Repairs needed during guest stay

[Christy448]

What if we notice a broken screen on our screened in porch. Should we message the guests and ask if we can come repair it?  They have not brought it to our attention.  But we would like to get it fixed promptly and they have three more nights.  

[Shelley159]

Please do excuse me if this is a very stupid question @Christy448 , as I don't host in an area where porch screens are a thing 😃

Why is it so urgent that you'd want to fix it right away, instead of planning the repair for the day of checkout?

[Christy448]

Mainly because this has happened to us in the past and a bird flew in and couldn’t figure out how to get back out and caused additional damage.  the guest has only three more nights so we’ll probably just wait. I was just curious what other people did in these sort of circumstances

[Shelley159]

OK @Christy448, I can image the unpleasant type of damage a bird can do to your cleaning schedule if it was trapped inside for some time!

Hopefully someone has had a similar situation and can help.

In general, for a repair during a stay, I would:

1) Ask the guest whether they want the repair to be done. Some prefer privacy (and they may not see a potential bird as their problem). Perhaps you can ask whether they'd like it to be repaired to keep out mosquitoes (if applicable)?

2) Keep the conversation in writing in the Airbnb app, just in case there's a privacy complaint later.

3) For the same reason - if they do want it to be repaired - make sure the time and date is clearly agreed in the app.

How did you notice the issue now? On a camera or are you nearby? Just be prepared that the guest may wonder how you know, and you don't want them to feel like they're being watched.

[Christy448]

Thanks Shelly.  Our next door neighbor informed us.  It happened after a bad storm.  

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Christy448 

It’s best to communicate openly with your guest let them know you’re planning to replace the screen and ask for their approval first. Share a clear timeline on how quickly it can be fixed so they can plan around it and avoid any inconvenience during their stay.

If they seem hesitant or prefer not to have repairs done while they’re there, it’s usually better to wait until after checkout to complete the work.

[Greystone0]

Hi @Christy448  - can the screen be repaired from the outside, or at least a temporary fix from the outside?

If so, that could be an option to allow you to make sure your property is safe but also give guest privacy.

[Sophie3236]

I would definitely communicate this to the guests and ask when it’s good to enter the space as you need to get this repaired for safety. If you explain the urgency for their own safety I’m sure they’ll be fine and will be happy for you to enter 

[Frances3408]

@Christy448 .Depending on the state of the broken screen it may or may not be an urgent repair- what do the pics show?

I'd just send the guest a message to say neighbour has mentioned broken screen following storm and would they prefer you organised someone to come and fix during your stay or wait till after?

That way you are placing the option back with your guest, who may not care its broken as they havent mentioned it to you (yet). 

I think your guest will thank you for not interrupting their stay, you will get brownie points for being an attentive host and one who also respects their privacy.

I once had a neighbours chickens get out and somehow they flew into our yard and set up a nest on the outdoor couch. Cleaners had to chase them back out to the street as they woudlnt fly away. So agree sometimes wildlife can leave a mess but dealing with humans requires grace and patience.

Hope this helps.

[Rebecca]

Hi @Christy448 👋

Wow, you've got some great replies here from some of our experienced hosts @Sophie3236 @Frances3408 @Greystone0 @Patricia2526. When are your new guests arriving? Have you decided what to do, based on the support you got here? 😊