Unexpected parties

[Kristen383]

We are new to hosting with 1 month under our belt.  Out of 7 guests so far, 4 have now had some kind of party.  I get sick to my stomach watching the "just 2 couples for the weekend" walk up to our ring doorbell with balloons and discuss how to block our camera to sneak the guests in.  Then left with a house full of weed smoke, damage, and garbage.   I was hoping there would be better experiences than this.  

We have tightened up our expectations of having prior reviews and raised our prices.  But in doing that the inquiries go to zero.  

Do you think this is pandemic related since there aren't events to go to?  How do others vet this situation?   Getting quite frustrated with the quality of people taking advantage of our home. 

Last guest we were able to collect on our security deposit, but I wouldn't expect that to be as easy each time.    Can Airbnb do more to curtail this behavior?

[Helen350]

At least your 5 reviews so far have all been 5*! - No 1* revenge reviews from folk asked to pay for the clean up!

I see 3 of your 5 reviews are from local guests..... Many hosts see this as a party waiting to happen; a 'red flag'. - Just a thought. 🙂

[Kristen383]

Should we say No to locals???

[Helen350]

Local begs the question: What do they want to do at yours, that they can't do in their own home, just up/down the road?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Kristen383 You should also consider a longer minimum stay than 1 night. I'm not sure what market you target but 1 night stays definitely attract people who want to party. As @Helen350 says, local guests usually raise red flags and should be carefully screened.

[Kristen383]

Thank you.  These are definitely things we are noticing and will take your advice on a 2 day minimum.   The local guest has been common for us and of course the ones creating the problems.   

[Sarah977]

@Kristen383  Communication with guests when they book or request to book is crucial. It takes awhile to get proficient at vetting guests, but you need to learn the red flags, you need to ask questions, you need to make sure guests are clear on your rules and understand the consequences of not respectimg them.

For instance, guests need to be told that all people who are coming need to be accounted for on the booking, that anyone else will not be allowed on the property and that disrespecting this may result in immediate eviction. It doesn't have to be worded in a threatening way, but simply as the basic info.

You have to do more than just say these things in your listing, you have to reiterate them in messages to the guests.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Kristen383 Revealing the address in the listing is considered high risk for burglaries especially when people can see when it is available. Also I am amazed that Airbnb have let you post your phone numbers.

[Emilia42]

@Mike-And-Jane0 It's interesting. Airbnb will block numbers within the listing text but anything goes in the "During your stay" field. I have noticed phone numbers and websites there often.

[Debra300]

@Kristen383,

You are doing the right thing by seeking advice from other hosts.  If you've not done so already, do a search on topic here in the blog to see what's been previously discussed.   I am surprised that @Sarah977 didn't state her common suggestion to new hosts, turn off instant book until you've had a bit of hosting experience under your belt.  Scammers and rule-breakers target new hosts.  Your apartment is cute, and will still get inquiries and booking requests.  There is no reason to expose yourself to potentially significant loses while earning your hosting stripes.  You will learn how to spot red flags during your interactions with guests through the vetting process of their inquiries and requests.  I also recommend that you require at least two days lead time for a booking to allow you time to communicate with the guest without the pressure of making a decision for a same night/next day booking.

 It is not enough to just look at the Ring Doorbell app.  You have to be able to quickly address improper behavior from guests in person.  If you do not live on site or within 15-20 minutes of the rental, you should get a co-host or property manager.  As a host/property owner, it is your responsibility to remove anyone who is not authorized to at rental.  Airbnb can only cancel a reservation, and doesn't have the ability to remove anyone from a property that they do not own.  Also, there really isn't any security deposit.  Airbnb doesn't put a hold on the guests payment.  So, experienced guests know that your comment about losing the security deposit doesn't hold water.  Good luck, and be sure to read the Airbnb Help pages to become familiar with their policies.

[Ann72]

@Kristen383  Once you get those bookings coming in, it’s like crack, right?  You just want more.  But don’t worry, you’ll get them at the higher price.  And experienced hosts will tell you that people who pay more tend to be better guests.  Don’t be desperate for bookings; it gives guests power over you and your property.

[Inna22]

@Kristen383 my houses are targets for parties- they are big, downtown and I am off site. I have two night minimum for weekends and higher rates, one night during the week and lower rates. There is a number of price tracking software options out there.

I have a party squasher installed and I mention it all over my listing. Take a look at my rules (in other things to note). There are a little too harsh for my own taste but you have to do what you have to do. 

[Eric-And-Roslina0]

We shall be non discriminating, but when Airbnb CS does not protect the host who has some house rules violated, then the CS is discriminating the host in his right.

I had 2 issues with disrespect of non smoking house rules from Muslim guests. I am discriminating or am I being discriminated ?

Airbnb was recently on the side of guests who violates houser rules. He paid nothing for extra cleaning.
Once, a team of guest of north Africa made a party, although I do not accept parties. They smoke even after we told them 4 times to stop, and burned the bin. Close to put my house in fire. 

airbnb CS disappointed me. Result I will discriminate those who have the reputation of disobey house rules,  because we cannot trust Airbnb CS to protect the host. 

[Sarah977]

@Eric-And-Roslina0   And you are under the impression that white, non-Muslim guests never violate non-smoking rules or throw wild parties and trash hosts' homes? 

[Eric-And-Roslina0]

No. It has nothing to do with colors. What a stupid idea. Too easy argument.  I found the guy sympathic and my extra cleaning claim was minimal. 

It has first to do with Airbnb CS service who are on the side of those who disrespected rules, and do not help neither the guest nor the host. 

he will continue to bring dirt and smoke everywhere. And my extra work is not worth the business.