do. I would like to list it on a shoot rental website, but I'm uncertain how to direct people that way if that's what they want. Will Airbnb allow outside links for a non-competing activity? Requests to the 'superhost support' have been the opposite of helpful.

[Christine615]

When they book, they are agreeing to the terms. It's a contract.

[Bill-And-Ela0]

In your listing indicate the maximum number of guests allowed on the property with all names required at time of booking. Any extra guests (people on the property) during their stay will be charged an extra fee (cost to cover a shoot). Airbnb shouldn't dispute the additional fee. Also, make it known that any extra work/cleanup on your part will result in additional cleaning fees. Make sure to take lots of pictures to support any claims. 

[Diana2805]

This is a very interesting question and not one I had considered. For me,  I rent my entire home so there is not a personal impact. I would want to see if I could have the home (Airbnb) included in marketing to increase bookings. Maybe it could benefit you as well?

[Anastasia431]

I have never ran into this myself, but people use my home for weddings with my permission and I see another home in my area just has a separate airbnb listing for weddings and events.  Maybe you could have a separate event/ photo shoot listing and one for stays?

[Frances3408]

@Emily1491. Emily, you have a good heart but seem conflicted. This is your home. So unless you want to welcome over exposure with open arms, invite damage and neighbour complaints that could eventually see you shut down anyway, protect it by installing external cameras, have very clear House Rules on no commercial use, moving furniture etc and include steep penalties in your listing.

Lastly, your rates are too cheap imo for access to such a lovely historic home. Better to have quality of guest and a place that is maintained than quantity.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

[Christina1877]

It is in our house rules for no commercial photography or video. Is it in your house rules?

[Deborah1559]

Tell your guests to use my house for their photo shoots! I would take this as a huge compliment! I would seek the photos and use on my website. This seems to me to be great, free advertising for you! How blessed are you!