Post by High Priestess on May 28, 2016 14:40:10 GMT
Stacey shared on BEdder HOsting group Feb 2014
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-3339
Should AirBnB have a Code of Conduct for guests?
I ask this after reading so many stories of downright rude travelers among the more awesome ones. Especially after one particularly horrific story of a displeased guest who made racist remarks to a host in their own home. Since most of us are renting out personal homes, do you think there behavior should be codified for the AirBnB system in addition to our personal house rules? Some things are deal-breakers....
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Glenn
Glenn3 years ago
I was going to wait and see what others had to say about this, but that was before I had to ask/tell a 60 year old woman (an "attorney" from Buenos Aires), her brother and his girlfriend to please remove their feet from my coffee table.
This came moments after I had to explain to her that "my food" is not "her food" and she should not have rooted through the kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator and placed what she wanted to eat later aside while I was out of the apartment. “Yes I will take out the trash” you placed for me by the door and for future reference I will empty the trash when necessary. "Yes, I do in fact live here," and NO you should NOT have involved the building manager with your questions about how you were supposed to enter my apartment while I was on the way to meet you in the lobby, and NO it was NOT OK that you gave the airline my cell phone number without my consent in case they needed to reach someone to receive your brother's lost luggage while you were out sightseeing tomorrow afternoon. And YES, you DO need to pay me the $50 Late Check in Fee because as I explained in the listing, and in three different emails I sent you, anyone who arrives after 10PM has to pay the $50 fee and that DOES include you because you arrived at 10:30. And finally when the sign says “No Parking from 8-10 on Tuesday” that DOES apply to you and I DID mention it in the emails I sent and YES you WILL get a $65 ticket and NO I am NOT going to PAY FOR IT!
(And I only wish the above scenario was hypothetical and did not happen within the span of 3 hours.)
We all know a Code of Conduct will never happen. And that's fine because I'm drafting an "Act like a Human if you want to Travel like one" disclaimer for my listing. I will gladly share it in this group, in both groups I organize in LA and anywhere else I can possibly find.
My apartment is my home, not Motel 6, and just because you happen to be a temporary paying Guest does NOT give you the right to treat it any less than I do.
And I apologize if this comes across in the wrong way because I LOVE being a Host – it has changed my life and provided me with a second career – but I have absolutely HAD IT with some of these Guests.
I can't imagine what some of their own homes must look like based on the way they act in mine. It's not just embarrassing; it's disgusting and infuriating that something that has been such a positive life changing experience for me can have such a bad flip side.
Thanks for listening. Travel like a Human … please.
Reply Like 4 replies•8 likes
Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
Wow. Who... What the... No way! I have not been this shocked since my beloved Lakers got swept by the Spurs. Seriously, I am shocked. I hope this Argentinian woman paid the late check-in fee. -- Lou
Glenn
Glenn3 years ago
She did. And thanks for your response. Similar thoughts were going through my head until I lost it. I cracked. Like an egg on the floor. Messy and hard to clean up. More below...
Suzanne
Suzanne3 years ago
I can top you for NASTY humans: About 2 years ago I hosted the most disgusting people on the face of the universe. There was another group of people that wanted to stay in my apartment but, I stupidly thought that because this husband and wife had a baby they'd be better to have there! Upon their departure, I got a text message from the husband saying, "Sorry we left your apartment. My wife forgot to remove a pot that we used as a bed chamber from underneath your bed!" UM WHAAAAT?!?!?!?!?! Someone took a dump in my le creuset pot and then LEFT it under my bed. Oh it gets worse..... My friend who goes into clean the apartment said they left diapers on my desk along with used tissues... spilled cough syrup all over my countertops, used every dish in my entire apartment (and left them) but here is the BEST PART.... left a note with a bottle of acetone free nail polish remover and $5 after the wife spilled and broke a bottle of hot pink nail polish ALL over my floors and bathroom wall. 2 years later... I still have hot pink polish ALLLLLLLLLLLLL over my bathroom. I tried paint thinner, varnish remover, a razor and it is STILL everywhere. THANKS.... never trust the sweet looking perfect families!!!!!!!!!!!!
judalon
judalon3 years ago
Suzanne: that is the winner! I must say I have not had the best experiences with people with babies or small children. They use way more utilities than normal and are much dirtier than most guests, and generate the most trash. The using your le creuset as a toilet... that beats anything I've heard. I mean just going into the bathroom and using the toilet would be faster, cleaner, more comfy! I'm shocked.
rie
rie3 years ago
Wow, very glad you vented. Please do share the "Act like a human..." Cannot wait to see it! I know it is so OLD school to ask people not to put their bare (dirty) feet on furnishings. Thanks too for the tip on a late arrival fee. But how do you collect it if the guest refuses? Can it be deducted from the security deposit? What about an early arrival? I have a booking where they asked to leave their luggage in the morning - but what if they start to use the space for showering, etc.?
Reply Like 1 like
Stacey
Stacey3 years ago
Glenn! sorry you had that headache
You MUST share that list and maybe Elle will add it to her Ten Commandments of Traveling embroidery pillow she's making 
Look, different strokes for different folks and we all have different customs but I do believe that when we travel we have to adhere to the customs we are immersed in and that includes the home we are staying in. Marie, there has to be a level of flexibility for this to work easily for you and the guest. In short, don;t sweat the small stuff but yeas, don't put yourself out too much. In my humble opinion, leaving a bag is fine but having the keys and using the facilities for personal use is considered a check-in. I'm usually back in my place promptly by the 11am check out and folks have been known to leave a bag for a few hours before a flight. For early arrivals I tell them about local spots so that they can hang out and wait or do whatever; the space is mine until the appointed time. Boundaries + flexibility are key.
Reply Like 1 reply
rie
rie3 years ago
thanks Stacey. A good rule of thumb, B+F. I am totally open to leaving a bag and consider that a hospitable courtesy that helps me get a good review. Thanks for clarifying what constitutes check in. I too share that list of local spots to hang out.
Greer
Greer3 years ago
Hi,
I know I am jinxing myself, but I have not had many of these issues. First of all, as soon as anything goes wrong with what I perceive to be a "set" of people, I mentally cross those people off my list - e.g. children young enough to run and bother the downstairs neighbors and anyone between the ages of 16 - 22 traveling alone due to the nature of their emails and intended plans. I know this is limiting, but Airbnb only works for me if my neighbors aren't bothered by it.
Something else I do during check in, is sit EVERYONE in the party down and make a big show of reading the house rules. I explain that even if they have read them online, it is very important that I say the rules directly to their faces so there can be no confusion later if something goes wrong. I tell them that even if some of the rules sound ridiculous, each rule is there for a reason, and they should consider that reason. Then I start off with the fact that the reasons are "mostly common sense" so they don't feel like I'm about to say something unreasonable. My rules start with something to the effect of "This is my home, not a hotel, and I am your host, not a maid." Everyone laughs when I say "You must wear clothes when you are outside of the room," which is almost the last reason. But then I say again, "Remember, there is a reason for every rule. It wouldn't be a rule if someone hadn't done this."
So far, almost everyone follows the rules. During the tour of the apartment, I make sure to show them precisely how they can follow the rules, which mostly revolve around cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom. Sometimes they create new rules.
This whole discussion is reminding me that I must add some newly created rules. No sitting on the stairs in front of the apartment building - the Super hates when anybody does that - and don't run the A/C when the window is open.
Reply Like 2 likes
judalon
judalon3 years ago
I've also been blessed to have polite guests for the most part, but I also have stand alone guest houses so they are not in my frig or kitchen. I did just take a last minute booking and warned her that I didn't even know if I could get my cleaner in since I thought I had a free week and had set up a "spring cleaning" but my cleaner had 90 minutes she could give me and between us the linen were clean, floors steam cleaned, place dusted and bathroom scrubbed. It still needed a deep cleaning after my 2 month guest but it was clean. This guest came in and pulled the filing cabinet away from the wall and declared my cleaner a bad cleaner. I got a broom and cleaned it up. I then drove her to Trader Joes since she has no car while here. Once back all night she was texting me that my cleaner was ripping me off, she found a dark hair in the shower... Well she has dark hair and brushed it in that bathroom before I took her shopping. I guess what I'm trying to say is life is full of delightful people, easy to please and then the complainers that can not be pleased. I'm just thankful it's only 5 nights !
Reply Like 1 like
Stacey
Stacey3 years ago
I think these terror guests are the exception yes but sometimes their manners are so egregious it soils the rep of everyone else. Racism: deal breaker; unapproved nudity in public space: deal breaker...I'm making my list now.
Reply Like 1 reply
rie
rie3 years ago
A great start on deal breakers. Looking forward to seeing the list swell.
Maria Lurdes
Maria Lurdes3 years ago
Seth, a host in Brooklyn wrote a post about this in either Lifehacker or Gawker or something, it was really perfect. I'll try to dig it up.
Reply Like 1 like
Maria Lurdes
Maria Lurdes3 years ago
number hidden)/read-these-tips-or-nobody-will-ever-let-you-be-an-airbnb-guest-again
Reply Like 2 replies•2 likes
Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
Yes, it's funny because we actually use that article as part of our house rules (check them out, by the way). This article is a must-read not just for guests but also for hosts.
Ashley & Derek
Ashley & Derek3 years ago
I love it! I'm putting it in our house rules too.
judalon
judalon3 years ago
I'm wondering if we should have a specific group for venting on guests that push our buttons. I usually have wonderful guests but I had a 2 month guest and got a request from a woman in San Francisco to stay for 5 days arrive same day as my checkout. I mentioned this might be a problem getting my cleaning person because we thought we had no booking and she was supposed to come a couple of days later to do a major cleaning, but she didn't want me to have to turn the guest down so came to clean, I did the laundry & made the bed because she didn't have time. It was clean & neat. When the guest arrived as I'm checking her in she starts pulling the Ikea 2 drawer file cabinet away from the wall... These are like built in and not to be moved... So yes there is years of dust behind them. She declares how dirty it is. I went and got cleaning supplies and cleaned it. I reminded her that we only had a short time to prep for her. I drover her to the market. That night I got numerous texts from her about cleanliness. The next morning she text me and has pulled the wet bar refrigerator out of its built in cubby and then I'm cleaning that! She's here for Nanny interviews, and acting jobs. If we had a guest from hell list I'd put her on it.
Reply Like
judalon
judalon3 years ago
Oh the real reason I came to groups is I need someone to change out a Schlegel keyless pad for another. I tried but I did something wrong.
Reply Like
Maria Lurdes
Maria Lurdes3 years ago
I actually put in a few of these myself, they are a bit finicky. DO you still have the instructions? I had problems because I was putting the bolt upside down and not figuring out what was wrong.
You can also look on youtube for instructional videos - I'm doing this now to try and figure out how to fix a leaky dishwasher. I'm trying to be the full-on domestic goddess
Reply Like
Greer
Greer3 years ago
I don't think we need a group for venting. Most of the people who have horror stories -- and it is a small percentage given the number of people in the group -- are actually asking for advice. No matter what their question, the underlying issue is either how to stop this behavior in the future or fear of retaliation for a bad review of the guest. Similar questions comes up over and over because new people join the group -- presumably new hosts -- and these are the people with the greatest fear of a bad review. Three things:
1. Hosts can respond to a bad review and explain themselves -- usually in a calmer more thoughtful way than the reviewer. And as you learn over time, there are many people who don't read reviews and those who do, only read the first few.
2. As has been addressed previously (in the archives?), you can engage Airbnb to deal with a truly libelous review.
3. I don't think we as hosts should be afraid to give guests poor reviews. Before these Groups started and when I only knew one or two other hosts, I struggled and struggled with leaving a bad review. But I realized I was only thinking about myself and the minimal impact of a retribution review vs. how upset I would be if someone out there knew about these people and their behavior and didn't let me know. Now I feel much more loyalty to other hosts than to guests - even guests I adore. If my bad guests ever try to use Airbnb again, I hope a host questions them or charges them a higher cleaning fee.
As I've said before, my guests are pretty good. The worst they ever get from me is a 4 star rating and I don't say I would host them again in the review. But I also bang them over the head with rules and physically show them how to wash dishes and keep hair out of the drain.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Ashley & Derek
Ashley & Derek3 years ago
#3. That's the heart of the matter and the whole point of reviews. I couldn't agree more.
Maria Lurdes
Maria Lurdes3 years ago
Ha Judalon, that's funny about your guest. You should offer her a discount in exchange for cleaning all the things she pointed out. I keep a very clean place, but I certainly don't pull out the fridge to clean behind it....
She's nuts.
Reply Like 1 like
Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
These are our house rules:
It is key for us to reiterate the fact that we do not see AirBnB as a financial venture but, instead, view it as a magnificent opportunity to meet life-loving travelers. As you can gather from our profile, we are a mellow couple. In order to eradicate the possibility of misunderstandings that can prompt bad reviews affecting you, us, or all of us, please go over the modest "grandmother rules."
Treat this as if it were your grandparents' home:
-- respect the no shoes policy
-- smoke outside
-- avoid all illegal activities
-- guests are not allowed
-- clean up after yourself
-- do not eat in the living room; no drinks near the computer stations
-- if you break or damage something, arrange for its replacement or repair
-- be eco friendly: recycle, use the compost bins,and conserve natural resources (electricity and water)
-- Sunday to Thursday: keep the noise decibels to a minimum after midnight (headphones can be provided)
-- be mindful of the neighbors
-- if you go out, (1) lock the apartment and (2) secure the kitchen window
Reply Like
judalon
judalon3 years ago
Maria: If she did the cleaning and not just the pointing out I would have to consider paying her, but she just pulled out the non-moveable furniture and I did all the cleaning. I actually, am compensating her 1 nights stay of her 5 booked. But I will word my review to let other hosts know she is needy. Today she needed salt, needed me to go check if her red backpack was in the guest house (she left it on a bus) and then the normal requests like where to go get a manicure, how long to get to the beach and so on. I do feel more like a maid than a host with this guest. But she does try to be likable and I suspect has a good heart.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
You deserve a gold star at the top of your reviews. You have stayed cool while dealing with-- how shall I put it?-- Miss Crazy Pants.
judalon
judalon3 years ago
I love the Miss Crazy Pants term for her.
Reply Like 1 like
Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
We finally got our first-- how shall we put it?-- "unpolished guest." It made us appreciate even more all the other respectful guests who had stayed with us. This fellow is a bag full of tricks. I am livid like Walter Sobchak on shabbas (minus the assault riffles, of course). -- Lou
Reply Like
judalon
judalon3 years ago
I hope you reflected that in your review so other hosts will have a heads up.
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-3339
Should AirBnB have a Code of Conduct for guests?
I ask this after reading so many stories of downright rude travelers among the more awesome ones. Especially after one particularly horrific story of a displeased guest who made racist remarks to a host in their own home. Since most of us are renting out personal homes, do you think there behavior should be codified for the AirBnB system in addition to our personal house rules? Some things are deal-breakers....
18 comments•7 likes
Follow
Like
Glenn
rie
judalon
Emily & Lou
Leslie
+2
more
Glenn
Glenn3 years ago
I was going to wait and see what others had to say about this, but that was before I had to ask/tell a 60 year old woman (an "attorney" from Buenos Aires), her brother and his girlfriend to please remove their feet from my coffee table.
This came moments after I had to explain to her that "my food" is not "her food" and she should not have rooted through the kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator and placed what she wanted to eat later aside while I was out of the apartment. “Yes I will take out the trash” you placed for me by the door and for future reference I will empty the trash when necessary. "Yes, I do in fact live here," and NO you should NOT have involved the building manager with your questions about how you were supposed to enter my apartment while I was on the way to meet you in the lobby, and NO it was NOT OK that you gave the airline my cell phone number without my consent in case they needed to reach someone to receive your brother's lost luggage while you were out sightseeing tomorrow afternoon. And YES, you DO need to pay me the $50 Late Check in Fee because as I explained in the listing, and in three different emails I sent you, anyone who arrives after 10PM has to pay the $50 fee and that DOES include you because you arrived at 10:30. And finally when the sign says “No Parking from 8-10 on Tuesday” that DOES apply to you and I DID mention it in the emails I sent and YES you WILL get a $65 ticket and NO I am NOT going to PAY FOR IT!
(And I only wish the above scenario was hypothetical and did not happen within the span of 3 hours.)
We all know a Code of Conduct will never happen. And that's fine because I'm drafting an "Act like a Human if you want to Travel like one" disclaimer for my listing. I will gladly share it in this group, in both groups I organize in LA and anywhere else I can possibly find.
My apartment is my home, not Motel 6, and just because you happen to be a temporary paying Guest does NOT give you the right to treat it any less than I do.
And I apologize if this comes across in the wrong way because I LOVE being a Host – it has changed my life and provided me with a second career – but I have absolutely HAD IT with some of these Guests.
I can't imagine what some of their own homes must look like based on the way they act in mine. It's not just embarrassing; it's disgusting and infuriating that something that has been such a positive life changing experience for me can have such a bad flip side.
Thanks for listening. Travel like a Human … please.
Reply Like 4 replies•8 likes
Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
Wow. Who... What the... No way! I have not been this shocked since my beloved Lakers got swept by the Spurs. Seriously, I am shocked. I hope this Argentinian woman paid the late check-in fee. -- Lou
Glenn
Glenn3 years ago
She did. And thanks for your response. Similar thoughts were going through my head until I lost it. I cracked. Like an egg on the floor. Messy and hard to clean up. More below...
Suzanne
Suzanne3 years ago
I can top you for NASTY humans: About 2 years ago I hosted the most disgusting people on the face of the universe. There was another group of people that wanted to stay in my apartment but, I stupidly thought that because this husband and wife had a baby they'd be better to have there! Upon their departure, I got a text message from the husband saying, "Sorry we left your apartment. My wife forgot to remove a pot that we used as a bed chamber from underneath your bed!" UM WHAAAAT?!?!?!?!?! Someone took a dump in my le creuset pot and then LEFT it under my bed. Oh it gets worse..... My friend who goes into clean the apartment said they left diapers on my desk along with used tissues... spilled cough syrup all over my countertops, used every dish in my entire apartment (and left them) but here is the BEST PART.... left a note with a bottle of acetone free nail polish remover and $5 after the wife spilled and broke a bottle of hot pink nail polish ALL over my floors and bathroom wall. 2 years later... I still have hot pink polish ALLLLLLLLLLLLL over my bathroom. I tried paint thinner, varnish remover, a razor and it is STILL everywhere. THANKS.... never trust the sweet looking perfect families!!!!!!!!!!!!
judalon
judalon3 years ago
Suzanne: that is the winner! I must say I have not had the best experiences with people with babies or small children. They use way more utilities than normal and are much dirtier than most guests, and generate the most trash. The using your le creuset as a toilet... that beats anything I've heard. I mean just going into the bathroom and using the toilet would be faster, cleaner, more comfy! I'm shocked.
rie
rie3 years ago
Wow, very glad you vented. Please do share the "Act like a human..." Cannot wait to see it! I know it is so OLD school to ask people not to put their bare (dirty) feet on furnishings. Thanks too for the tip on a late arrival fee. But how do you collect it if the guest refuses? Can it be deducted from the security deposit? What about an early arrival? I have a booking where they asked to leave their luggage in the morning - but what if they start to use the space for showering, etc.?
Reply Like 1 like
Stacey
Stacey3 years ago
Glenn! sorry you had that headache
You MUST share that list and maybe Elle will add it to her Ten Commandments of Traveling embroidery pillow she's making 
Look, different strokes for different folks and we all have different customs but I do believe that when we travel we have to adhere to the customs we are immersed in and that includes the home we are staying in. Marie, there has to be a level of flexibility for this to work easily for you and the guest. In short, don;t sweat the small stuff but yeas, don't put yourself out too much. In my humble opinion, leaving a bag is fine but having the keys and using the facilities for personal use is considered a check-in. I'm usually back in my place promptly by the 11am check out and folks have been known to leave a bag for a few hours before a flight. For early arrivals I tell them about local spots so that they can hang out and wait or do whatever; the space is mine until the appointed time. Boundaries + flexibility are key.Reply Like 1 reply
rie
rie3 years ago
thanks Stacey. A good rule of thumb, B+F. I am totally open to leaving a bag and consider that a hospitable courtesy that helps me get a good review. Thanks for clarifying what constitutes check in. I too share that list of local spots to hang out.
Greer
Greer3 years ago
Hi,
I know I am jinxing myself, but I have not had many of these issues. First of all, as soon as anything goes wrong with what I perceive to be a "set" of people, I mentally cross those people off my list - e.g. children young enough to run and bother the downstairs neighbors and anyone between the ages of 16 - 22 traveling alone due to the nature of their emails and intended plans. I know this is limiting, but Airbnb only works for me if my neighbors aren't bothered by it.
Something else I do during check in, is sit EVERYONE in the party down and make a big show of reading the house rules. I explain that even if they have read them online, it is very important that I say the rules directly to their faces so there can be no confusion later if something goes wrong. I tell them that even if some of the rules sound ridiculous, each rule is there for a reason, and they should consider that reason. Then I start off with the fact that the reasons are "mostly common sense" so they don't feel like I'm about to say something unreasonable. My rules start with something to the effect of "This is my home, not a hotel, and I am your host, not a maid." Everyone laughs when I say "You must wear clothes when you are outside of the room," which is almost the last reason. But then I say again, "Remember, there is a reason for every rule. It wouldn't be a rule if someone hadn't done this."
So far, almost everyone follows the rules. During the tour of the apartment, I make sure to show them precisely how they can follow the rules, which mostly revolve around cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom. Sometimes they create new rules.
This whole discussion is reminding me that I must add some newly created rules. No sitting on the stairs in front of the apartment building - the Super hates when anybody does that - and don't run the A/C when the window is open.
Reply Like 2 likes
judalon
judalon3 years ago
I've also been blessed to have polite guests for the most part, but I also have stand alone guest houses so they are not in my frig or kitchen. I did just take a last minute booking and warned her that I didn't even know if I could get my cleaner in since I thought I had a free week and had set up a "spring cleaning" but my cleaner had 90 minutes she could give me and between us the linen were clean, floors steam cleaned, place dusted and bathroom scrubbed. It still needed a deep cleaning after my 2 month guest but it was clean. This guest came in and pulled the filing cabinet away from the wall and declared my cleaner a bad cleaner. I got a broom and cleaned it up. I then drove her to Trader Joes since she has no car while here. Once back all night she was texting me that my cleaner was ripping me off, she found a dark hair in the shower... Well she has dark hair and brushed it in that bathroom before I took her shopping. I guess what I'm trying to say is life is full of delightful people, easy to please and then the complainers that can not be pleased. I'm just thankful it's only 5 nights !
Reply Like 1 like
Stacey
Stacey3 years ago
I think these terror guests are the exception yes but sometimes their manners are so egregious it soils the rep of everyone else. Racism: deal breaker; unapproved nudity in public space: deal breaker...I'm making my list now.
Reply Like 1 reply
rie
rie3 years ago
A great start on deal breakers. Looking forward to seeing the list swell.
Maria Lurdes
Maria Lurdes3 years ago
Seth, a host in Brooklyn wrote a post about this in either Lifehacker or Gawker or something, it was really perfect. I'll try to dig it up.
Reply Like 1 like
Maria Lurdes
Maria Lurdes3 years ago
number hidden)/read-these-tips-or-nobody-will-ever-let-you-be-an-airbnb-guest-again
Reply Like 2 replies•2 likes
Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
Yes, it's funny because we actually use that article as part of our house rules (check them out, by the way). This article is a must-read not just for guests but also for hosts.
Ashley & Derek
Ashley & Derek3 years ago
I love it! I'm putting it in our house rules too.
judalon
judalon3 years ago
I'm wondering if we should have a specific group for venting on guests that push our buttons. I usually have wonderful guests but I had a 2 month guest and got a request from a woman in San Francisco to stay for 5 days arrive same day as my checkout. I mentioned this might be a problem getting my cleaning person because we thought we had no booking and she was supposed to come a couple of days later to do a major cleaning, but she didn't want me to have to turn the guest down so came to clean, I did the laundry & made the bed because she didn't have time. It was clean & neat. When the guest arrived as I'm checking her in she starts pulling the Ikea 2 drawer file cabinet away from the wall... These are like built in and not to be moved... So yes there is years of dust behind them. She declares how dirty it is. I went and got cleaning supplies and cleaned it. I reminded her that we only had a short time to prep for her. I drover her to the market. That night I got numerous texts from her about cleanliness. The next morning she text me and has pulled the wet bar refrigerator out of its built in cubby and then I'm cleaning that! She's here for Nanny interviews, and acting jobs. If we had a guest from hell list I'd put her on it.
Reply Like
judalon
judalon3 years ago
Oh the real reason I came to groups is I need someone to change out a Schlegel keyless pad for another. I tried but I did something wrong.
Reply Like
Maria Lurdes
Maria Lurdes3 years ago
I actually put in a few of these myself, they are a bit finicky. DO you still have the instructions? I had problems because I was putting the bolt upside down and not figuring out what was wrong.
You can also look on youtube for instructional videos - I'm doing this now to try and figure out how to fix a leaky dishwasher. I'm trying to be the full-on domestic goddess
Reply Like
Greer
Greer3 years ago
I don't think we need a group for venting. Most of the people who have horror stories -- and it is a small percentage given the number of people in the group -- are actually asking for advice. No matter what their question, the underlying issue is either how to stop this behavior in the future or fear of retaliation for a bad review of the guest. Similar questions comes up over and over because new people join the group -- presumably new hosts -- and these are the people with the greatest fear of a bad review. Three things:
1. Hosts can respond to a bad review and explain themselves -- usually in a calmer more thoughtful way than the reviewer. And as you learn over time, there are many people who don't read reviews and those who do, only read the first few.
2. As has been addressed previously (in the archives?), you can engage Airbnb to deal with a truly libelous review.
3. I don't think we as hosts should be afraid to give guests poor reviews. Before these Groups started and when I only knew one or two other hosts, I struggled and struggled with leaving a bad review. But I realized I was only thinking about myself and the minimal impact of a retribution review vs. how upset I would be if someone out there knew about these people and their behavior and didn't let me know. Now I feel much more loyalty to other hosts than to guests - even guests I adore. If my bad guests ever try to use Airbnb again, I hope a host questions them or charges them a higher cleaning fee.
As I've said before, my guests are pretty good. The worst they ever get from me is a 4 star rating and I don't say I would host them again in the review. But I also bang them over the head with rules and physically show them how to wash dishes and keep hair out of the drain.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Ashley & Derek
Ashley & Derek3 years ago
#3. That's the heart of the matter and the whole point of reviews. I couldn't agree more.
Maria Lurdes
Maria Lurdes3 years ago
Ha Judalon, that's funny about your guest. You should offer her a discount in exchange for cleaning all the things she pointed out. I keep a very clean place, but I certainly don't pull out the fridge to clean behind it....
She's nuts.
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Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
These are our house rules:
It is key for us to reiterate the fact that we do not see AirBnB as a financial venture but, instead, view it as a magnificent opportunity to meet life-loving travelers. As you can gather from our profile, we are a mellow couple. In order to eradicate the possibility of misunderstandings that can prompt bad reviews affecting you, us, or all of us, please go over the modest "grandmother rules."
Treat this as if it were your grandparents' home:
-- respect the no shoes policy
-- smoke outside
-- avoid all illegal activities
-- guests are not allowed
-- clean up after yourself
-- do not eat in the living room; no drinks near the computer stations
-- if you break or damage something, arrange for its replacement or repair
-- be eco friendly: recycle, use the compost bins,and conserve natural resources (electricity and water)
-- Sunday to Thursday: keep the noise decibels to a minimum after midnight (headphones can be provided)
-- be mindful of the neighbors
-- if you go out, (1) lock the apartment and (2) secure the kitchen window
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judalon
judalon3 years ago
Maria: If she did the cleaning and not just the pointing out I would have to consider paying her, but she just pulled out the non-moveable furniture and I did all the cleaning. I actually, am compensating her 1 nights stay of her 5 booked. But I will word my review to let other hosts know she is needy. Today she needed salt, needed me to go check if her red backpack was in the guest house (she left it on a bus) and then the normal requests like where to go get a manicure, how long to get to the beach and so on. I do feel more like a maid than a host with this guest. But she does try to be likable and I suspect has a good heart.
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Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
You deserve a gold star at the top of your reviews. You have stayed cool while dealing with-- how shall I put it?-- Miss Crazy Pants.
judalon
judalon3 years ago
I love the Miss Crazy Pants term for her.
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Emily & Lou
Emily & Lou3 years ago
We finally got our first-- how shall we put it?-- "unpolished guest." It made us appreciate even more all the other respectful guests who had stayed with us. This fellow is a bag full of tricks. I am livid like Walter Sobchak on shabbas (minus the assault riffles, of course). -- Lou
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judalon
judalon3 years ago
I hope you reflected that in your review so other hosts will have a heads up.