How to Deal with Difficult Airbnb Guests

You know that feeling in your gut when something feels off? Trust it. Here are some early signs your guest might be “extra”:

• Messages that feel cagey or vague
• Repeated asks to bend your house rules
• Aggressive tone before check-in (yikes!)
• No reviews or bad reviews from other hosts

Sometimes it's worth turning down the booking. You don’t need the money that bad.

Listen, we get it—you’re human. But difficult guests love drama, and drama thrives on reaction. Here’s your play:

• Respond like you're writing a customer service script. Kind but firm.
• Stick to the rules you already posted.
• Don’t argue—document.
• Always use Airbnb messages or your SHD HostDesk so there’s a paper trail.

If they threaten a bad review? That says more about them than it does about you. Don’t take the bait.

You didn’t sign up to play therapist. That’s where we come in. SuperHost Depot’s 24/7 concierge team is trained to handle sticky situations without the emotional wear-and-tear.

We:

• Speak to guests with calm, professional tone (even if they’re on their fourth message about the air fryer)
• Reiterate house rules on your behalf
• Keep things chill and documented, so you don’t have to sweat the details

Let us be the buffer so you can get back to, well, literally anything else.

You’ve got a beautiful space. You’ve worked hard for it. So if a guest crosses the line, we help you protect what matters:

• We file claims for damages, missing items, and broken stuff
• We flag repeat offenders and keep detailed records
• We even offer proactive monitoring (if cameras are in place)

We can’t keep guests from stealing your snacks, but we can keep them accountable.

If things start to feel unsafe or downright unacceptable (threats, property damage, out-of-control parties), it’s time to call in backup.

With SHD, we help you:

• File formal reports
• Submit documented proof
• Request cancellations or guest removals

And yes, we speak fluent Airbnb.

Most guests are lovely. They send thank-you notes and water your plants. But one bad egg can shake your confidence—especially if you're a small host doing it all.

Breathe. You’re not alone. SuperHost Depot gives you real support so you can bounce back, keep your sanity, and remember why you started hosting in the first place.

Now go grab a coffee. We’ve got this one.

Related Knowledge Base Articles:

• Escalating a Guest Complaint
• Resolving Guest Concerns with SHD Support
• Understanding SHD’s 24/7 Concierge Service
• Filing a Damage Claim with SHD
• Guest Screening and Risk Prevention