What happens if the power goes out when you have guest here or coming?

[Jennifer1351]

Hi, I have gotten a notice from our power company warning about high winds upcoming in a couple days and to be prepared for possible power outages. The power does go out occasionally - the outages usually don't last long, but you never know what could happen. It makes me concerned if this happens with a guest here, or with an upcoming reservation. I've only been a host since October and not sure how this would be handled? What if I had to have guest leave during a reservation? If they wanted to leave? Hopefully if it does happen guests would be understanding, and maybe they could vacate until power is restored. But if it's during the night, that could be a problem. It is the middle of winter here.

Also, what if I had to cancel a reservation due to weather (circumstance beyond my control?)

Thanks for any information or advice about this!

[Inna22]

@Jennifer1351   This seems to be hypothetical so I would not worry about it for now beyond being ready with a flashlight with batteries,  battery powered candles and extra blankets. In terms of you having to cancel, this would qualify as extenuating circumstances for you as a host so you will not be penalized. Just make sure that you go through Airbnb and don’t do anything yourself without their involvement. 

[Jennifer1351]

Thanks for the information @Inna22. Good point about having flashlights ready with batteries, and maybe i'll get some battery powered candles. Good reminder. Yes, I guess that's all I can do. If it happens, it happens. I have a sense it'll be okay, but it can and does happen. Thanks!

[Sarah977]

@Jennifer1351  Maybe also message the guest just to share the info you got from the power company- that there's a possibility that it could happen, it would be area-wide if it happens, not just your place, and that you'll be prepared with candles, flashlights, and extra bedding on the off-chance that the power goes out for a bit.

[Daniel1598]

@Jennifer1351 Completely agree with Sarah here. Power outages are rare for me, but they happen maybe once or twice a year. Whenever I know that high winds or storms are approaching I will message my guests and let them know that power outage is possible. When they know that I have flashlights and candles prepped for them and that I am ready to assist at any point, they are at ease. We move on without a hitch. I think proactive communication is key in this type of situation, materials a very close second (i.e. battery powered lights, extra blankets, etc).

Daniel

[Jennifer1351]

Thanks @Daniel1598 . I appreciate that thought about proactive communication. I will remember that with other things as well. Well said.

[Jennifer1351]

Good info @Sarah977, thank you! I think I will message the guest just to let them know about the possibility.

[Kathee-and-Paul0]

So this actually happened to me today. My guest messaged me this morning the power was out so I immediately called the power company and they told me they were working on it. I called my guest and apologized for the inconvenience. I felt really bad so I left them a Starbucks gift card in the mailbox and refunded them for half a day. The power ended up only going out for about 2-3 hours. They thanked me for calling and seemed content. So yeah I would tell them what the company told you things happen that are out of our control.

[Clara116]

@Jennifer1351 @Inna22 Hey, I've been a missionary to Africa for many years and they often have zero power or it is out many hours of every day so I searched and found these fabulous lanterns,,,,,weighing 4 ozs. they are solar powered and not really costly and much brighter and better than batteries and flashlights. They will give light for about 8-10 hours, they are made of plastic. I've sent and taken dozens to all our people in Africa and they love them. They just sit them in the sun to charge and so I have one in the cottage and several in my home should they be needed.

The company is Luci..............there are others but these are the best I've found.

You can get them on amazon or through Luci company.

Just thought you'd be interested.

happy hosting, Clara

[Inna22]

I think all normal people will understand that it is not the host's fault. And those who don't, would have found something else to blame on the host if this did not happen. I have had both water and electrical outages during guests stays over the years and they were calming me instead of the other way around. The clearly saw I was concerned and could not do very much to fix it. They also obviously saw that I took care of my property so it was not a negligence of any kind. They all left excellent reviews and mentioned that they felt I was a really attentive host. I did not give any refund to any of them.

[Ann72]

@Jennifer1351 , I think you're right to be concerned and to plan.  My listings are in Maine, where the power goes out regularly.  My caretaker knows where the generators are and how to get them going if they don't turn on automatically, he and my housekeeper have the telephone numbers of the electric company and the electrician who maintains the generators, and each house has flashlights, batteries, Coleman lanterns like these https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000024375-Twin-LED-Lantern/dp/B001TSCINE/ref=sr_1_5?s=outdoor-recrea..., gallon bottles of water and other emergency items.  As long as you have a plan, you should be okay, as power outages, even in rural Maine, rarely last more than a few hours.

[Jennifer1351]

Thanks for all the information! 

Good idea @Kathee-and-Paul0 

I will look into those lights @Clara116 - that's good to know.

Good info @Ann72 , I hadn't thought about making sure I have bottles of water. Thanks for the link to that Coleman latern. Would be great to have a generator, something to keep in mind. 

Thanks again @Inna22, that's funny that they were calming you.

So much good info and help here, it alleviates some stress having this community to discuss things!

[Paul154]

@Jennifer1351 

If the house becomes inhabitable (winter, no heat, no water, no backup...)

you must negotiate a reservation change if the guest wants it. 

If the house becomes inconvenient/unpleasant than you may negotiate a reservation change or some refund.

During the last 24 hour electrical shortage here in winter, I kicked back one day's rent. Guest was happy.

Fortunately when I replaced my last hot water heater, I was sure it would work without power. I also can heat with my gas fireplace too. 

[Paul154]

To be an impressive host, provide guest with a link to your power company's alerts. It saves you alot of grief.

[Jennifer1351]

Great info @Paul154, thanks!  How did you get get your hot water heater to work without power/electricity?  You light the gas flame? Really good to be aware of this option. Great idea about sending them a link to the alert from the power company