'Ksh10,000 gift, bhang, stolen items': Airbnb hosts share the good, bad and ugly side of business

The revolution of the hospitality industry through short term rentals commonly known as Airbnb has been on the rise in towns and cities.

The Airbnb concept originated in California from two housemates and the idea has since transformed the hotel industry and the way people travel.

They give guests the freedom to cook what they want and operate like they would in their own homes.

Those who have ventured into the business have also reported good returns.

However, the business is not without its own challenges.

A major concern cited by several hosts is the work involved when guests check out.

A host spoke to Wananchi Reporting about the challenges involved in handling less than tidy guests:

“I had a one-bedroom Airbnb in Nairobi; at first I did not know how the business operates so I did research and hosted three guests after doing shopping for the house. However, in no time, all I had bought was finished. It’s either they used excess or carried some items home,” the host, who preferred to remain anonymous, said.

Other hosts who spoke to Wananchi Reporting said they are tempted to inspect the house before check out, but are keen not to intrude into guests’ privacy.

 “It can be seen as disrespectful to show up so we put a reminder on the walls for guests not to go away with items in the house,” another host said.

Another host shared a different experience, saying Airbnb hosts sometimes get caught up in the wrong deeds of guests and can end up being arrested.

“I almost got arrested after one of my guests have left bhang and three half-filled alcohol bottles,” she said.

Another host shared an incident where the two guests who checked in the room as a couple, had a fight, broke and disarranged the items that were in the house.

“Untidy guests is another challenge. I once hosted a guest with his family. Children are

blessings yes but from then, it has been hard for me to host someone with a baby. They

disposed things poorly, used diapers were all over, the washroom was blocked, towels used badly and the baby wet the bed and the parents did not even try to clean up after them,” he said.

As hosts were sharing their experiences, one host shared how he got plenty of food left

behind, a tip and some note of appreciation. “I hosted a couple for two weeks. They came

for a vacation in Kenya. During their departure, they left foodm Ksh10,000 and

a thank you note. In the note they shared their experience in the house. That is how they became my clients. They have visited Nairobi two more times and they

always email me to book the house for them,” he said.