Minor Damage/Not following Checkout - charge them?

[Debra798]

Hi, 

I feel a little unsure how to handle renters that leave the place a mess, do minor damage (such as cigarette burn in outdoor sofa, or hole poked in an indoor chair, or just don't take out the trash or take off the sheets. We have a large rental that can sleep up to 20 but I advertise it for 12. I have made clear it is not a party house and yet it continues to be treated as one. 

I worry that if I leave a bad review about the renter, they will leave me a bad review. 

Also, I have no idea what I would charge for the minor damage if I charged. 

I manage it on my own with an amazing cleaning lady who spots everything that is different after each rental and sends me pictures. So, I have proof of the damage.

If anyone has great advice, I'd appreciate it. 

Thank you!

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Debra798 

Ah, alas. Davis is a university town, and thus a party town. Also such a large capacity is tempting to groups who are not respecting the home as we all would wish. 

Damage to furniture is a real issue. Not taking out the trash is minor, imho. In fact, not everyone understands how to sort trash and recycling, here in Northern California. 

Leaving sheets on beds is preferable for me. Why? Much easier to check for and treat spots, stains, food, debris of any kind, before washing. If guests remove the sheets I have to spread them out to inspect them. 

Best wishes to you, and may the situation improve for you!

[Debra798]

Thank you for the support. It is a home in Tahoe and it has so many beds that my cleaning lady can't get all the laundry done and cleaning done in time if she also has to remove the sheets off of the bunk beds, etc. 

How much would you charge for the cigarette burn?

I agree trash isn't a huge issue but there is tons of it sometimes and we have bear boxes outside to put it in. Do you mention that in the review you leave for them? That they didn't follow checkout procedures? Do they leave a review before seeing yours?

[Joan2709]

@Debra798 

I work with a Host that has a very large property with 6 bedrooms and 13 beds and listed for 16+ guests. This Host doesn't do same day turns as it would be impossible. The day before/after a booking is blocked. There is also an extra washer/dryer in the garage the cleaners use along with the washer/dryer in the listing that guests use. This enables cleaners to get the laundry done faster. 

Many guests don't follow check-out instructions regarding taking out trash or stripping beds. Agree with @Kitty-and-Creek0 it is not a big deal.

Cigarette burns in furniture or "partying" is unacceptable. I suggest getting noise monitor(s) (properly disclose them on the listing). Airbnb does not require you to disclose the location of noise monitors like with security cameras. In your after booking message I suggest that you politely state parties are prohibited by Airbnb. In order to comply with their party prevention policies and with local noise ordinances, we have noise monitors that detect noise decibel levels, but do not record audio. 

Airbn has partnered with Minut to provide free noise sensors along with a free (3) month subscription. I would definitely take advantage of that. There is another company called Noise Aware that has a similar product.  

Minut Noise Sensor/Cigarette Smoke Detector/Occupancy Levels

https://store.minut.com/airbnb/host-offer/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=AirbnbInt...

[Debra798]

This is extremely helpful, thank you!!!

[Rebecca]

Hi @Debra798 👋

You've started a great conversation here and got some great support from some of our experienced hosts. I want to tag in @Kitty-and-Creek0 so they get a notification of your reply and perhaps can offer some further support alongside @Joan2709's feedback. 

That monitor sounds like a great idea - especially in university/student town! I can imagine there would be a need for sound monitor. I'd love to know if you get one Debra! 

Thanks @Kitty-and-Creek0 and @Joan2709 for your support here! 

[Debra798]

And am I being nitpicky about them following the checkout instructions?

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Debra798 

Checkout instructions are your choice, and you might weigh their relative importance to you. As I mentioned, trash and bed linens are best left alone for me and my place. I don't have any check out suggestions at all. My  guests are reminded to check to make sure they have all their belongings, and that is all. I right away turn off heat/AC if they did not, and check for anything they might have left behind. I open windows to air the place out,  bring in the vacuum cleaner, pull the trash containers. It is rare for me to find any issues.