What to do if a guest damages your property

As a host, it is important to handle the situation both methodically and professionally when a guest damages your property to ensure it is well-maintained and to protect your investment. Follow these steps if a guest causes damage to your property.

1. Document the damage

• Photographs: Take clear, detailed photos of the damage from various angles. These images will serve as evidence when reporting to LekkeSlaap.

• Written description: Write a thorough description of the damage, including the discovery date, the extent of the damage, and any relevant details about the affected items or areas.

2. Review your house rules and breakage deposit

• Check house rules: Review your property’s house rules to see if the damage was related to a rule violation. This can help in determining responsibility.

• Breakage deposit: If a breakage deposit was collected, evaluate whether it can cover the cost of the damage. Be ready to justify any deductions with the documentation you’ve gathered. 

3. Report the incident to LekkeSlaap

• Contact the Booking Agent: Submit all photos and detailed descriptions of the damage to LekkeSlaap to ensure proper handling of the incident.

4. Obtain repair quotes

• Request estimates: Obtain quotes from reputable contractors or repair services to assess the cost of fixing the damage. These estimates will help you determine the actual expense and serve as further evidence if needed. 

• Save receipts: After completing the repairs, keep all receipts and invoices. This documentation is important for your records and may be required for any insurance claims.

5. Prevent future incidents

• Revise house rules: If the damage was caused by a specific behaviour or activity, consider updating your house rules to address and prevent similar issues in the future.

• Adjust breakage deposit: If damages have become a recurring problem, you may want to increase the breakage deposit for future bookings to better cover potential repairs.

6. Review and respond to feedback

• Encourage guest reviews: If the situation was resolved amicably, invite the guest to leave a review that reflects their overall experience. If not, be ready to respond to any feedback they may have, ensuring your response is professional and factual.

• Assess the guest: Consider leaving a review of the guest to inform other hosts of your experience. Be honest yet fair in your evaluation.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage situations of property damage, protect your investment and maintain a good relationship with your guests.