Ok here we go!! I’ve really enjoyed hosting women in my “ sanctuary” and sharing space has not been an issue until now. I need to share what is happening and am seeking advice. I just got my superhost status and have never had a rating below a 5.
I accepted a 44 night booking request from an international student who didn’t have reviews. But in my correspondence with her she seemed professional and pleasant and told me she was doing an internship and would be working 8-4 each day and going to the gym each night. I asked her if she was ok with my rules… pretty basic but little kitchen use. Etc. She said it was fine. I asked if she had any storage needs for extra things and she said she was traveling light and not to clear things out for her. I have her my parking spot in the driveway.
Upon her arrival she said she didn’t really read the rules and asked what they were again. She said her friend had booked the space for her thinking my environment would be good for her. She then informed me that she misread the job info and that it didn’t start until 2 weeks into her stay which meant she’s hanging in my house all day.
The first incident was major blood staining on the bed. She mentioned it to me and together we cleaned it up. But then when I cleaned the room the next week there was blood everywhere on all 3 layers of the bed. So together we cleaned it up again. Then when I went to clean a 3rd time I took a cover off and realized the entire memory foam topper was stained. She did replace it but not until I uncovered all of the layers. She didn’t seem to care.
Then I noticed she had all of her lotions and potions on my antique dresser which was staining the wood and so I cleared out a drawer for her to put her toiletries in the bathroom. I tried to buff out the oil stains.
She drank 4 -5 bottles of my wine And seemed to be getting drunk every night.
I just noticed a chip in my marble table top next to her bed and I suspect she got drunk and dropped something heavy in it. I have no proof of what it looked like before renting to her.
Upon her arrival, as I do with all of my guests, I offer tips for sight seeing and restaurants. But her response to everything was so negative… nothing suited her… and I come from a city know for great food! I stopped offering suggestions. She hated every experience and said she was traumatized by the food.
When her job did start she said she could only work 20 hours a week because she is an international student. So she’s home most of the time.
I allow her to do laundry and she does a load every single day and leaves the clothes in the dryer or washer until I take them out.
The room and her things are a mess and she’s got rotting chicken in my fridge.
Ok. You get the idea!!! I actually think she’s having some mental issues. I did call air bnb about the mattress and my concerns because I know, due to her negativity about everything, I’m going to get a bad review.
Also, I’m going out of town and will have a cohost helping me but not living in the space. I will not be present for the check out and told her my cohost would personally check her out. She said no!! She would just take photos and send them to me.
I’m super easy going. Super accommodating… but I’m so scared about what she’s going to do to my home and ruining my reputation. I’m also scared to review her honestly.
Help!! I know I blew it with damage control and not having explicit rules… assuming people will respect and keep the space the way I do. I’m going to make changes. But what do I do with check out and damage control with the review she is most certain to write. Thank you for your guidance!!
