Hi - We recently had a problematic guest on a 2 month stay. I'm interested in advice on how to handle.
1.) They requested to have their emotional support cat stay pretty forcefully and threatened ADA when we requested additional security deposit for any damage. (We don't normally allow pets and I am familiar with ADA regarding service animals vs emotional support but okay).
2.) They changed their official address to our home and had mail forwarded to our address. Intent was purchasing vehicles including bank documents and government vehicle registration. When we asked them to stop and notified AirBnb host support, they agreed but continued to have Amazon UPS packages delivered. They demanded that the mail items that our house-watcher had picked up be brought to them at the house. (Our mailbox is locked.)
3.) When they checked out, the house was left with cat litter strewn around the floor, cat hair everywhere and embedded all over the couch, and a large plastic yard bag full of perishable food of theirs left at the house. We paid around $35 to have the garbage disposed off and removed from the house. While there was no "damage" that we have yet discovered - the house was left messy far beyond norms on AirBnb (yes, I know there are horror stories way worse.)
4.) After check-out, they are requesting return of a small stuffed animal that they left at the house. We are away for a few weeks so let them know we would return it if we see it. Per, 2. above, they have been very demanding and persistent.
The net result is that we have discontinued hosting entirely at our personal home, as this risk profile just isn't worth the money. I'm curious advice from other hosts on how to handle or to just let this go at this point. They are likely to continue persisting on 4.) above and of course will return their small item -- when we return -- if we find it. I am concerned about their retribution and safety frankly of this guest profile based on their behavior to date.