This seems like a case where Airbnb took rent money right out of my pocket! This was a booking that my property could’ve booked on many other formats because it was an annual event and very lucrative.
Most of us have local laws about how many people we can host. Even if it’s not a law host has the right to how many people they want to host on a given night. These could be reasons due to personal preferences could be your plumbing could be your willingness to clean after a large crowd etc.
My house rules clearly state if you show up with more people that you are paying for or that which is legal in my district, you will not be refunded for breaking that rule.
After the guest showed up with more people I told him I had it on camera and that they would have to leave. Local Codes could have removed my permit due to the extra number of people! Well they called Airbnb, and Airbnb gave them a full refund! Not supporting me, A super host who follows the rules and has not had drama in the past with Guests.
I lost a lot of money from that booking through no fault other than a guest breaking the law. It’s similar if somebody smokes pot in the house! That’s against the law here in Nashville. Should I call the police? And risk losing my permit? Threaten the guests with expensive remediation of the smell and let them slam me in a review? What if a neighbor called police and I was arrested for illegal activities on my property?
Should I call Airbnb support? No you’re pretty much held hostage by the guest and they are allowed to do what they want with as many people as they want and they can always be refunded apparently. And they know this!
Last night again a guest allowed more people in overnight then I allow. And I did not mention it to them. I was hostage! I used to ask them to at least pay the extra eight dollar fee per person. But because of my experience with Airbnb support the last time… I decided not to contact them at all! Or they would have gotten a full refund if they wanted to! And they know this!
Each time this happens I short Airbnb’s stock to make up for my losses. I may start a Reddit Meme Group!
As you can tell this experience left a very bad taste in my mouth for this booking format.I have lost trust in the partnership entirely. Raising my prices on Airbnb to get less bookings from them. My rental has its “Brand” and it’s clear that the Airbnb Guest has their “Brand” also which is what I’d be focused on in the company. A design group aimed at creating a Brand of Guests.