Have you had a host who sent additional rules after you booked and paid for the room?

[Kathleen1197]

After arriving at the room that was paid for, my host sent additional rule list including a rule that we are not allowed to bring a glass of water into the bedroom. I would never have agreed to this rule because I have dry mouth and like to have something to drink next to me at night. They also sent us a list of cleaning rules that were not posted before, including cleaning the oven and throwing the bedding into the washing machine, which is downstairs, and a very steep stairway, I might add. I think this was very unfair, but if I didn’t do it, I would get a bad review so I had to. Has this ever happened to you? 

[Joan2709]

@Kathleen1197 

When you book, you agree to the House Rules as they appear on the listing at the time of booking. Did you review the House Rules before booking and were the Rules you mentioned on the listing at that time?  If not, you could have contacted Airbnb and asked them to cancel the stay and give you a full refund. Airbnb can see what was on the listing under House Rules when you booked.

Hosts are strongly encouraged to list their check-out tasks on the listing; but it is NOT required. Go to the listing under Things to Know at the bottom of the page. If the Host added their check-out instructions to the listing they would appear there. If they didn't list them, then you are subject to whatever check-out tasks the Host requires.

Always review the check-out instructions and House Rules BEFORE booking a stay. If there are no check-out instructions under Things to Know, then I would message the Host and ask them what they are before booking, or skip that listing and move on to another one that does show check-out instructions.

[Guy991]

Hello @Kathleen1197 ,

This is an interesting case and I think it is worth looking at more closely. Here are my thoughts for you to consider.

Firstly, remember that the host has a lot more to lose than you. You might end up with a bad review, but you could easily have their listing suspended. For example, with the “no water in the bedroom” rule, how are they going to enforce it? Entering your space and checking without you being there or without your consent could get them suspended completely. Do they live on the same property?

in my opinion, adding house rules after you have checked in is not acceptable. Everything should have been stated in the listing as those are the agreed terms.

On the other hand, keeping the oven clean and putting the towels in the washing machine does not seem worth arguing about. I would just do it.

Be better than them. Enjoy your stay to the fullest and do not let this bother your trip too much. The host might not even be aware of the risk they are taking. Do they have lots of reviews? Are they superhosts? It is not necessarily bad intentions. It could simply be a foolish practice, but better to stay cautious.

I know a guest who checked in and found that the host had left them with unreasonable demands, such as feeding his cat. Being responsible for a pet when it is not mentioned in the listing is a bad idea, and the guest reached out to Airbnb and cancelled the stay.

That said, if it is just a few extra requests to leave the property in a better state, I would personally do them and not say a word. I would even send the host pictures to show that I followed their requests. It should make the host happy.

I have also had guests who sent me pictures of the keys when they left. From the host’s point of view, this is a sign of respect and consideration.

[Emilie]

Hi @Kathleen1197, 

I'm sorry to hear you weren't fully pleased with your recent stay!

Joan and Guy have share their take on this situation on how they would approach it, have you had a chance to review their responses? It would be great to hear what you think. 🙂

Thanks, 

Emilie