storing guests personal belongings for a short-term

[David9653]

My guest has a three month contract and will be leaving for one week to go home, then returning and renting from me for another two months.  She asked if she could leave some of her personal belongs while she's gone, so she doesn't have to carry them back with her.

My house has the space, but not a lot.  I would have to be responsible if anything were to happen to her possessions, and I am wondering if there is a host guild line for this type of request.

Any ideas?

[Helen744]

David9653 this is really a trust issue between you and a long term guest. Its your choice, its only a week . I would certainly try and accommodate . Take pics, ask that nothing valuable or irreplaceable be left and lock it away. If you intend to clean while your guest is away then say so and if you intend to have another guest or use the property yourself then do not use any of the guests belongings but secure kitchen items with please do not use signs or something similar . No guest should have great loads of stuff anyway ... H

[Fred13]

It really does sound logical enough and you are making it so much easier for the guest to lengthen their stay.

[David9653]

Thank you very much!

[Debbie210]

You could take a photo of her items all together, so they’re out of your way as well. Have her sign, you are not responsible for these items. You can lock up the door and close the shades, but that’s all that you’d be willing to do.

[David9653]

thank you Debbie. Good advice!

[Sudsrung0]

@David9653 

I just remembered I stored a suit case for a guy thatwas over three years ago, it's in my store room at the back of my office, I also inherited a laptop so I changed the hard drive, well if he ever comes back I can give him his hard drive back, 

[Huma0]

@David9653 

I don't want to seem mean spirited, but I think really the guest should have booked the full duration if she was intending to leave belongings for the week that she is away. That's what my guests do. I currently have a guest staying for two months. During that time she went to Paris for one week. Another long term guest is going to be away for ten days. Both guests are paying for the nights they are away.

If the guest wants to save money by booking two stays either side of the week she is away (seems odd to be because what is one week in a five month+ stay?), of course that is fine, but then she shouldn't be leaving her things behind or should sort out her own storage. I would be a bit miffed if a guest did this with me. On the other hand, if space isn't an issue, maybe it's no big deal, but I would certainly not want to take any responsibility for her belongings.

Anyway, I guess the deed is already done in terms of the booking and it's not worth making a fuss over seeing as your guest is returning for another two months. I would make it crystal clear and have the guest confirm in writing that you are not responsible for her belongings. I would also make sure that she is not planning on leaving any valuables behind. Get her to agree to this in writing. You could also maybe make a list of the items she is leaving and ask her to sign it, but that might send the message that you ARE taking responsibility for those items. I don't know...