Post by High Priestess on May 27, 2016 6:55:02 GMT
Kelly shared on Anecdotes Dec 2014
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-100839
Am I the only one getting super messy guests?
I have been hosting for awhile and been through A LOT. So by now, not many things annoy me, or bother me, I just deal with stuff through resolution center - one of the main reason I am still hosting on Airbnb.
The thing about guests I get - I am hosting in Gangnam, Seoul where I get many people from other Asian countries, and most of those countries didn't have B&Bs like Europeans did. B&Bs usually meant cheap lodging where people use for sketchy reasons. I guess traditions last for a long time. (This is just one of my reasoning of why certain guests are certain ways.) So I am pretty used to guests treating me like I am their cleaning servant - those people don't even offend me anymore. I understand where they are coming from - they are paying me (even if it is way less than other lodgings in this area, I understand cause money is money). Some never read directions and house manuals and call me on the check in date when I am at work, or at midnight. I wish Airbnb can do something to help them, but honestly, I know Airbnb website is really clear (I don't know how people don't see it.)
Today, I am dealing with my previous guests who claimed that they will be tidy since they are in military. Well, it turned out to be a disaster. They smoked and left ashes all over with cigarette butts, spilled liquid on the floor and didn't clean up so the flooring is messed up, took shower with the door open so the floor is wet and door frame of the bedroom next to the shower is all weird, overall really messy. They only stayed for 2 nights, I have no idea how and why they left it this way.
I am not upset, I just am curious why there are such people out there. WHY.....I already started resolution center, hope I can get all the deposit for smoking, PLUS compensation for other damages.
Don't get me wrong, I meet really great people through hosting, just wish the ratio gets better. And people get common senses. Sigh...
11 comments•4 likes
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Julie and Eric
Deb
Salvia
Sky
Rick
Ricka year ago
I can empathize with you!! The only thing we can do is cause as much monetary pain as we can thru claiming the deposit...& if you haven't already done so, indicate that breaking the house rules could result in immediate expulsion from the property....the smoking would have angered me more than the mess!
Reply Like 2 replies•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Oh yes. I just don't understand the smoking. The first thing I put in House Rules, House manuals is 'no smoking' and for this listing, I even have 'no smoking' sign in the living room - not even the local one, universal one. I don't want to be mean or materialistic, but really... I think monetary compensation is the only thing can sooth my mind at this point. It is not a mess I can be understanding or empathetic.
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
How do hotels handle smoking issues in Seoul? Do they charge as well (up to 250 USD) to compensate for deep cleaning in such a case?
Leah
Leaha year ago
Raise the price. Don't compete with the low priced hotels
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
It is really hard in Seoul now. Overall Airbnb supply is over-saturated, especially compare to 'real Airbnb guests' type of people. There are a lot of people who has no idea what Airbnb is - I think this whole conceptual and versatile feeling of marketing is really not doing any good for hosts to get better guests - at least here in Seoul.
Tena
Tenaa year ago
I would be furious if someone smoked in my house... How rude! You totally have the right to be upset ... it is your home and they are treating it with disrespect.
Reply Like
Sky
Skya year ago
Wow Kelly. That sounds like a nightmare. Gir one I'm in the USA and just hostrc a Korean for 5-6 months. They ate messy dirty people by nstute I'm told. I rented him an emavulant room and hot back a trash do and HD adkec for his deposit back. We pulled boxes of trash, boxes, clothing,
Reply Like 5 replies
Kelly
Kellya year ago
I don't think Koreans are messy by nature - just a lot of them are not house chore trained since mothers usually handle all. Some people don't bother to take care of the house since they don't know it is something they need to do. Their room was clean and tidy even without them cleaning up and taking care of.
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
Sky, please do not be so prejudiced. It is ugly and dangerous. If you hold such views I do not think you are the right person to be an Airbnb host. I am sick of reading such disgusting and openly racist and prejudiced remarks on here. You should be ashamed. And Kelly, with all due respect, you do not speak for the entire population of your country. Many of us have hosted many Korean guests not only without any problems but with a very positive experience.
Kelly
Kellya year ago
I can speak for the tendency of populatiom of my country - I simply am saying the statistics, you can also check some researches and studies. I didn't say ALL are like that. And it is not a secret that mothers do most of the house chores in most households in Korea. My intention was point out that Koreans are messy, just tried to help my fellow hosts -if they experience some messy guests from Korea (glad you haven't had one), this is the possibility why they were messy - not that the guests were bad people. (Maybe it is only me but it soothes my mind to know the guests werent try to be mean and disrespect, but just didnt know, different cultured, mistake, etc) Knowing those circumstances, it is not a rocket science to understand why some people are acting certain ways.
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
You explain it very well and I see what you mean. You are a calm and thoughtful person obviously and I am not so much....! I find it very difficult to read such clearly prejudiced statements and not react, possibly over-react. Cultural differences have educated me to explain to people that the shower curtain must go INSIDE the bathtub; please please DO flush used toilet paper and don't put it in the bin; just because you don't smile and laugh doesn't mean you are not happy and comfortable etc etc. You live and you learn. Prejudice is neither living nor learning.
Kelly
Kellya year ago
My intention was "not to" point out that Koreans are messy, just tried to help my fellow hosts. I missed NOT there. Haha I am still living with the sign in a restroom stall 'Please don't flush the toilet paper, put it in the bin.' SIGH...
Sky
Skya year ago
Etc from that room for fays, smelled funky, sheets have to be thrown out
Reply Like
Sky
Skya year ago
No refund d for him. In your car it soundsuch worse and you get much less. I got $600 a month from my guest but only has a $150 deposit which I've increased to $300 and considering increasing to $500 to deter such people. Continue working with the RC and hopefully you get your full refund. Some people and cultures have no home training or common courtesy. Increase your rates to avoid those sketchy persons that you mentioned. OMG!
Reply Like 2 replies
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
I strongly disagree that budget places attract 'sketchy' guests. This attitude has come up many times on here and I will challenge it every time! My rooms are cheap (for good reasons) and 99.9% of my guests have been great. People on a budget are NOT de facto bad guests. In fact, there is an argument to say the opposite.... In my opinion, having high deposits and charging excessive cleaning fees and coming across as an inflexible hard-nosed landlord will surely attract guests that have no respect for you or your place.
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Rebecca, I see both possibilities. I do get awesome people, they said thet chose my place cause it has listing descriptions with good flow and perfect English (which is rare here), uniqueness of the place compare to other places in my city. But since there are some people out there just booking on Airbnb solely due to lower budget, and it seems like it is impossible to avoid those people. I am charging very low for my location, but my building is not as new as many other listings. In this area, I can only go lower to certain point due to high property cost - any lower I wouldnt even be getting the minimum wage. So for overall, my price is cheap and good value, reallt good deal if they care more for location, not so good deal if they care for the best decorated and furnished house for what they pay. I am still thinking about how I should plan for my pricing, so if you have some advises, they will be welcomed^^ (Renovation is not really an option - I will probablt build a new building in few years.)
Kelly
Kellya year ago
I want to add - I do have a cute yard with tables and swings and trees, which is a very rare thing in this city. Some people simply dont care for the yard, some do love it.
Reply Like 1 reply
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
I get what you're saying Kelly. I think maybe this is an example of the difference between being a live-in host and an off-site host. Because I host in my own home I am able to control things much more. Mostly I don't need to actually do anything - just the fact that I am here means guests are more respectful. And we interact, share things etc. so it's much harder for them to be disrespectful! As for pricing I struggle with that myself so I'm not the best person to advise, sorry. In fact I was pretty upset to see that I have just dropped half a star for value for one of my rooms
I mean, really, what do people want?? They got a big room and breakfast for £17.50 each! That's hostel prices in my city. I have increased my prices slowly as my good reviews increased but there is so much competition now I realise maybe I might have to drop down again. It's not easy! My own personal view is that I'd rather be busy and have people pleasantly surprised that the place is nicer than they thought it would be because it's cheap, I don't want to raise expectations and then get negative reviews. Hopefully in the New Year I can finally get a new bathroom fitted so my value stars will be full again. To be honest, I like my budget travellers. They suit me and my home and lifestyle. I think that's the most important thing that every host needs to establish - what kind of guest will suit you and how to attract them. But again, there is a massive difference between hosting in your home and renting out separate properties. Worlds apart really. By the way, I love your yard! My son really hit it off with one of our Korean guests, they are still in touch and he is planning to go to Seoul at some point. If he can't stay with her, I already showed him your place 
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kidsa year ago
Kelly I had a cleaning fee for over two years and I recently took it off and I've noticed a dramatic improvement in the cleanliness of my guests. Your cleaning fee is about a third of the cost of your room. Maybe people think because they pay this fee they don't need to clean up? I've put up my daily rate to cover the loss in the cleaning fee but it's saving me so much time so honestly I think its been worth it. Just my thoughts anyway.
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Thanks for sharing. Actually I was using cleanimg fee as a benefit for long term guests, as well as to prevent one might guests. But I see your point, and maybe I will try that!
Robert and Stefania
Robert and Stefaniaa year ago
I can't complain about my guests, but since we live under the same roof it would be more embarrassing for them breaking the rules. Regarding the cleaning I used to, in the past, take a deposit for cleaning and give it back to the guests that they were willing to clean. Some guests were very good housekeeper and they even clean my own space!
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Most of my listings are under the same roof with my family home, but has separate entrance with separate kitch bath everything. So i wont know what is going om behind the door....
Rachel
Rachela year ago
So sorry to hear that this has been your experience. Please just be honest about your guests when you review them so all of us hosts can stick together in supporting one another to not tolerate people that do not respect our space. I only take people who have been rated as keeping the place clean and tidy. Good luck! Rachel
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Yes I definitely am leaving true reviews and will of course do the same for this guest. I have had problems with guests with good reviews, I hated when that happens......
Leah
Leaha year ago
I only recently added a security deposit. For over two and a half years, no issues. The one guest that had the reservation with the deposit, lost the key. He said if he found it, he would mail it back. I haven't heard from him at all. Plus, he asked for a discount. Yeah, I know, but it was slow. Then, he said his girlfriend might stay some of the nights, so we altered for the extra guest fee on the condition I would refund the nights back she wasn't there (another alteration sent which was a $40 credit in his favor but no response). Ball is in his court for that as I sent him a reminder to accept it for the refund. Case point, you can have cleaning fees or deposits, some will think they are excuses to do something since they are paying for it or will at some point. Better to have it though than getting your place trashed and have nothing but the nightly fee to compensate you for the extra work involved in getting the place back in order.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Yep, security deposit is a must. These kind of incidents make me hesitant to improve my place.... sigh.....
Deborah
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-100839
Am I the only one getting super messy guests?
I have been hosting for awhile and been through A LOT. So by now, not many things annoy me, or bother me, I just deal with stuff through resolution center - one of the main reason I am still hosting on Airbnb.
The thing about guests I get - I am hosting in Gangnam, Seoul where I get many people from other Asian countries, and most of those countries didn't have B&Bs like Europeans did. B&Bs usually meant cheap lodging where people use for sketchy reasons. I guess traditions last for a long time. (This is just one of my reasoning of why certain guests are certain ways.) So I am pretty used to guests treating me like I am their cleaning servant - those people don't even offend me anymore. I understand where they are coming from - they are paying me (even if it is way less than other lodgings in this area, I understand cause money is money). Some never read directions and house manuals and call me on the check in date when I am at work, or at midnight. I wish Airbnb can do something to help them, but honestly, I know Airbnb website is really clear (I don't know how people don't see it.)
Today, I am dealing with my previous guests who claimed that they will be tidy since they are in military. Well, it turned out to be a disaster. They smoked and left ashes all over with cigarette butts, spilled liquid on the floor and didn't clean up so the flooring is messed up, took shower with the door open so the floor is wet and door frame of the bedroom next to the shower is all weird, overall really messy. They only stayed for 2 nights, I have no idea how and why they left it this way.
I am not upset, I just am curious why there are such people out there. WHY.....I already started resolution center, hope I can get all the deposit for smoking, PLUS compensation for other damages.
Don't get me wrong, I meet really great people through hosting, just wish the ratio gets better. And people get common senses. Sigh...
11 comments•4 likes
Follow
Like
Julie and Eric
Deb
Salvia
Sky
Rick
Ricka year ago
I can empathize with you!! The only thing we can do is cause as much monetary pain as we can thru claiming the deposit...& if you haven't already done so, indicate that breaking the house rules could result in immediate expulsion from the property....the smoking would have angered me more than the mess!
Reply Like 2 replies•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Oh yes. I just don't understand the smoking. The first thing I put in House Rules, House manuals is 'no smoking' and for this listing, I even have 'no smoking' sign in the living room - not even the local one, universal one. I don't want to be mean or materialistic, but really... I think monetary compensation is the only thing can sooth my mind at this point. It is not a mess I can be understanding or empathetic.
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
How do hotels handle smoking issues in Seoul? Do they charge as well (up to 250 USD) to compensate for deep cleaning in such a case?
Leah
Leaha year ago
Raise the price. Don't compete with the low priced hotels
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
It is really hard in Seoul now. Overall Airbnb supply is over-saturated, especially compare to 'real Airbnb guests' type of people. There are a lot of people who has no idea what Airbnb is - I think this whole conceptual and versatile feeling of marketing is really not doing any good for hosts to get better guests - at least here in Seoul.
Tena
Tenaa year ago
I would be furious if someone smoked in my house... How rude! You totally have the right to be upset ... it is your home and they are treating it with disrespect.
Reply Like
Sky
Skya year ago
Wow Kelly. That sounds like a nightmare. Gir one I'm in the USA and just hostrc a Korean for 5-6 months. They ate messy dirty people by nstute I'm told. I rented him an emavulant room and hot back a trash do and HD adkec for his deposit back. We pulled boxes of trash, boxes, clothing,
Reply Like 5 replies
Kelly
Kellya year ago
I don't think Koreans are messy by nature - just a lot of them are not house chore trained since mothers usually handle all. Some people don't bother to take care of the house since they don't know it is something they need to do. Their room was clean and tidy even without them cleaning up and taking care of.
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
Sky, please do not be so prejudiced. It is ugly and dangerous. If you hold such views I do not think you are the right person to be an Airbnb host. I am sick of reading such disgusting and openly racist and prejudiced remarks on here. You should be ashamed. And Kelly, with all due respect, you do not speak for the entire population of your country. Many of us have hosted many Korean guests not only without any problems but with a very positive experience.
Kelly
Kellya year ago
I can speak for the tendency of populatiom of my country - I simply am saying the statistics, you can also check some researches and studies. I didn't say ALL are like that. And it is not a secret that mothers do most of the house chores in most households in Korea. My intention was point out that Koreans are messy, just tried to help my fellow hosts -if they experience some messy guests from Korea (glad you haven't had one), this is the possibility why they were messy - not that the guests were bad people. (Maybe it is only me but it soothes my mind to know the guests werent try to be mean and disrespect, but just didnt know, different cultured, mistake, etc) Knowing those circumstances, it is not a rocket science to understand why some people are acting certain ways.
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
You explain it very well and I see what you mean. You are a calm and thoughtful person obviously and I am not so much....! I find it very difficult to read such clearly prejudiced statements and not react, possibly over-react. Cultural differences have educated me to explain to people that the shower curtain must go INSIDE the bathtub; please please DO flush used toilet paper and don't put it in the bin; just because you don't smile and laugh doesn't mean you are not happy and comfortable etc etc. You live and you learn. Prejudice is neither living nor learning.
Kelly
Kellya year ago
My intention was "not to" point out that Koreans are messy, just tried to help my fellow hosts. I missed NOT there. Haha I am still living with the sign in a restroom stall 'Please don't flush the toilet paper, put it in the bin.' SIGH...
Sky
Skya year ago
Etc from that room for fays, smelled funky, sheets have to be thrown out
Reply Like
Sky
Skya year ago
No refund d for him. In your car it soundsuch worse and you get much less. I got $600 a month from my guest but only has a $150 deposit which I've increased to $300 and considering increasing to $500 to deter such people. Continue working with the RC and hopefully you get your full refund. Some people and cultures have no home training or common courtesy. Increase your rates to avoid those sketchy persons that you mentioned. OMG!
Reply Like 2 replies
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
I strongly disagree that budget places attract 'sketchy' guests. This attitude has come up many times on here and I will challenge it every time! My rooms are cheap (for good reasons) and 99.9% of my guests have been great. People on a budget are NOT de facto bad guests. In fact, there is an argument to say the opposite.... In my opinion, having high deposits and charging excessive cleaning fees and coming across as an inflexible hard-nosed landlord will surely attract guests that have no respect for you or your place.
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Rebecca, I see both possibilities. I do get awesome people, they said thet chose my place cause it has listing descriptions with good flow and perfect English (which is rare here), uniqueness of the place compare to other places in my city. But since there are some people out there just booking on Airbnb solely due to lower budget, and it seems like it is impossible to avoid those people. I am charging very low for my location, but my building is not as new as many other listings. In this area, I can only go lower to certain point due to high property cost - any lower I wouldnt even be getting the minimum wage. So for overall, my price is cheap and good value, reallt good deal if they care more for location, not so good deal if they care for the best decorated and furnished house for what they pay. I am still thinking about how I should plan for my pricing, so if you have some advises, they will be welcomed^^ (Renovation is not really an option - I will probablt build a new building in few years.)
Kelly
Kellya year ago
I want to add - I do have a cute yard with tables and swings and trees, which is a very rare thing in this city. Some people simply dont care for the yard, some do love it.
Reply Like 1 reply
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
I get what you're saying Kelly. I think maybe this is an example of the difference between being a live-in host and an off-site host. Because I host in my own home I am able to control things much more. Mostly I don't need to actually do anything - just the fact that I am here means guests are more respectful. And we interact, share things etc. so it's much harder for them to be disrespectful! As for pricing I struggle with that myself so I'm not the best person to advise, sorry. In fact I was pretty upset to see that I have just dropped half a star for value for one of my rooms
I mean, really, what do people want?? They got a big room and breakfast for £17.50 each! That's hostel prices in my city. I have increased my prices slowly as my good reviews increased but there is so much competition now I realise maybe I might have to drop down again. It's not easy! My own personal view is that I'd rather be busy and have people pleasantly surprised that the place is nicer than they thought it would be because it's cheap, I don't want to raise expectations and then get negative reviews. Hopefully in the New Year I can finally get a new bathroom fitted so my value stars will be full again. To be honest, I like my budget travellers. They suit me and my home and lifestyle. I think that's the most important thing that every host needs to establish - what kind of guest will suit you and how to attract them. But again, there is a massive difference between hosting in your home and renting out separate properties. Worlds apart really. By the way, I love your yard! My son really hit it off with one of our Korean guests, they are still in touch and he is planning to go to Seoul at some point. If he can't stay with her, I already showed him your place 
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kidsa year ago
Kelly I had a cleaning fee for over two years and I recently took it off and I've noticed a dramatic improvement in the cleanliness of my guests. Your cleaning fee is about a third of the cost of your room. Maybe people think because they pay this fee they don't need to clean up? I've put up my daily rate to cover the loss in the cleaning fee but it's saving me so much time so honestly I think its been worth it. Just my thoughts anyway.
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Thanks for sharing. Actually I was using cleanimg fee as a benefit for long term guests, as well as to prevent one might guests. But I see your point, and maybe I will try that!
Robert and Stefania
Robert and Stefaniaa year ago
I can't complain about my guests, but since we live under the same roof it would be more embarrassing for them breaking the rules. Regarding the cleaning I used to, in the past, take a deposit for cleaning and give it back to the guests that they were willing to clean. Some guests were very good housekeeper and they even clean my own space!
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Most of my listings are under the same roof with my family home, but has separate entrance with separate kitch bath everything. So i wont know what is going om behind the door....
Rachel
Rachela year ago
So sorry to hear that this has been your experience. Please just be honest about your guests when you review them so all of us hosts can stick together in supporting one another to not tolerate people that do not respect our space. I only take people who have been rated as keeping the place clean and tidy. Good luck! Rachel
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Yes I definitely am leaving true reviews and will of course do the same for this guest. I have had problems with guests with good reviews, I hated when that happens......
Leah
Leaha year ago
I only recently added a security deposit. For over two and a half years, no issues. The one guest that had the reservation with the deposit, lost the key. He said if he found it, he would mail it back. I haven't heard from him at all. Plus, he asked for a discount. Yeah, I know, but it was slow. Then, he said his girlfriend might stay some of the nights, so we altered for the extra guest fee on the condition I would refund the nights back she wasn't there (another alteration sent which was a $40 credit in his favor but no response). Ball is in his court for that as I sent him a reminder to accept it for the refund. Case point, you can have cleaning fees or deposits, some will think they are excuses to do something since they are paying for it or will at some point. Better to have it though than getting your place trashed and have nothing but the nightly fee to compensate you for the extra work involved in getting the place back in order.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Kelly
Kellya year ago
Yep, security deposit is a must. These kind of incidents make me hesitant to improve my place.... sigh.....
Deborah