7 Most Common Airbnb Problems And Tips On How To Solve Them

Did you know that Australia has more than 100,000 Airbnb properties? As an Airbnb property owner, these numbers tell you that there is a lot of competition. When it comes to successful holiday rental property management, you really need to do your best to provide added value to your guests and stay ahead of the curve. 

However, what exactly do you need to do to stand out? It is necessary to take note of common Airbnb problems and come up with sustainable solutions to beat your competition. Here are some issues you need to take care of and how to go about it:

7 Most Common Airbnb Problems And Their Solutions

Most of the Airbnbs in Australia close down due to unsatisfactory services. As a host, your biggest goal should be meeting the needs of your guests. However, a few problems arise in Airbnbs and could cost hosts if these problems are not properly taken care of. They include: 

Problem #1 – Guests And Hosts Don’t Get Along 

Extreme differences in personalities cause guests and hosts to easily get into disagreements or develop a dislike for each other. As a host, you cannot take sides when disagreements occur. It could make one of the parties feel singled out, causing them to terminate their stay. Always strive to be respectful, professional, proactive, and accommodating. 

Problem #1 Solution 

As a host, you should talk to the disagreeing parties one at a time and help them reach the point of compromise. As long as the guests have not committed an act that gives you the right to order them to leave the property, it would be best if you did not kick them out. You can only cancel the reservation if the issue at hand cannot be resolved. 

Problem #2 – Missing Household Items

It is not uncommon to have some household items go missing, especially when housing several guests. Sometimes the items could be expensive, which places you at a loss. In other instances, they could be cheap household items such as bath towels or ornaments. 

Problem #2 Solution 

If the lost items are of high value, you should calmly and politely enquire about the issue from the guests. Make sure you have checked all storage places before raising the alarm. If your rental agreement allows, you should ask guests to pay for the items. However, you shouldn’t store any valuable items in your rental properties. If the missing items are not of high value, consider mentioning the loss to the guests without necessarily making it a big deal.

Problem #3 – Bad Review

Guests can give you a bad review for reasons unknown to you. Bad reviews could affect your customer base in the future.

Problem #3 Solution 

It is advisable that you sincerely apologise to the guests who give bad reviews. Further, seek to enquire about the reason behind the bad review and share your side of the story. Even with a negative review, a calm response sends a good signal to your future customers. 

Problem #4 – Noise Complaints

If your property is near other properties or hosts several guests, noise is likely to be an issue. While you are not the one making the noise, you must take up the responsibility as the host. 

Problem #4 Solution 

Ask neighbours to tone down through phone calls or one on one conversations. If the noise is coming from fellow guests, consider doing the same. If the noise recurs from a fellow guest, let them know their noncompliance allows you to cancel their reservations. If the noisy guests/neighbours ignore your warning, you could file a noise complaint at the nearest police station if you really want to take the matter seriously.

Problem #5 – Cancellation From The Guests

A guest could cancel a reservation if they think they got a better place. Cancellation could also result from changes in the guest’s plans. In the worst-case scenario, guests cancel their reservations when they realise your offer does not meet their expectations. 

Problem #5 Solution 

Regardless of the reasons for cancellation from the guests, a cancellation policy will save you a lot of headaches. However, it would help if you were a tad lenient as strict cancellation policies could put off potential customers. 

Problem #6 – Changes In Check-In And Check-Out Times

Several factors could cause customers to need to check in or out earlier or later than initially booked. 

Problem #6 Solution 

House rules go a long way in addressing check-in and check-out times. Further, it is necessary to ensure that your guests know the exceptions you are likely to make on the matter. If the check-in and check-out changes can potentially attract a repeat client without resulting in significant losses, consider making the changes. 

Problem #7 – Compliance To The Laws

It can be very frustrating to have problems with your Airbnb business before you even start. With vacation rental regulations being different from those of a hotel, you must ensure that you comply with the rules that apply to your business. 

Problem #7 Solution 

Before starting your Airbnb business, familiarise yourself with local and national holiday rental laws and regulations. Make sure to understand laws that apply to the locations you intend to have your Airbnb. These acts will help you avoid fines and penalties.

Final Thoughts

As we can see, being an Airbnb host can be challenging and you are likely to encounter a number of different problems along the way. However, with some foresight and careful planning, you can hopefully minimise the inconvenience and stress that is caused when things don’t go to plan. Having an experienced and quality management team on your side can help to alleviate and manage a lot of these potential issues before they become big problems.

List Your Holiday Home On BNB Booking! 

At BNB Booking, we are familiar with the common Airbnb problems and are committed to helping our clients overcome them. Problems with Airbnbs can be disastrous if not resolved properly. We ensure that none of the issues we have previously encountered will appear in the future. This means that you can relax and focus on your properties and enjoy the freedom the earnings can bring you. 

Do you feel a need to improve your services in an industry that gets approximately 14,000 new entrants every month? Do you need to make greater returns with your property? List your property with us now!

Please call us at BNB Booking today on 1300 421 029 or leave an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.