What should I do when Guests are inviting friends over?

[Shannon182]

I am having ongoing problems with guests inviting their friends over. Some have even shared keys and codes for entry with unbooked visitors and today we had a large wedding party get ready at our property while it was only booked for two! One of the bridesmaids returned and set off the security alarm, which caused a callout, and they're questioning whether they should have to pay for it.

My Airbnb is a 3 bedroom self check-in home with a "no parties" rule. We can see from our front door security camera when extra people show up but, when we contact the guests about it, they always deny they're having a party and say they're just having a few friends over.

Does Airbnb have a clear deifinition of "no parties"? Does Airbnb have any rules about sharing of keys or codes? Can I expect the guests to pay the security call-out fee since they allowed a friend to go into the property without the alarm code?

My biggest concern is that, every time a guest hosts unbooked people, we suffer mess and breakages and the guests deny responsibility. Our home is a good size but only has dining and lounge seating for 7 and I don't want large groups crowding my home or bothering my neighbours.

[Fred126]

An idea @Shannon182, considering you have a 'crowd -control' issue. Limit the number at your place at any given time to a certain number - 8, 10? You have 7 as is now, why 7 if there are 3 beds; shoiuldn't it be 6, subject to exception?

   Also perhaps limit the hour of the day they may have visitors.

   If you have such a popular place and accomodates 7 - maybe the price should be $125 or $150, to ensure more 'adults'?

   Just some thoughts.

[Shannon182]

Hi Fred, I'm a bit confused. Which of my listings are you looking at? The Auckland property where I'm having this issue sleeps 7 (no exceptions) across 5 beds in 3 bedrooms and has a house rule limiting numbers to 8 during the day. The price is automated but sits at a minimum of $155 up to 4 people with an addtional charge per person after that. I'm not sure how lowering the price would help.

I'm currently updating the house rules in accordance with some of the advice above.

[Andrew1025 · Accepted solution]

Hello All. Thank you for the information. I think the above discussion on friends of guests is ignoring a very crucial component and perspective. Insurance. To the best of my understanding, a guest and your property is contractually covered by airbnb insurance. Allowing "friend of guest" into the property would automatically invalidate the $1M insurance. In the unfortunate event of an accident at your facility, I strongly suspect it would be difficult for Airbnb to compensate you for any damage caused by a visiting friend of the guest; and you would be held squarely liable for any injuries that a friend of a guest suffers in your property. With such risks of legal liability, I think it would be advisable never to allow friends of guests to come over. They should meet outside the airbnb property. Thank you.

[Deb216]

Excellent advice.

Thank you Andrew1025.

[Mary996]

@Andrew1025   totally agree. Very important!!

[James2566]

I found guests assume that the number of guests they disclose only applies to who is *sleeping* there overnight. When I specify “unregistered guests” on “the property” (indoors or out, cause you have to be specific), I’ll get some questions to clarify and at that point guests looking to party go away on their own, before booking. Parties is too vague in my opinion as no one considers their small gatherings as a party. So for us, it’s “No unregistered guests on the property”. Some hosts allow parties, I choose not to for now.