Post by High Priestess on Nov 24, 2015 6:00:48 GMT
Chantelle & Lance shared Nov 23 2015
Current guests- Jekyll and Hyde together with a comedy of errors
We currently are hosting a really lovely, friendly couple who are close to our age. There is a bit of a language barrier but all in all we get by. They've come to Perth as their first stay on a year long trip around Australia.
Our first week was pleasant. They didn't go out a lot as they only had pushbikes and no car. Understandable. Or so we thought.
Suddenly week 2 hits and they get really comfortable really fast!
(We host monthly bookings often and over the years this has never happened so soon or so intensely)
My best conditioner is suddenly empty, tomato and bbq sauce all gone, the fridge has been taken over and their mess is all over the house.
They bought a van. Excellent they can go out now. Noooope, they still stay home. ALL DAY ALL NIGHT.
2 weeks now and they NEVER leave. They have made themselves incredibly at home- taken over the dining table with laptops and paperwork, the kitchen is in use 3 times a day for full cooked meals, the deck is full of their bikes and other stuff that even my dogs are feeling invaded!
They have decided to work on their van and build a bed for their travels. I come home to find they have found the key to the garage and have helped themselves to my husbands array of expensive tools and have just left them littering the front yard.
I come home to pull in the driveway and run over a pile of nails. There goes my brand new car tyre. Poor baby had only done 2050km. Bye bye $200 for a replacement.
They've scratched our floorboards, dented our dining room table, broken a dishwasher rack wheel.
We mentioned the nails to them and the tyre and they were so mortified (didn't offer to pay though) and if we ever mention anything they genuinely start panicking and almost crying that they have been evil. So bringing things up seems like a worse option!
They really are lovely people who are just clumsy and daft and don't think more than a millimetre ahead of them, but it's making our lives hell. They are costing us more than what they paid and we have another 2 weeks to go!
What would you do in this situation?
Aj
Oh dear!! It sounds more like they've figured you and your whole family out including the dogs and will probably keep costing you money till their last day... If they cry when you tell them off it won't rain blood I don't think! You can perhaps tell them off or ask them to contribute toward fixing broken stuff over dinner in a time and manner that won't be confrontational or hash but yet still they will understand that you meant business!
I wonder what Rhonda will do ??
Rhonda
Aloha and good morning Aj, Funny you should ask. Deja vu my October, yes? I attempted to move my own computer to make office in garage, Wait!! they are there with their bicycles. All I can remember is shutting my mouth, not buying any more food, in the end I didn't eat for three days due to their constant kitchen usage, and just cried (of course only tears, not blood). What a ride that learning experience was!
Rhonda
Plus I got a horrible review on another site. Oh Well, Can't please 100% of the people 100% of the time. I made major changes to my house rules.
C C
How did you get a horrible review on another site? In a different case? Or were those Oct guests from the other site?
Rhonda
Aloha and Good Morning C C, yes, the guests were from a different site. I told the story here and got totally 'reamed' by the group that they didn't originate from Airbnb. I deleted the post to deflect any further grumbles. They gave me a three star. I don't receive many bookings from the other sites, her's was the only one for that particular space. Who cares? It's in German. LOL. Let the Good Times Roll!
C C
How does a rich lady with a gorgeous house in paradise (assume, haven't looked) get a bad review?
C C
Other sites absolutely suck. But one good thing: they don't give refunds. I had a guest from another site book over the weekend. Room too cold, so without asking, they took up in another room, twice the size & with an ensuite bath. I have pple coming in 24/7. Glad their little snooze didn't get crashed by some legit pple. We had a throw down when I found this out. Anyway, I called company to head off refund request. They said they don't get into refund requests or fights. Works for me. Plus, even though guests don't get reviewed, hosts do get last rebuttal.
Aj
Wow! I had no idea Rhonda, I hope you had a nice dinner and treat yourself after those hoodlums left. If they gave you a bad review then something is wrong with them. C.C I have not had of any other sites that do this around my zone. In the US however I think there are few that even incorporate your ABNB calendar into theirs so to have no clash. Perhaps I've felt more safe here and comfortable that I cannot be bothered with the rest. I'm reluctant to answer enquiries to rent the whole house out while I'm away. I'm usually on top of things and know the steps my guest are taking in my home and so these stories just gives me chills.
Rhonda
C C..because I approached her on her way out to her car for check-out asking if she had replaced an swim article she told me she had lost and promised to replace, and asked if they felt so inclined to contribute some $$ for the amount of food they had consumed. Sent her over the edge. I'm glad I asked anyway, I would have only been kicking myself for not. I made a rebuttal, suggesting a hotel would have better been a better match. She removed her profile pic. I think I stated it clearly what a 'user' she was.
helga
Rhonda. If You stated it clearly, It was seld defense to remove the picture ;-)
Lisa
I've had a few like that in the past and it was AWFUL, yours sound worse though with helping themselves to the tools and just leaving things in the front. It's a hard call what to do when the space invaders are there. It seems that simply offering access to certain parts of the house is interpreted by many couples as completely take over! It's so bloody uncomfortable when they don't leave at all, have everything scattered about and you have nowhere nto go in your own home. They'd have to have absolutely no common sense or social grace to not understand what the're doing. Most people aren't naive and know exactly what they're doing. However, they have their own self interest waaaaay above yours. I feel for ya, big hugs. Have you considered asking them to leave?
Mig
"Here, let me help you find alternative Accomodation, no really. I will help you pack as well"
These people would test the patience of anime and are more suited to either a hotel or sole occupancy listings. Get rid and save your sanity.
Sapna
you sound too nice. Aren't you allowed to give them a small bill with all the costs of repairs tacked on?? They may not understand social rules or be aware of what they did but the bill would definitely make them more careful.. I have had people do that to me... Charge even a penny for the smallest things... I automatically learnt to keep check.
Raymond & Elaine
Unfortunatly they have no Security Deposit .
Raymond & Elaine
It doesn't actually sound as if they have broken any of your houserules, so it's too late for these guests to be rehoused by airbnb. For future guests you should look at Deborah very detailed house rules that have developped over time. Make sure guests know where they have access to and where is off liits. How much time they are allowed in your home. Some hosts require their guests to be out between certain times of the day. Give limited access to the kitchen and a shelf in the cupboards for their food Not Yours. You need to sit down and get the air cleared. If they are 5 year olds be gentle with them. If they are adults then your worst option is not to talk to them for fear of them crying, but calling the police if they cause any real damage by being clumsy and daft. To answer your very last question. What would you do in this situation? I'd grow some b**** and get them out !
globalhosting.freeforums.net/thread/456/tips-new-hosts globalhosting.freeforums.net/thread/455/red-flags-hosts globalhosting.freeforums.net/thread/39/doormat-syndrome-post-andrew
C C
I'm not sure why it would be too late for them to be rehomed. In any case it's not too late for them to get tossed, Airbnb notwithstanding. I would sit down, tears or no, and go over in great detail my expectations & their transgressions. Some people just really don't get it, though, which is one of the most important things I've learned being a LL. Any more probs after that, give them the old heave-ho.
Raymond & Elaine
CC you are correct, airbnb would not help rehouse them if they had broken house rules, which doesn't seem to be the case here. Thanks for the correction.
C C
No, no correction involved--just saying I believe Airbnb can rehome for any number of reasons, without rule-breaking, but whether they will or won't, you're still in control of your own home. If you have to put them out on the street & let them take it up with charlie's lisst or what have you, you can. Period. Airbnb doesn't run me or any other host.
Aj
C.C I am certain you can deal with these folks from the first drop of a screw driver lol. Am sure Airbnb can rehouse then even if they have 2 nights left so they are not homeless.
C C
There's surely some generic rule in Airbnb that pple can't do half the stuff they've done. They can get tossed on that basis. Not that folks read, but it says in my listings they're renting a room with privileges. A room. With privileges. That can be revoked. But when you say it's almost a worse option to risk their tears, that's a red flag to me that you are too weak a person to be a host. A problem that can be surmounted, of course, but also must be.
Sara
You need to present them with a bill for your tyres how dare they take the garage keys and use tools without permission how did they know where the key is
I had a guy who used my dining room all night and my internet data ;he asked if he could stay till Xmas but I said my son wanted his room back now I only accept people that have a real job or studies which I verify because the gas electricity etc is soooo much in UK that I can't afford to have stay at homes in my house good luck to you but you have to let go
Aj
Sara, I know the feeling of extreme gas and electric bills out here. I always tell guest when the gas will be on and off and wrote it on my house rules. So far it seems okay.
helga
I would just send them a mail via the site stating what they have done and what will not be tolerated for any reason in the future like helping themselves to your food, entering locked rooms, using tools etc. I would then add that they caused damage to the car by strewing nails on the road (completely idiot thing to do) and that they have to replace the food and pay the tire. If they do not do that, they have to leave. And then I'd send a payment request via the resolution center for the tire. Sending it over the website creates evidence and they can cry all by themselves in their room. Install also rules about use of the common areas. I would not tolerate computers on my living room desk and I would not tolerate cooking more than once per day. The next time they start to cry, start a hilarious laughter, kick or husband with the elbow in the ribs and say "Do you believe that? Adults who cry when scolded?? Our kid / review did not do that at five years old." I think that will stop the crying on the spot. You can then add: "Nice that we can talk as adults and this behavior that you showed the last week is completely inacceptable." - Hosting onsite I found myself scolding guests like little kids and I hate it, but I would hate much more to have them take over my home.
helga
Spellcheck, sorry: kid/niece
Sara
This group is much more fun and helpful than the London group where is "Deborah's list"of rules?
helga
Deborah posted a lot of her stock of experience and useful tips and tricks on her new forum. Retain the address, it can be helpful when these boards are closed: globalhosting.freeforums.net
Raymond & Elaine
Her list of house rules can be found on her listing. She lets us go there and help ourselves, abit like mamie and her biscuit cupboard.
Mary
I had a guy recently who also made himself very comfortable I my home. I eventually had enough and asked him to leave. He got bitchy when I mentioned what was upsetting me and tried to Tur it back on me. I made him leave that very evening because of his attitude. I was so relieved to get rid of him. The more I let him away with stuff the worse he got. Every night he was up watching TV til 5am. No one should ever make you feel uncomfortable in your own home! Get rid!
Raymond & Elaine
Raymond does that sometimes (watch tv untill 5am), should I ask airbnb to re-house him ? No, they might send him to Helga and he might want to stay !
Mary
I didn't ask airbnb to rehouse him. I just threw him out. If Raymond is up til 5am in his own house that's Fine. But would he do it for a whole month while renting a room in someone else's house? Also would he smoke out the window?
Raymond & Elaine
Most people here know my sense of humour. I should have added
to my post above. Maybe I should throw Raymond out....
helga
Hah, as long as he uses the headset, he is welcome to watch till 5 am, but I stop at 2am. The problem with manipulative people is that they start slowly and then it gets worse and worse. The technique is always the same, they take more then you want to give, have no consideration for your needs and when you try to reign them in they make you feel guilty. I'm absolutely allergic against that behavior. I don't mind to give more things to nice people than they have paid for, but that's apart, it depends if I feel they merit it and would like the attention. I hate to be forced to give a cent's worth of more than I would do on my own free decision. I often had to lead teams of people which I would not choose, even hostile teams or manage larger groups, sometimes coming into situations already boiling over. Laughing is a very good weapon, gets the nice people to your side and disarms some of the troublemakers. The really mean types, the manipulative ones, you have to crush, otherwise you loose. And in the end, we rent our homes to make money, not to satisfy a masochist's most elaborate dream. Getting your home damaged makes you only loose money.
C C
Let me quote what this lady said to me, of why she would be ignoring check out: I can't work a 12- hour night shift and then drive home. It's not safe for me. I tend to fall asleep at the wheel after working all night. I can't drive home until after I sleep.
Rhonda
C C. And how did all then end?
Raymond & Elaine
She paid for the extra night ? "Guests further agree to leave the Accommodation no later than the checkout time that the Host specifies in the Listing or such other time as mutually agreed upon between the Host and Guest. If a Guest stays past the agreed upon checkout time without the Host's consent, they no longer have a license to stay in the Listing and the Host is entitled to make the Guest leave. In addition, Guests agree that the Host can charge the Guest, for each 24 hour period that the Guest stays over the agreed period without the Host's consent, an additional nightly fee of two times the average nightly Accommodation Fee originally paid by the Guest to cover the inconvenience suffered by the Host"
C C
Well, when we were bonding, she said her one-day initial trial (which is smart) was satisfactory & she would go on & book the first of 3 mos. The very next communication was of how can she book 4 more days & oh by the by, she won't be checking out on time. I told her that's exactly why I rent rooms--so people can sleep. So pay your money & sleep. I gave her a discount for that day, but because she further wanted me to keep the room available but not pay for an excess minute, like going home on weekends, I had to dump her overboard.
helga
Did she want a month to a monthly price less the weekends? Plus sleep time on the deducted days to drive home refreshed? Interesting deal. Maybe you should offer in such cases that she creates a listing for the weekends and you let her subhost but she has to manage that and clean. You take a percentage and may offer key service for her guests against a fee. ;-))
C C
The bad part was--a monthly price would have been the cheapest, least complicated thing she could have done. That would have cured it all. But the worst part was she expected me to hash through & memorize her schedule, I guess. And oh, she was supposed to work on Sun but they called it off.... Can't keep up with my own schedule!
Rhonda
C C, the whole downside is when the guests expect to sleep all day which is impossible when we have rooms to ready and Cindersmella work that needs to be done.
Deborah
Hi, I'm the Deborah who Elaine referred to....
I concur with what's been said by Elaine regarding setting up your business so you don't allow guests to get so far spread out in the first place, that they are all over your house. WHat I see here is a boundaries issue. Many hosts, particularly new ones, have boundary issues that arise -- for the simple reason that people who are not used to having renters stay with them, are not aware of the types of boundary issues that easily can arise, and thus, how important it is to set clear boundaries with crystal clear house rules.
When you think about it, having guests in one's home is a very intimate thing, and your home is about the most intimate place you could possibly do business. WHich is why boundaries figure so heavily into the situation. Many people, in fact, don't even know what boundaries are, and how to talk about them and create limits and boundary lines. So, for such individuals, being an Airbnb host can become a very excellent education in boundaries -- learning what they are, and learning how to decide where yours are, (Where you want to set your lines) and then setting up your boundary lines with very clear, crystal clear rules, and then....practicing developing spine (flexing your spine muscles) and exercising spine, so that you as a host have the spine to confront a guest when the guest is out of line (has crossed over the boundary line, whatever it may be in a given situation) and needs to be put back in place, on the other side of the line.
My post on tips for new hosts goes into this issue, I believe:
globalhosting.freeforums.net/thread/456/tips-new-hosts
Current guests- Jekyll and Hyde together with a comedy of errors
We currently are hosting a really lovely, friendly couple who are close to our age. There is a bit of a language barrier but all in all we get by. They've come to Perth as their first stay on a year long trip around Australia.
Our first week was pleasant. They didn't go out a lot as they only had pushbikes and no car. Understandable. Or so we thought.
Suddenly week 2 hits and they get really comfortable really fast!
(We host monthly bookings often and over the years this has never happened so soon or so intensely)
My best conditioner is suddenly empty, tomato and bbq sauce all gone, the fridge has been taken over and their mess is all over the house.
They bought a van. Excellent they can go out now. Noooope, they still stay home. ALL DAY ALL NIGHT.
2 weeks now and they NEVER leave. They have made themselves incredibly at home- taken over the dining table with laptops and paperwork, the kitchen is in use 3 times a day for full cooked meals, the deck is full of their bikes and other stuff that even my dogs are feeling invaded!
They have decided to work on their van and build a bed for their travels. I come home to find they have found the key to the garage and have helped themselves to my husbands array of expensive tools and have just left them littering the front yard.
I come home to pull in the driveway and run over a pile of nails. There goes my brand new car tyre. Poor baby had only done 2050km. Bye bye $200 for a replacement.
They've scratched our floorboards, dented our dining room table, broken a dishwasher rack wheel.
We mentioned the nails to them and the tyre and they were so mortified (didn't offer to pay though) and if we ever mention anything they genuinely start panicking and almost crying that they have been evil. So bringing things up seems like a worse option!
They really are lovely people who are just clumsy and daft and don't think more than a millimetre ahead of them, but it's making our lives hell. They are costing us more than what they paid and we have another 2 weeks to go!
What would you do in this situation?
Aj
Oh dear!! It sounds more like they've figured you and your whole family out including the dogs and will probably keep costing you money till their last day... If they cry when you tell them off it won't rain blood I don't think! You can perhaps tell them off or ask them to contribute toward fixing broken stuff over dinner in a time and manner that won't be confrontational or hash but yet still they will understand that you meant business!
I wonder what Rhonda will do ??
Rhonda
Aloha and good morning Aj, Funny you should ask. Deja vu my October, yes? I attempted to move my own computer to make office in garage, Wait!! they are there with their bicycles. All I can remember is shutting my mouth, not buying any more food, in the end I didn't eat for three days due to their constant kitchen usage, and just cried (of course only tears, not blood). What a ride that learning experience was!
Rhonda
Plus I got a horrible review on another site. Oh Well, Can't please 100% of the people 100% of the time. I made major changes to my house rules.
C C
How did you get a horrible review on another site? In a different case? Or were those Oct guests from the other site?
Rhonda
Aloha and Good Morning C C, yes, the guests were from a different site. I told the story here and got totally 'reamed' by the group that they didn't originate from Airbnb. I deleted the post to deflect any further grumbles. They gave me a three star. I don't receive many bookings from the other sites, her's was the only one for that particular space. Who cares? It's in German. LOL. Let the Good Times Roll!
C C
How does a rich lady with a gorgeous house in paradise (assume, haven't looked) get a bad review?
C C
Other sites absolutely suck. But one good thing: they don't give refunds. I had a guest from another site book over the weekend. Room too cold, so without asking, they took up in another room, twice the size & with an ensuite bath. I have pple coming in 24/7. Glad their little snooze didn't get crashed by some legit pple. We had a throw down when I found this out. Anyway, I called company to head off refund request. They said they don't get into refund requests or fights. Works for me. Plus, even though guests don't get reviewed, hosts do get last rebuttal.
Aj
Wow! I had no idea Rhonda, I hope you had a nice dinner and treat yourself after those hoodlums left. If they gave you a bad review then something is wrong with them. C.C I have not had of any other sites that do this around my zone. In the US however I think there are few that even incorporate your ABNB calendar into theirs so to have no clash. Perhaps I've felt more safe here and comfortable that I cannot be bothered with the rest. I'm reluctant to answer enquiries to rent the whole house out while I'm away. I'm usually on top of things and know the steps my guest are taking in my home and so these stories just gives me chills.
Rhonda
C C..because I approached her on her way out to her car for check-out asking if she had replaced an swim article she told me she had lost and promised to replace, and asked if they felt so inclined to contribute some $$ for the amount of food they had consumed. Sent her over the edge. I'm glad I asked anyway, I would have only been kicking myself for not. I made a rebuttal, suggesting a hotel would have better been a better match. She removed her profile pic. I think I stated it clearly what a 'user' she was.
helga
Rhonda. If You stated it clearly, It was seld defense to remove the picture ;-)
Lisa
I've had a few like that in the past and it was AWFUL, yours sound worse though with helping themselves to the tools and just leaving things in the front. It's a hard call what to do when the space invaders are there. It seems that simply offering access to certain parts of the house is interpreted by many couples as completely take over! It's so bloody uncomfortable when they don't leave at all, have everything scattered about and you have nowhere nto go in your own home. They'd have to have absolutely no common sense or social grace to not understand what the're doing. Most people aren't naive and know exactly what they're doing. However, they have their own self interest waaaaay above yours. I feel for ya, big hugs. Have you considered asking them to leave?
Mig
"Here, let me help you find alternative Accomodation, no really. I will help you pack as well"
These people would test the patience of anime and are more suited to either a hotel or sole occupancy listings. Get rid and save your sanity.
Sapna
you sound too nice. Aren't you allowed to give them a small bill with all the costs of repairs tacked on?? They may not understand social rules or be aware of what they did but the bill would definitely make them more careful.. I have had people do that to me... Charge even a penny for the smallest things... I automatically learnt to keep check.Raymond & Elaine
Unfortunatly they have no Security Deposit .
Raymond & Elaine
It doesn't actually sound as if they have broken any of your houserules, so it's too late for these guests to be rehoused by airbnb. For future guests you should look at Deborah very detailed house rules that have developped over time. Make sure guests know where they have access to and where is off liits. How much time they are allowed in your home. Some hosts require their guests to be out between certain times of the day. Give limited access to the kitchen and a shelf in the cupboards for their food Not Yours. You need to sit down and get the air cleared. If they are 5 year olds be gentle with them. If they are adults then your worst option is not to talk to them for fear of them crying, but calling the police if they cause any real damage by being clumsy and daft. To answer your very last question. What would you do in this situation? I'd grow some b**** and get them out !
globalhosting.freeforums.net/thread/456/tips-new-hosts globalhosting.freeforums.net/thread/455/red-flags-hosts globalhosting.freeforums.net/thread/39/doormat-syndrome-post-andrew
C C
I'm not sure why it would be too late for them to be rehomed. In any case it's not too late for them to get tossed, Airbnb notwithstanding. I would sit down, tears or no, and go over in great detail my expectations & their transgressions. Some people just really don't get it, though, which is one of the most important things I've learned being a LL. Any more probs after that, give them the old heave-ho.
Raymond & Elaine
CC you are correct, airbnb would not help rehouse them if they had broken house rules, which doesn't seem to be the case here. Thanks for the correction.
C C
No, no correction involved--just saying I believe Airbnb can rehome for any number of reasons, without rule-breaking, but whether they will or won't, you're still in control of your own home. If you have to put them out on the street & let them take it up with charlie's lisst or what have you, you can. Period. Airbnb doesn't run me or any other host.
Aj
C.C I am certain you can deal with these folks from the first drop of a screw driver lol. Am sure Airbnb can rehouse then even if they have 2 nights left so they are not homeless.
C C
There's surely some generic rule in Airbnb that pple can't do half the stuff they've done. They can get tossed on that basis. Not that folks read, but it says in my listings they're renting a room with privileges. A room. With privileges. That can be revoked. But when you say it's almost a worse option to risk their tears, that's a red flag to me that you are too weak a person to be a host. A problem that can be surmounted, of course, but also must be.
Sara
You need to present them with a bill for your tyres how dare they take the garage keys and use tools without permission how did they know where the key is
I had a guy who used my dining room all night and my internet data ;he asked if he could stay till Xmas but I said my son wanted his room back now I only accept people that have a real job or studies which I verify because the gas electricity etc is soooo much in UK that I can't afford to have stay at homes in my house good luck to you but you have to let go
Aj
Sara, I know the feeling of extreme gas and electric bills out here. I always tell guest when the gas will be on and off and wrote it on my house rules. So far it seems okay.
helga
I would just send them a mail via the site stating what they have done and what will not be tolerated for any reason in the future like helping themselves to your food, entering locked rooms, using tools etc. I would then add that they caused damage to the car by strewing nails on the road (completely idiot thing to do) and that they have to replace the food and pay the tire. If they do not do that, they have to leave. And then I'd send a payment request via the resolution center for the tire. Sending it over the website creates evidence and they can cry all by themselves in their room. Install also rules about use of the common areas. I would not tolerate computers on my living room desk and I would not tolerate cooking more than once per day. The next time they start to cry, start a hilarious laughter, kick or husband with the elbow in the ribs and say "Do you believe that? Adults who cry when scolded?? Our kid / review did not do that at five years old." I think that will stop the crying on the spot. You can then add: "Nice that we can talk as adults and this behavior that you showed the last week is completely inacceptable." - Hosting onsite I found myself scolding guests like little kids and I hate it, but I would hate much more to have them take over my home.
helga
Spellcheck, sorry: kid/niece
Sara
This group is much more fun and helpful than the London group where is "Deborah's list"of rules?
helga
Deborah posted a lot of her stock of experience and useful tips and tricks on her new forum. Retain the address, it can be helpful when these boards are closed: globalhosting.freeforums.net
Raymond & Elaine
Her list of house rules can be found on her listing. She lets us go there and help ourselves, abit like mamie and her biscuit cupboard.
Mary
I had a guy recently who also made himself very comfortable I my home. I eventually had enough and asked him to leave. He got bitchy when I mentioned what was upsetting me and tried to Tur it back on me. I made him leave that very evening because of his attitude. I was so relieved to get rid of him. The more I let him away with stuff the worse he got. Every night he was up watching TV til 5am. No one should ever make you feel uncomfortable in your own home! Get rid!
Raymond & Elaine
Raymond does that sometimes (watch tv untill 5am), should I ask airbnb to re-house him ? No, they might send him to Helga and he might want to stay !
Mary
I didn't ask airbnb to rehouse him. I just threw him out. If Raymond is up til 5am in his own house that's Fine. But would he do it for a whole month while renting a room in someone else's house? Also would he smoke out the window?
Raymond & Elaine
Most people here know my sense of humour. I should have added
to my post above. Maybe I should throw Raymond out.... helga
Hah, as long as he uses the headset, he is welcome to watch till 5 am, but I stop at 2am. The problem with manipulative people is that they start slowly and then it gets worse and worse. The technique is always the same, they take more then you want to give, have no consideration for your needs and when you try to reign them in they make you feel guilty. I'm absolutely allergic against that behavior. I don't mind to give more things to nice people than they have paid for, but that's apart, it depends if I feel they merit it and would like the attention. I hate to be forced to give a cent's worth of more than I would do on my own free decision. I often had to lead teams of people which I would not choose, even hostile teams or manage larger groups, sometimes coming into situations already boiling over. Laughing is a very good weapon, gets the nice people to your side and disarms some of the troublemakers. The really mean types, the manipulative ones, you have to crush, otherwise you loose. And in the end, we rent our homes to make money, not to satisfy a masochist's most elaborate dream. Getting your home damaged makes you only loose money.
C C
Let me quote what this lady said to me, of why she would be ignoring check out: I can't work a 12- hour night shift and then drive home. It's not safe for me. I tend to fall asleep at the wheel after working all night. I can't drive home until after I sleep.
Rhonda
C C. And how did all then end?
Raymond & Elaine
She paid for the extra night ? "Guests further agree to leave the Accommodation no later than the checkout time that the Host specifies in the Listing or such other time as mutually agreed upon between the Host and Guest. If a Guest stays past the agreed upon checkout time without the Host's consent, they no longer have a license to stay in the Listing and the Host is entitled to make the Guest leave. In addition, Guests agree that the Host can charge the Guest, for each 24 hour period that the Guest stays over the agreed period without the Host's consent, an additional nightly fee of two times the average nightly Accommodation Fee originally paid by the Guest to cover the inconvenience suffered by the Host"
C C
Well, when we were bonding, she said her one-day initial trial (which is smart) was satisfactory & she would go on & book the first of 3 mos. The very next communication was of how can she book 4 more days & oh by the by, she won't be checking out on time. I told her that's exactly why I rent rooms--so people can sleep. So pay your money & sleep. I gave her a discount for that day, but because she further wanted me to keep the room available but not pay for an excess minute, like going home on weekends, I had to dump her overboard.
helga
Did she want a month to a monthly price less the weekends? Plus sleep time on the deducted days to drive home refreshed? Interesting deal. Maybe you should offer in such cases that she creates a listing for the weekends and you let her subhost but she has to manage that and clean. You take a percentage and may offer key service for her guests against a fee. ;-))
C C
The bad part was--a monthly price would have been the cheapest, least complicated thing she could have done. That would have cured it all. But the worst part was she expected me to hash through & memorize her schedule, I guess. And oh, she was supposed to work on Sun but they called it off.... Can't keep up with my own schedule!
Rhonda
C C, the whole downside is when the guests expect to sleep all day which is impossible when we have rooms to ready and Cindersmella work that needs to be done.
Deborah
Hi, I'm the Deborah who Elaine referred to....
I concur with what's been said by Elaine regarding setting up your business so you don't allow guests to get so far spread out in the first place, that they are all over your house. WHat I see here is a boundaries issue. Many hosts, particularly new ones, have boundary issues that arise -- for the simple reason that people who are not used to having renters stay with them, are not aware of the types of boundary issues that easily can arise, and thus, how important it is to set clear boundaries with crystal clear house rules.
When you think about it, having guests in one's home is a very intimate thing, and your home is about the most intimate place you could possibly do business. WHich is why boundaries figure so heavily into the situation. Many people, in fact, don't even know what boundaries are, and how to talk about them and create limits and boundary lines. So, for such individuals, being an Airbnb host can become a very excellent education in boundaries -- learning what they are, and learning how to decide where yours are, (Where you want to set your lines) and then setting up your boundary lines with very clear, crystal clear rules, and then....practicing developing spine (flexing your spine muscles) and exercising spine, so that you as a host have the spine to confront a guest when the guest is out of line (has crossed over the boundary line, whatever it may be in a given situation) and needs to be put back in place, on the other side of the line.
My post on tips for new hosts goes into this issue, I believe:
globalhosting.freeforums.net/thread/456/tips-new-hosts