Airbnbs were supposed to be the easier way to travel.
You can find one almost anywhere, complete with all the comforts and amenities of a real home, not a hotel.
But, of course, there is always a catch.
When you book an Airbnb, you can see the host's list of rules and checkout instructions. Generally, these may include things like whether or not you can bring a pet, when to put out crates, or specific cleaning requirements and fees.
However, one Australian was given a rude awakening by a list provided to them by a local Airbnb host, which contained nearly 20 requests – almost all of which detailed additional charges.
When does it go too far?
Fees, fees and more fees
An Australian resident shared a list of rules given to them by an Airbnb host in Queensland to Reddit.
The listing simply begins by stating that although no security deposit is required for the property, guests will be fully responsible for any costs they incur as a result of damages caused. Seems very reasonable, doesn't it? Well, maybe not.
The next rule states that the property is not charged a cleaning fee either, so that guests who “clean their own” are not penalized. But if left in any condition other than the one in which it was found, guests will be charged a $120 fee to cover things like not washing, emptying the dishwasher, leaving any mess either inside or outside, or not cleaning the grill to perfection.
And it gets murkier from there.
While towels are provided for guests, anything used beyond what is initially offered will cost guests a whopping $60 per load, regardless of the exact number of extras taken from the lockers.
Excess rubbish will cost you too, with you paying an extra $30 for any extra bins used beyond the two provided – unless you can dispose of them yourself, away from the property.
And if you need to discuss any damage with the hosts? You will be charged for that as well.
Rule number six states: “If it proves necessary to bill guests after they leave for any breakages, additional cleaning, laundry, trash disposal, etc., a standard administrative fee of $30 will apply.”
“This covers the time spent administering the invoice and collecting and uploading photographic evidence to support any invoice. An additional $30 administration fee will be charged for all further correspondence undertaken to deal with this matter.
So you're tracking me now?
There's one rule on the menu that's particularly controversial, and it involves extra guests.
“The nightly rent covers the cost of ten people, which is the amount the property sleeps in terms of beds,” Rule Nine begins.
“Additional guests are welcome to either camp or bring their own bedding inside and are charged $25 per guest per night. “Day guests,” for example, guests attending events such as weddings, are charged $15 per person.
“As part of maintaining a good relationship with our neighbours, full details of guest numbers for both overnight stays and day guests must be provided in advance Additional guests will be charged a fee if not paid for at the time of booking Retroactively a higher rate of $30 per person per per night and $20 per guest per day.
You're probably wondering how this is possible, and you won't like the answer.
“If we have reason to believe that guest numbers exceed those provided at the time of booking (we already have a tracking device at the property, which alerts us to excess numbers) we reserve the right to enter the property for clarification purposes,” the rule continued. Eek!
Is this even legal?
In 2023, Airbnb implemented a product update that introduces transparent check-out instructions, which differ from house rules, and are displayed on the listing page before a guest makes a reservation.
According to Airbnb, any requests that are “unreasonable,” as some may consider them, can be reported.
“Guests can now view checkout instructions on the menu page before booking, and will receive a reminder before leaving home,” they said.
“During the review process, guests can let us know about any excessive requests. Listings with repeated low ratings due to unreasonable Airbnb red tape will be removed.
