All Forum Posts by: Bruce Woodruff

What is up with Big Brother telling you that you can't have 2 STRs next door to each other?

We have a Schlage Smartlock as the lower (main) lock, then a standard deadbolt in the normal top position. I'm guessing some guests will want the extra security. I have a lockbox around the side of the house with a key to that deadbolt, the override key for the Smartlock and a key for the padlocks to the 3 gates on the property.

The lockbox is intended primarily for my use, but could also be used by a tradesman. I gave one guest the code to it so they could get the padlock key and store their mountain bikes in the back yard......

Both AIR and VRBO will urge you to lower your rates in the beginning. Ignore. If your place is charming, clean and well-located you will have no issues. Don't play the games, sounds like you don't need to anyway. Go out and make money!

Anything and everything can and will come back on you as the owner. Even if you are 100% innocent of wrongdoing. You will be perceived as being the 'deep pockets' and they will attempt to take you down.

This has come up a couple of times recently.....what is with people wanting to provide their guests with cars...? The value of your rental is measured in many more important ways, and if it takes adding a vehicle to make your place special, then you are in deep trouble already.

Don't even do Turo - let them find their own wheels...it ain't that difficult.....

All of the proceeds are going into the same bank account? Different set of books or all the same?

You would think AIR or VRBO would get involved in this business (if they are not already). Easy money for them.....

Good ideas guys.......Thank you all!

You're right this is a business, we didn't start this to be a charity. Thanks for the reminder to stay within the platform to conduct all messaging and/or refunds

Also, funny thing....the lady hasn't even gotten back to me now in 48 hrs - her notification that she was ill was Friday @ 2:23pm. it is now Sunday 2 3:55pm - kinda funny that she wouldn't even respond to my offer(s) at all...?

I guess there is a remote chance that she is REALLY sick....? NAaaaw..... BTW - I have the moderate VRBO cancellation policy that says if they cancel before 30 days they get 100% refund, between 14-30 days, 50% refund, other wise nothing.

Here is her initial message:

"Hi Bruce.
I got sick last night and I'm not able to travel today. We will not be checking in for our stay. Please let me know if there is anything that can be done. I do see the cancelation policy and completely understand. Thank you for your consideration."

I don't want to give away the farm, but don't plan on being an A-hole either.....I can imagine looking forward to a family trip and then ending up sick in bed. 

Of course we're not sure there actually was an illness I guess....?

 Yes, we keep it in a nearby closet. We tell them about it when they arrive, and there is also a note about it's location. They cost about $100 but well worth it I think....hate sofa beds with that bar that sticks ya in the back. Although it's usually kids sleeping on the sofa bed, sometimes it is used by adults. Just an inexpensive little extra touch for the guests. You can of course advertise it in your listing...makes it look like you care a little bit. The one we got was a little too large so I trimmed it to fit nicely....

https://www.amazon.com/LUCID-3...

Just looking for creative input....our guests that were supposed to arrive on Friday sent a literally last-minute message saying that she had gotten sick and couldn't make it. She said she noticed our cancellation policy and understood, but asked if there was anything I could do....

I offered two options: #1) Come stay a different weekend and it would be no charge, just contact me outside of VRBO to arrange it.... or #2) I would Venmo her back for 1 nights stay. I explained that the guest house was now sitting empty, unable to re-rent so I couldn't refund the entire stay....

After thinking about it, I really feel like the only option should be #1. If you book and can't make it, it's not my problem...trying to run a business here and all that.

Thoughts?