Guidelines for Conducting Home Repairs While Hosting Airbnb Guests

By Prayas Choudhary

As you watch the water spewing from beneath your bathroom sink, you think, “This is a disaster.” The calm oasis has suddenly become reminiscent of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful.

As you cautiously enter the bathroom to stop the water flow, thoughts of cleaning up this catastrophe start flooding your mind. The situation is further complicated with Airbnb guests sharing your space amidst these home repairs. How do you navigate this predicament?

Being an Airbnb host, it’s beneficial to establish a contingency plan for potential home repairs during guest occupancy. Whether the cause is an inadvertent mishap by a guest or a breakdown of appliances, preparedness is key.

Prepare in Advance for Home Maintenance Issues

Being proactive and planning ahead is always wise. While we’d ideally like to schedule house repairs during periods without guests, accidents and unforeseen breakdowns can occur.

Keep contact details of a trusted repair technician readily available. Be clear on whom to call in such situations. Maintain a comprehensive list of reliable local repair services, ranging from plumbers to electricians to animal control – even animal-related damages may demand immediate attention.

Equip your guests with a repair protocol and a compilation of emergency contact numbers. This way, the issue is more likely to be handled in a way that aligns with your preferences.

Include guidelines in your House Manual or somewhere in your rental space on how to communicate with you in case of an emergency or repair requirement.

Regular maintenance is key. By keeping everything in top condition, you reduce the chances of facing emergency repairs.

Keep an updated visual record of your home and significant appliances, taken before and after each stay. These photographs will simplify the process of determining whether the damage is new or preexisting.

Consider investing in a home warranty or service contracts with utility providers or other repair agencies. By paying an annual fee, you secure a service contract that covers repair or replacement, potentially with the added advantage of priority service.

Evaluate the Circumstances

So, your guests have reached out with a problem – something is damaged. The first step is to evaluate the scenario. There are certain aspects you need to understand before initiating the repair process.

What is the issue at hand? Identifying the problem will help you determine whether it’s something you can fix personally or if a professional is required.

Does postponing the repairs exacerbate the issue? Although you don’t want to disrupt your guests’ stay, certain situations, like a sewage leak, can worsen if left unattended.

Who is accountable? Ascertaining this early on is crucial. No one wants to dispute over who will bear the expense.

Is immediate repair necessary? Assess along with your guests whether the issue demands immediate attention or if it can be deferred until their stay concludes.

For instance, if the heating system fails but the guests are amenable to using the Airbnb’s wood stove, both parties might agree to defer the professional repair until after their departure.

On the other hand, a malfunctioning air conditioner amidst a heatwave necessitates immediate action.

Ensure Clear Communication and Thorough Documentation

Absence of information can exacerbate an already complex situation.

Leveraging the Airbnb messaging system ensures uniform understanding among you, your guests, and Airbnb. This system can serve as crucial documentation to avoid cancellation fees, if necessary. Always use Airbnb’s messaging system for crucial communications with your guests.

If you’re not at home or in close proximity, ask your guests to provide a detailed description of the problem or send a co-host if available. Request pictures, if possible.

Make it clear whether you are taking responsibility for the damage or if you plan to utilize the Resolution Center to recover damages through the guest’s registered payment method.

Go the extra mile in being helpful and accommodating during the repair process. If guests need to vacate the premises temporarily, suggest local attractions or dining options. You might even offer a gift certificate as a thoughtful gesture.

Based on the gravity of the situation, consider a partial refund of their payment. If the guests feel the need to shift to another accommodation, collaborate with Airbnb to find an alternative host.

Ensure you communicate promptly and frequently with Airbnb. Don’t assume the company is aware of the scenario just because you’re using their messaging platform.

Retain copies of all bills or receipts for potential submission to Airbnb and your insurance provider, if required.

Establish Guidelines for Home Repairs

Setting up specific protocols for home repairs ensures immediate alignment between all involved parties.

This preemptive measure eliminates guesswork and enhances safety in case of serious incidents, such as a ruptured gas line or, in more extreme cases, a partial ceiling collapse.

Having a clear plan of action mitigates panic.

A standard, well-prepared response not only provides reassurance but also accelerates the problem-solving process.

Incorporating these protocols into your rental agreement or house manual can safeguard you against potential liabilities and legal complications.

In Conclusion

Implementing a protocol for handling repairs during an Airbnb guest’s stay can significantly reduce inconvenience and time wastage for all parties involved. An astute host will have a well-conceived plan prepared in advance and accessible to their guests.

Echoing the words of Maya Angelou, we should always aim to “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and remain unsurprised by anything in between.”