What’s an acceptable condition to leave an Airbnb? - Hot Topics | Forums | What to Expect

The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. Learn more about our guidelines
Just so you know, What to Expect may make commissions on shopping links on this page.

Bookmark Discussion Report as Inappropriate

mama-squared

My dad recently started Airbnbing his house and asked me to take care of the communication part of it. Basically anything outside of what happens while guests are in the actual house, is my responsibility. He has it listed as a long-term rental so people are staying anywhere between 1-3 months.

A little info on my dad- he has no idea how to use technology (the reason why it all falls on me) and he’s a very clean person with high standards. Likes things his way and expects others to do the same.

He’s had 3 families stay so far and he’s complained to me about all of them. The first family stained sheets, took towels, left a nasty smell, and left a bunch of unused pads and toiletries on a bed. The second family always had stuff out on the porch, broke a cup, left things messy. The child was always slamming doors which he could hear. The third family stained the mattress, took towels, left the bathroom dirty with urine, dirty dishes in the sink, crumbs on the floor. The kids were up by 6am and running around which he could hear. These are all things he’s told me, none of which I have personally seen as I don’t visit the property.

It’s always something and then he comes to me to complain. Part of me is like, well this is the business you signed up for and people have different standards and lifestyles that may not match yours. And the other part wonders where do you draw the line and consider it unacceptable behavior/ conditions?

My husband and I have stayed short term at Airbnbs and always left the place tidy and clean. We also are mindful of making too much noise. Of course there will be more grime if you’re staying longer, which I completely understand. And if you’re staying with kids there will be more noise/ commotion.

Wondering what others think is acceptable use of a home and condition to leave it in if staying long term. How do you usually leave an Airbnb or similar rental style property? Do you tidy up? Do you clean anything if cleaning products are provided? Do you wash your dishes or throw out the trash? Do you wash visibly dirty linens if a washer is provided? Do you let the host know if you accidentally damaged something?

I know culture can also have an impact on what’s considered “appropriate” so I’d love to hear what y’all’s thoughts are.

41 Comments

Oldest First

Report as Inappropriate

Jelly-Beans

We used Airbnb’s a lot before having kids and we pretty much left them as we found them. I’d draw the line at vacuuming unless the floors were an absolute mess but I’d never leave dishes or mess and would wipe down surfaces etc. A lot of places in Europe specify that you have to take your rubbish & recycling away at the end which we always did but I don’t remember that being a thing when we visited the US?

I’d make sure you have a cleaning fee which every place I’ve stayed at has so I don’t think that would put people off, especially for longer term rentals.

How people use it is more tricky. Things like breaking a mug is fair use and I would just replace it but stealing towels etc is different. Ultimately people are paying a lot of money to stay in these places so sure I’d let my kids run around and make a little noise. I’ve stayed in places with a list of rules that you wouldn’t believe and it’s really off putting. You can’t have your cake and eat it!

spookyyuki

clean like it was

Report as Inappropriate

shellybeans

Dirty dishes in the dishwasher, rubbish in the bin,dirty towels in a pile in the bathroom, and don't steal anything are pretty much my only rules. I don't expect it to be prestine clean otherwise I wouldn't have a cleaner to come in after each guest. Over the years we've had glue split all over a leather sofa (that was fun!l) & a vacuum cleaner stolen - those are the only things I withheld deposit for. Broken glasses/dishes happen.

When you rent a property you know you're gonna take some hits. As for the kids making noise, that's just a ridiculous complaint.

Report as Inappropriate

SorayaMontenegro

I’ve never done an airBNB. So maybe I’m not the target audience. But I will say - unless I was explicitly told to - I would never even think of washing the linens before I left. Honestly, I think that’s gross. If the guest is expected to wash the linens, does that mean the owner doesn’t wash them between guests? Are instructions for washing given (industrial detergent, bleach, hot water)? Or is it all on Debbie and whatever cheap dollar store detergent she bought that week to make sure sheets and towels are “clean”?

Nor would I think to sweep, vacuum, or mop. Am I supposed to dust and windex the glass too? I’d probably throw dirty dishes in the dishwasher, but the random cup (because my kid asks for water 5 minutes before we are leaving) would absolutely stay in the sink. Like guests really have to perform a whole house cleaning the morning of departure? Sounds awful.

I guess I suck because I really would not even consider that these tasks are the responsibility of the guest. And I wouldn’t choose a place that made that my responsibility.

Violation Reported

{{/IsAbused}} {{^IsAbused}} {{#canEscalate}} Escalate for Review {{/canEscalate}} {{^canEscalate}} Report as Inappropriate {{/canEscalate}} {{/IsAbused}} {{/IsBanned}} {{#canDelete}} Delete Post {{/canDelete}}

This post is hidden because it's being reviewed by moderators, it was created by a blocked user or was hidden by the original poster.

What’s an acceptable condition to leave an Airbnb? - Hot Topics | Forums | What to Expect | Page 3 (2024)