Laura4 months ago
Hello! There is a drought!
Hey there. What is everyone doing about guests who simply won't abide by the repeated requests to conserve water while staying with you? It's in the house rules, I have little signs saying please conserve in the bathrooms and make a point of asking to be wary of water use. It's optional to collect the shower water while heating up - fine I can live with that- but I have had 3 consecutive guests who have spent 45 minutes in the shower with the water running..... Every day. I am starting to get concerned about usage. I live here and have buckets placed everywhere to catch what I can - do I start charging for "premium water usage"? Hmmmm.
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Gemma & Ron
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Jordie
Jordie4 months ago
Hmmm. That's a tough one. How do you know the guests aren't just sequentially showering without turning off the shower between? I don't see how you can really enforce a fee unless you want to become a shower nazi who constantly monitors...unless there some technology out there that you could install on a shower head that effectively shuts it off after a reasonable time? If it's a stand-alone unit with its own meter that actually IS doable and perhaps something you can consider!
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Laura
Laura4 months ago
Since I am in the next room it's pretty easy to tell.... Being 2 of them are ca residents I find it hard to understand. It's not a stand alone unit and not looking to become shower patrol but I don't want ebmud to penalize me or have to pass on costs of penalization. As we have a long summer ahead I am just trying to figure out a way to enforce this and not make it unpleasant or awkward.
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Jordie
Jordie4 months ago
I always think face-to-face discussion is best (people don't read house manuals and/or notes) but if you feel you've done that to the best of your ability, I would investigate products on the market to help. I did a quick poke around and found something called a "shower manager" that sounded promising, but the reviews were not good on amazon
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Laura
Laura4 months ago
Yeah. I always face to face. Explain the drought to out of staters. I think the issue is some people just don't want to get it. I will look at some products as well. Let's see. Thanks Jordie!
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Victoria
Victoria4 months ago
Hi Laura .... For currant guests I'd remind them once or twice...if that didn't work I'd have Airbnb call them and if that failed Id ask them to leave if they can't abide rules. With potential guests ...before confirming any booking I ask people to make sure they've read the entire listing including rules .... also reiterate in the email that California is in its 4th year of drought and that as guests they'll have to adjust to heavily restricted water use. I do not confirm any reservation until the guest writes back that they understand and agree to the conditions..I then again remind them when they arrive. I have the rules etc printed out on a Welcome sheet. I have a 3 min timer in the shower. Haven't had an issue since doing this. I have strict rules.. I thought this might turn people off but quite the contrary.. People say they book with me because of it ..and I'm a Super host.
Best,
Tori
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Deborah
Deborah4 months ago
I have put a note on my kitchen bulletin board which begins with this statement in large letters, bold:
WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA, THE STATE OF DROUGHT!
THen I go on to ask guest to please be conscious of their water usage. I ask them to take showers of no more than 5 minutes, and not to do laundry unless they have a full load. I also state that California may fine homeowners who use too much water, just to drive home the point that it's possible that if they aren't thoughtful about water use that this could cost me.
When Guests first arrive, I explain this sign to them.
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Laura
Laura4 months ago
The peculiar thing was 2 of the 3 offenders live in California. I definitely get the vibe from folks that like a hotel they don't have to abide by what is asked. For clarity after the never ending shower was ended I asked them to please not to take that long again and I got an "of course" but the next time it was the same thing. A timer is a good idea. I will try that. I am finding it's a matter of the person themselves.... So Tori if they don't agree then yeah, no booking for you. Really amazing to me as I am doing all I can to conserve. And would do the same in anyone's home or hotel.
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Victoria
Victoria4 months ago
Laura... I had a woman from China (spoke perfect English) last year who would wash her face for 20 mins leaving the water running THEN take a half hour shower. I would pound on the bathroom door to get her to turn off the water. She wanted to extend her stay and I told her it wasn't possible.
I am so careful now. I never do instant booking because I want to make sure whos going to be sharing my house.
Good luck Laura...
Best,
Tori
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Laura
Laura4 months ago
Tori. I have been thinking of disabling instant book just for this reason. Lol! Good for you. Doing my best to become a super host (just started 2 mos ago) and don't want that to hurt me. Thanks everyone for the advice!
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Victoria
Victoria4 months ago
Anytime.. don't want to put my phone number in a public forum otherwise would pass it on to you. Happy to share what I've learned doing this.
best..
Tori
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Laura
Laura4 months ago
Great Tori - thank you! Yeah communication via hosts is not so great with this app. If you ever have time for a drink or coffee would be happy to meet up. I will think of a way to get my details to you! Stay tuned. I have a couple from Singapore this weekend.
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Victoria
Victoria4 months ago
Sure, why not ...I'll have more time beginning next week..let's reconnect then.
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Laura
Laura4 months ago
Sure thing.
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