Airbnb smoking policy: how to charge a smoking fee & protect your rental

As a short-term rental host, maintaining a clean and healthy environment for guests is critical. In fact, Airbnb guests expect this from most hosts on the platform. Unfortunately, managing smoking inside the rental property is one of the biggest challenges that short-term rental hosts face.

Understanding the Airbnb Smoking Policy

The Airbnb no-smoking policy applies to all listings on the platform. It strictly prohibits smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and any other smoking devices, in all indoor spaces, including common areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

However, hosts have the power to allow or prevent guests from smoking. Therefore, as a host, you must ensure that your guests are aware of this policy and that they abide by it. If a guest is caught smoking inside the premises, you can charge them a smoking fee.

Setting Your House Rules and No Smoking Policy

Setting up your house rules is crucial in ensuring that your guests understand what is expected of them during their stay. A no-smoking policy is one of the most important rules that a short-term rental host can include.

Clearly state this policy in your listing description and house manual to prevent smoking in your Airbnb. You may also consider taking a security deposit, just in case someone breaks the rules and additional cleaning is required.

Cigarette smoking can stain walls, leave odors, and put your rental property at risk of fire. By clearly stating your no-smoking policy, you can protect your property and deter potential guests who smoke.

Communicating the No Smoking Policy to Your Guests

Communication is key when it comes to enforcing the Airbnb no smoking policy and your house rules. Before your guests' arrival, send them a message reminding them of your house rules and the smoking policy.

You can also include this information in your welcome message or house manual to discourage guests from smoking inside. During check-in, take the time to walk your guests through the no-smoking policy and answer any questions they may have.

If a guest refuses to comply with the no-smoking policy, you have the right to ask them to leave and charge them a smoking fee. However, it is important to inform guests of their right to contact Airbnb if they have any concerns about your enforcement of the policy.

Spotting Guests Who Smoke Inside

One of the best ways to spot guests who smoke inside is by looking for smoking signs. Common signs include cigarette butts, ashtrays, and the smell of cigarette smoke.

You can also look for discoloration on walls and ceilings or burn marks on furniture. If you suspect that a guest has smoked inside your rental property, it is important to address the issue immediately.

Dealing with Guests Who Break the No Smoking Policy

If you catch a guest smoking inside your rental property, it is important to address the issue on the spot. Emphasize that you do not tolerate smoking and ask them to stop immediately. You can also provide them with information on nearby smoking areas if they need to smoke.

If the guest refuses to comply, you have the right to ask them to leave and charge them a smoking fee. Leaving a negative review to warn other hosts or refusing to rent to the violators is also an option. However, it is crucial to inform guests of their right to contact Airbnb about any concerns they may have about your enforcement of the policy.

Charging the Airbnb Smoking Fee

If a guest has smoked inside your rental property despite your no-smoking policy, you have the right to charge them a smoking fee. Specify the fee amount in your listing description and house rules to discourage violators from contesting it.

This fee should cover cleaning costs as well as any damages caused by smoking. Make sure to keep track of any smoking evidence, such as recordings from outdoor security cameras, empty cigarette packs, or burn marks on sensitive spots.

Professional Cleaning Services for Smoke Damage

If a guest has smoked inside your rental property, it is important to have the property professionally cleaned to eliminate any smoke odors or damage. Professional cleaning services are the best way to remove smoke stains and odors from walls, ceilings, and furniture.

Make sure to keep all receipts and documentation of the cleaning service, as this will be necessary when charging the smoking fee. Additionally, you can place coffee grounds in bowls throughout the space to naturally absorb smoke odors.

E-Cigarettes and the Airbnb Smoking Policy

E-cigarettes and other vaping devices are also prohibited under the Airbnb smoking policy. These devices can leave behind an unpleasant odor and pose a health risk to future guests.

If guests require a smoking area, make sure to charge them an extra fee and designate a specific outdoor space to prevent smoke from damaging the property.

Managing Your Short Term Rental Smoking Fee

Managing the process around security deposits and damage claims can be a laborious task. However, vacation rental management software like iGMS can simplify the process and take these management tasks off your plate.

With iGMS, you can easily set up and manage security deposits and automate the damage claim process, making it quick and easy for hosts to handle smoking fees and other potential issues.

Final Thoughts on Airbnb Smoking Fee

In conclusion, managing smoking inside your rental property requires a proactive approach. Prevent smoking by setting up a strict no-smoking policy, communicating it to your guests, and enforcing it to protect your rental property from smoking damage.

If a guest does smoke inside, make sure to document the evidence and charge them the smoking fee to cover the cost of cleaning and damages. Leaving a negative review can also warn other hosts about the guest's negligence of the guidelines.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your rental property remains clean and healthy for all of your future guests.

Author Bio

John Smith is a short-term rental host and an expert in property management. He has been hosting on Airbnb for over five years and has successfully managed multiple properties. He shares his knowledge and experience through his articles to help other hosts navigate the challenges of short-term rentals.

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