So, you’re thinking about fudging the guest count on your Airbnb booking? We get it; sometimes, it feels like a harmless white lie. When staying in a rental, it’s easy to offer friends or family members a place to stay for the night, or just add that extra person to the trip last minute without telling – there’s no harm right? So can you lie about guests on Airbnb?
Trust me, it’s not worth the risk. I’ll break down exactly why lying about your guests is a bad idea.
When I first used to host on Airbnb, I had yet to install a Ring security doorbell. I learned early on that the added exterior security was worth every penny. My property is set up with a double bed and can only accommodate two people.
Based on the mess left behind, the wear and tear, the number of towels used, the amount of washing up and the huge number of trash bags left behind, it became clear that many bookings were actually for whole families or large groups trying to save money on hotel accommodation.
It’s one thing to invite guests over (check if your host approves of this before booking) but having them stay the night is another issue.
The time and effort taken to launder and clean up afterwards had a big impact on my ability to host. This impact ends up affecting the next booking and can cause a worse experience for the next guest.
More people staying means more effort for the host. Hosts deserve to be compensated for greater numbers even if it’s just the extra person.
What Happens If You Get Caught?
Lying about the number of guests is not just a minor infraction — it can have some serious consequences:
- Fines: Airbnb can hit you with hefty fines. We’re talking hundreds, even thousands, of dollars depending on the property. For the amount of money you save, you can risk big fines.
- Suspension: They can also suspend your listing, meaning you lose out on bookings and income.
- Account Deactivation: In extreme cases, they might even deactivate your entire account.
- Negative Reviews: If your host catches on, expect a scathing review that could scare off future hosts from accepting you. For a platform that requires honesty and integrity, dishonesty is a sure-fire way to exclude yourself from the Airbnb community.
- Safety Issues: Overcrowding can lead to safety hazards, and you could be held liable if something goes wrong.
The bottom line? The risks far outweigh any potential benefits of sneaking in a few extra guests.
How Airbnb Catches You
You might think you’re being clever, but Airbnb has a few tricks up its sleeve to catch rule-breakers:
- Host Reports: Your host can report you if they suspect you have more guests than you booked for.
- Neighbour Complaints: Nosy neighbours? Yep, they can also report suspicious activity to Airbnb. Nobody wants 10 people moving into the one-bedroom flat next door.
- Security Cameras: Some hosts have exterior security cameras, so don’t assume you’re in the clear just because you got in.
The Right Way to Handle Extra Guests
So, what if you do have a few extra people wanting to stay? Here’s how to handle it without getting in trouble:
- Communicate with your host: Be upfront and honest. Many hosts are willing to accommodate extra guests for an additional fee. Often properties have a flat fee and don’t incur additional charges anyway. Sometimes from a safety perspective, a property isn’t suitable for the number of guests that you need and this can be why maximum numbers are set by the host.
- Book a larger space: If you know you’ll have more people, book a listing that’s designed for a larger group.
- Consider alternative accommodations: If Airbnb isn’t working out, look into hotels or vacation rentals with more flexible policies.
Why Honesty is the Best Policy
I get it. The temptation to bend the rules can be strong. But remember:
- It’s not fair to your host: They’ve set their listing up for a specific number of guests, and overcrowding can cause wear and tear on their property. Extra guests means extra cleaning, particularly when it comes to bed linen and towels. Hosts are trying to run a business and this extra work can cost them financially, as well as increase their turnover times between bookings which they may have not arranged for. Not to mention, you’ll have essentially invited complete strangers who aren’t on the booking into another person’s home who wasn’t expected.
- It’s not fair to other guests: Overcrowding can lead to noise complaints and other disruptions for fellow travellers or locals. Deceiving a host means that amenities a host assumed weren’t used may not be cleaned properly. For example, if you put used towels back in the cupboard to conceal how many had been used, they may be overlooked by the host for the next guest.
- It’s not worth the risk: The potential consequences of getting caught far outweigh any short-term benefits. Losing your access to the Airbnb platform means less travel options in future.
So, next time you’re tempted to lie about guests on Airbnb, take a deep breath and do the right thing. Your host, your fellow guests, and your wallet will thank you.
Keep it Real, Keep it Safe
At the end of the day, honesty is always the best policy on Airbnb. It protects you, your host, and your fellow guests. So, play by the rules, communicate openly, and enjoy your stay without any worries.
Key takeaways
- Lying about guests on Airbnb can lead to serious consequences like fines, suspension, or even account deactivation.
- Airbnb has ways of catching rule-breakers, so don’t assume you’ll get away with it.
- If you have extra guests, be upfront with your host or consider alternative accommodations.
As explained above, Airbnb is built on a community of trust and reputation – don’t be the one to break this and lie about guests on your booking.
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