Would you decrease a guest rating if he left a saucepan very dirty?

[Muslim4]

Yesterday a guest checked out and told me everything was great. I've not checked the kitchenware in detail because all seemed well. Then after he left I saw that the white saucepan is very dirty with soot stuck to the bottom, as if he didn't use oil when he was cooking or over-cooked something. I immediately sent him the photo through WhatsApp, but he hasn't responded, yet already left his feedback for his stay. It took me a few hours with lots of efforts to clean the saucepan with baking soda and 'Fairy'.

[Kitty-and-Creek0 · Accepted solution]

@Muslim4 

Hi again from California! Hope you've been enjoying hosting - and life - since we last communicated. 

Glad you got the poor pot cleaned up. I would just let this slide, and replace whatever needs replacing, if it does. I would call it the cost of doing business. Accidents do happen, especially in the kitchen. The guest may be embarrassed, and not comfortable dealing with it. It looks like an enamel pot, which the guest might not understand how to best use it. If you wish, mark the guest down a bit for cleanliness perhaps, especially if after inspecting the kitchen you find another serious issue? I'd just "chalk it up" as we say, and just move on to the next thing that pops up. 

What do you see as most appropriate? 

Best wishes to you!

[Muslim4]

Hi again @Kitty-and-Creek0 , thanks for replying! 👍 

Yes, I think you are right. He's not responding and already left a review. That definitely means his review is negative and he doesn't want to be responsible for his actions. That's sad, but, alas, as you mentioned, there's nothing to do about it, so better to move on.

The only thing I don't quite understand is: why all those guests having perfect-five-stars ratings and positive reviews, aren't able to simply follow the house rules. Why nobody cares? Why Airbnb hosts don't want to decrease their rating and warn other hosts? They should be responsible for their actions. Hope the situation will become better.

Anyway, thanks for your support. Wish you happy hosting!     

[Inna22]

@Muslim4 if you charge very little per night and it is a small space with very few items offered so there is no amount built in for accidentals and easy to know who ruined an item (like it was not the guest before) and the item has to be replaced, I would say you have a full right to charge. However, if your place is not a budget accommodation or the ruined item is very cheap or if you were able to clean it up after all, I would say let it go

[Paula]

Hi @Muslim4, I hope everything is going well!

Thank you so much for reaching out to our community for advice. Have you had a chance to read the suggestions from our experienced hosts? Have you made a final decision on whether to charge your guests for this or not?

Best regards,