How to Handle Secret Weddings Booked at Your Airbnb
BY MIKEL HUBBARD
FORMER HGTV PRODUCER | CO-FOUNDER, THE HOST CO |
OWNER, TIMES EIGHT PROPERTY & DESIGN
It happens more than you think. Someone books your Airbnb for a small group but secretly plans to have their wedding, rehearsal dinner or do a commercial shoot in your Airbnb. What are your options and recourse?
THEY GENERALLY GIVE A WARNING SIGN
Usually if someone says they want to have a small gathering for their wedding or film something but it’s not for pay, your best bet is to just say no. You don’t know what they’re really up to and it’s easy for people to scam you into renting them an event space or a major commercial photo shoot without you even realizing it.
READ MORE: THE 5 PEOPLE YOU NEED FOR YOUR AIRBNB BUSINESS
ASK FOR COMPENSATION
If you catch them, ask for appropriate compensation. Don’t go too far or you won’t get it. If you didn’t sign a location release for a film shoot and see your place on TV or in a magazine, you can issue a cease and desist effectively forcing them to pull down all images of your home. Day rates of anywhere from 1000-5000 per day are not unusual for homes. Be sure to claim it.
SEND A SPY
If you do decide to agree to their small photo shoot or gathering, make sure you have someone who can pop by and see what’s really going on. We’ve agreed to small student films before only to find out there’s a grip truck, catering and 50 people on site. Shutting that down in the middle of it is an easy way to either get paid appropriately or to stop it in its tracks. If you agree to something larger, charge them for a location manager to be on site during the event to keep tabs and ensure they’re keeping to your agreement.
EXTERIOR SECURITY CAMERAS
If you have an exterior security camera, you can definitely spy on your guests to see how many people are coming and going. You obviously don’t want to invade their privacy by setting one up outside the hot tub, but the driveway or entry is perfectly ok.
CHECK THEIR INSTAGRAM
Chances are, if your guest is having an event or filming something major at your home, they’re posting it on social media. This is all the proof you’ll need to show they broke the rules and owe you additional funds.
What have you done when someone threw an event at your house? Share in the comments below!