Non-declared pets

[Ian33233]

I have just got home after renting out my house for the weekend and there is dog hair everywhere and a dog toy left, so I know that they had a dog here. 

I normally charge £25 for a pet, but they didn’t say they would be having one and so I didn’t charge them. 

I know from neighbours that they also had more than the 4 people staying here that they paid for and again, I don’t mind more but I charge for extra guests. 

Have people pursued this in the past and if so, is it worth the hassle or should I just let it go?

[Helen3]

Sounds like you need CcTV. 

I'd be furious if guests did this to me.

you can definitely charge if you can provide evidence but guests can then leave revenge reviews . 

[Colleen253]

@Ian33233 Your listing just indicates ‘pets allowed’. I don’t see a pet fee, nor wording that asks guests to alert you to the fact they are bringing an animal. I would let that one go. Add to your house rules and description asking guests to declare pets, and also ask them at time of booking if they are bringing one, because many people don’t read a listing thoroughly. Add a pet fee. 

You would do well to confirm at booking that the indicated guest count is accurate. Address unauthorized visitors in your house rules. Be clear that only those declared on the booking are allowed, at any time, and disregard for the rule will result in booking being cancelled. It helps to require the booking guest to supply to you, at time of booking, the full names of all guests attending. 

I also recommend you remove the references to sleeper sofa and blow up bed from your listing. It sends the wrong message. Proper beds only, and an occupancy limit to match them. Results in less issues like you just experienced.

Mention the unauthorized visitors in your review of the guest. Otherwise I would let this one go also. As @Helen3alluded, you risk a retaliatory review if you bring it up now, and with few reviews, it’s probably not worth it. If you had at least 50 reviews, you could better withstand a potential stinker. Making some adjustments going forward should help cut down on this happening in future. Successful hosting on Airbnb is all about prevention and careful maneuvering. Take more control of the process. 

[Ian33233]

@Colleen253 I’ve got a pet fee, but definitely an idea to make it clearer in the listing. Also a good idea with the beds. 

Thanks for the advice, really helpful

[Sarah977]

@Ian33233  It isn't a matter of making it "clearer"- no mention of pets or a pet fee is mentioned at all anywhere in your listing description and your house rules only say pets are allowed.

[Colleen253]

@Ian33233 You're welcome. Maybe double check your settings, as I did not see a pet fee anywhere. I did a test book and it's not anywhere on the booking page.