How does that work, then? People pay more and so they won’t stress you?? I don’t believe the idea that higher prices attract a higher quality of guest. For me, it’s about how you pitch your listing. If your prices are too high then obviously people are going to complain if you don’t deliver. It’s crazy to think you can just up your prices and all guests will be great.
Maybe they thought that under 16 years was not counted as an adult? Not trying to excuse them but having just tried to book a place as a guest, it is a bloody nightmare negotiating through everything.
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What would you suggest when people don’t pay for the extra guest its just the extra $10 and blame it on Airbnb glitch?
Now it 1 or 2 person its the same price.
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Ah sorry I didn’t read the whole thread carefully enough. Yes, it makes sense to adjust prices on number of guests of course. I was thinking of the oft-quoted notion that ‘the higher your price, the better quality of guest’. I don’t think that is true.
Awe Deb, this is really awful. The nerve, the disrespect! Very sorry.
Probably true… It’s human nature to want to share the bad ones with our friends to get their take. 
We probably all do it. Why didn’t we also share the five good ones in a row? Not only good, awesome! Super awesome guests this entire high season. I’ve been so lucky!!
I’m beginning to think that guests need an MA in Illogicality, let alone hosts, when using the platform.
The enquirer seemingly took umbrage when I queried her daughter’s age, which I needed to know for safety reasons. " Of course she’s not a child; she’s 15." I think she just made a genuine error.
Nice to hear your voice again!
We have been hosting a cabin in the SoCal mountains for about 4 months now. We are permitted for 8 guests. I would say at least 40% of the time people try to bring in additional guests. I have actually come to expect it now. Luckily my outdoor camera takes screenshots when motion is detected so I have proof. My house rules state $50/per guest/per night extra. Some groups have paid and additional $400, but it’s either that or leave. It’s funny how people think rules don’t apply to them.
Especially frustrating is the group who tried to bring 12 people, had to pay extra because of it, then left me a bad review because they didn’t like that I was watching them when they got caught…
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How are you successfully making the rule-breakers cough up the extra dough? Do you report to Air about them breaking your rule and it’s on camera or do you just tell the guests to pay up for their visitors or leave?
So many here have related that guests don’t reply to texts and phone calls and the host ends up eating it. Do you go there in person or what?
Whatever you’re doing or saying to get the extra fees obviously works so would you mind sharing your expertise.
I basically just ask them to confirm how many guests and cars they have at the property. Usually they will give a number a few less than actually there. Here is how it typically goes:
Me: Hi xxxx, glad you arrived safely. Can you please confirm how many guests and cars are at the cabin?
Them: There are 9 people and 3 cars.
Me: Thanks for the response! I’m sure it was just an honest mistake but the outdoor camera captured 10,11 (however many) guests. Per the house rules, there is a $50/per guest per night charge for any guests over the occupancy max of 8. I’ll be sending over a request for the additional fee now. Please be sure to accept in the next 60 minutes to avoid an interruption to your stay. Thank you and please enjoy the rest of your stay.
Some people complain, some apologize, but so far all have paid. They know they are breaking the rules and I find if you don’t get too angry they just pay up. However, I have no issues calling Airbnb or sending over my property manager to boot them if needed.
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Very good! I knew you would have the winning combination of words to “prompt” the guests to do the right thing.
More than very good…your response to their “honest mistake” is excellent!
TBH, the extra money is nice, but I would rather not have to deal with it at all.
I’m sure you disclose this in your rules (that they don’t read). Do you also have pictures of the cameras in the listing? Maybe put a picture of the camera further up in your picture sequence. Or put a picture of the screen shot with a caption that says something friendly and non-threatening “watching out for your safety.”
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Yes I do mention it in my house rules (driveway is monitored 24/7 by a security camera) but as you mention who reads those? lol. It’s a good idea to put a picture of the camera in the listing however. Or maybe people will just get creative on how to avoid it…
But they know full well that 15 year old will require a bed!