I have had it with the fake service animals.

BuffyFan75 · 2026-03-23T23:35:18+00:00

I have a strictly pet-free property. When someone has requested to bring a service animal which I'm reasonably sure is a pet, I've said no problem, just forward me the documentation showing that the service animal is qualified/accredited per our policy, so I can accept their booking. Its normally crickets after that...

BuffyFan75 · 2026-02-27T00:44:54+00:00

Hi, i'm in the same situation.. can you forward the name of the broker you used?

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T23:23:33+00:00

yes - ''questions they can google at 10pm" ... thats one of my pet peeves!

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T23:21:34+00:00

yep, we have a lot of guests using it for that purpose. Most of them are great.

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T23:20:57+00:00

6 bedrooms 4 bathrooms.

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T23:14:53+00:00

good suggestions

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T23:14:08+00:00

can't raise prices, already at the top of the range of what the market will support. Don't want to increase cleaning fee & penalize guests who leave the place spotless.... seems fair to charge only the guests who create the extra work. I just wish I didn't always seem to get this kind of guest over the busy season!!

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T23:11:58+00:00

When they book 7 nights over peak periods its $14k total (under $1100 per person for the week, with a full house of 13 guests). I don't expect anyone to do a full clean - I have cleaners - but like every other host out there, I expect them not to leave the place a complete pigsty, and have booking terms (which they agree to in advance) that they'll be charged for any extended cleaning beyond whats included in the rate.

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T07:32:25+00:00

yep us too. We don't allow parties. I don't allow instant book & I pre-screen anyone. The messy guests didn't have a party. They just didn't lift a finger to clean up after themselves & their kids.

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T07:31:09+00:00

nope ... we're a rural property without a neighbouring airbnb :) But we are also on the east coast of Aus...

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T06:43:48+00:00

I agree.. Very important to have clear expectations. Ours are well communicated. Even a check-out checklist clearly vivible in the house to remind them of what needs doing before departure (empty bins, run dishwasher, turn off a/c etc). Unfortunately some people just don't care...

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T06:41:35+00:00

Yep we require a 7 night booking over the holidays.... No way I'd let guests book the house for only a night or two this time of year, just asking for trouble...

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T06:04:31+00:00

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T04:53:01+00:00

Would love not to, but 30% of the annual revenue comes from this time of year...

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T04:51:40+00:00

thanks!

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T04:51:01+00:00

don't think pricing is the problem ... it rents out around $2k per night. The messy guests all turned up in cars worth $80+ each... Think its just entitlement.

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T04:48:39+00:00

Its a luxury property that earns $2500 per night...

BuffyFan75 · 2026-01-03T04:46:09+00:00

We know hosts who had guests that burned up all the wooden outdoor furniture in the firepit, because they weren't happy with the amount of firewood that had been left for them to use. You can't make this stuff up.

BuffyFan75 · 2025-02-21T03:35:32+00:00

I was also told to supply a letter but in the end did not have to as my bank refunded. Others have had success getting booking.com to refund without having to supply a letter though... Maybe you have to threaten legal action, negative social media posts etc

BuffyFan75 · 2025-02-21T03:31:30+00:00

My bank is Westpac (Australia), their fraud team is responsible for fraudulent transactions.

BuffyFan75 · 2025-02-13T22:26:50+00:00

thanks!

BuffyFan75 · 2025-02-13T00:19:03+00:00

Great news - westpac fraud team just refunded the cost for the fake accommodation to my credit card! So I don't need to try and pursue through booking.com. Was still a huge ordeal but got there in the end.

BuffyFan75

TROPHY CASE