Why I Removed My Home from Airbnb After Hosting Problematic Guests
Wendy Martin, a 50-year-old property owner near Dayton, Ohio, recently decided to remove her home from Airbnb. This decision followed several problematic encounters with guests during her hosting journey. Wendy and her family had initially inherited the property, which they transformed into a short-term rental.
The Background of the Property
The property, a small single-family home built in 1910, encompasses around 1,300 square feet. It features three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, and a full kitchen, along with amenities like a washer and dryer. Set on a six-acre estate, the home includes scenic trails, a stream, and a koi pond for guests to enjoy.
Location Advantages
- 20 minutes from multiple colleges
- 15 minutes from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
- 1 hour from Columbus and Cincinnati
Initially, Wendy believed Airbnb would generate extra income. The property was in high demand, often booked for family visits or events tied to nearby colleges.
Challenges Faced as a Host
Wendy hosted guests for around two-and-a-half years. However, her experience was marred by three particularly negative encounters, including repeat bookings from disruptive guests. One incident involved two guests who brought large dogs and left the place in poor condition. Wendy found it frustrating to clean the aftermath.
In another case, a guest and his friends stayed for ten days and caused significant damage, including trashing the house and leaving food waste outside. Despite submitting a damage claim to Airbnb for $160, Wendy received only $10 for a replaced remote control, leading to her growing dissatisfaction with the platform.
Health Concerns and Decision to Delist from Airbnb
Wendy’s decision to remove her property from Airbnb was influenced by her health. Recently diagnosed with a mild form of leukemia, she became concerned about her ability to manage the rental. Coupled with the bad experiences, it became clear that hosting was no longer sustainable.
A New Approach
Wendy and her husband decided to rent the property to their daughter and her roommates. This arrangement provides a steady income while alleviating the pressures associated with short-term rental management. Though this means earning about $1,300 monthly instead of the $2,300 from Airbnb, it eliminates costs related to cleaning and supplies.
Future Considerations
Wendy plans to explore long-term rental options, like those offered through platforms such as Furnish Finder, once her health improves. She aims for more control over the property and less frequent turnover of guests. The transition marks a significant shift in her rental strategy, focusing on stability over the unpredictability of short-term rentals.
Ultimately, Wendy’s experience highlights the challenges that can accompany hosting on platforms like Airbnb, especially when balancing personal health and guest management.
