New Host A Bit Worried

[Kesha38]

Hi guys! I just got my first Airbnb running and have my first guests today. Not only did they bring two additional people but they also brung a dog even though I have a no pet policy. 

Is there a way to avoid these things by including something in particular in my house rules or fees that I could charge to avoid these issues?

Any tips help thanks!

[Helen3]

You can contact the guest who booked and you have seen guests who are not on the booking using the listing and a dog have been brought onto the property too.

Their option is to pay whatever extra fee you charge for extra guests and pets or those not on the booking need to leave.

If you are a new host and are using IB don't or set it so you only accept guests with positive reviews. 

A difficult situation to be in as a new host.

[Kesha38]

Thank you for responding! I changed the rules to needing other host reviews before being able to book instantly. I will also put fees in place just in case an incident like this happens again.

[David8879]

Do

Not

Instant

Book

[Mandi298]

I would love to know more about what this means: 

If you are a new host and are using IB don't or set it so you only accept guests with positive reviews. 

[Fred13]

@Kesha38 As a new host keep one thing in mind: it is up to you to enforce your own house rules, depend on no one. Do not hope guests 'get it', you make sure they do, you make sure they pay when they they turn out to be hustlers trying to get away with ignoring your house rules. Do it all with a smile. As for Airbnb, they are a great supplier of guests.

[Kesha38]

Understood, thank you!

[Inna22]

@Kesha38 You might have to deal with a waive of bad guests until you have some reviews. Often those who are willing to book from a new host are new themselves or are not a detail oriented type. 

Are you near your airbnb and can greet people in person? It might be a good idea for the first few stays. Show them around and go over your rules when you do (not that it would help this particular situation)

Try to engage them in a conversation in advance: what brings you to town? Etc 

Ask for IDs. They will know that you will know who they are and will be more likely to behave. 

Consider allowing pets for a fee. This might always be an uphill battle. You will have a bigger choice of guests and make a little more money 

[Sybe]

@Kesha38 Welcome to Airbnb and the community! I hope your first guests were nice regardless of this. 😃

[Lorna170]

@Kesha38  When contacting your guests with the home access information or replying to their booking, reiterate that only registered guests may enter the property.  I also state that the reservation is for x guests and no pets.  This may help prevent the guest from taking advantage of you.  While charging a fee for a pet generally gets a response, i.e. payment, I have found that guests ignore the additional guest fees, figuring that if they can rent an accommodation that will sleep more than your base, they should not have to pay when they bring extra people.  Good luck!

[Sudsrung0]

I see people saying dont use Instant Booking, Why not? I have had it turned on the day I joined Airbnb it's never been a problem they say you get more bookings, Like my husband says Dont make it difficult for people to book, One thing I have never done is "Self Check In" thats where many problems come from and I always say to the guest we will meet you there at the property.

I am only advertising one property at the moment on Airbnb which is an apartment and no pets are allowed on the project it is stated in my listing and I do inform the guest so they are in no doubt,

It's your choice whether you allow dog's or cat's on your property but remember some guest might not book your property because you are Pet Friendly, I would not book anywhere that is Pet Friendly you cannot get rid of the smell, 

[Luiza205]

As a new host keep one thing in mind: it is up to you to enforce your own house rules, depend on no one.