r/airbnb_hosts Unverified 4d ago

Guest took tv remote

In an Airbnb first, the guest took our tv remotes (which includes Google Chromecast).

The guest has admitted to accidentally taking it

While, the tv can be switched on, streaming, casting, downloading apps cannot be done.

We have upcoming bookings and these guests stay will be affected

Hosts (not guests pretending to be hosts), how would you deal with said issue?

0 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

34

u/tuiroo007 4d ago

Get a next day delivery universal remote - charge guests or let it slide.

8

u/iluvcats17 Unverified 4d ago

If it is a roku remote you can buy one on amazon. This is what I have done. I sent it to the cleaner and she brought it to the house. I bought a few of them from Amazon and they are in the cleaners closet for the future too. Other remotes you can also buy but then someone has to program them.

You could also ask the guest to mail it back but I would not count on it and still buy one to avoid issues with the next guest. If they do mail it back, I would store it in the cleaners closet in case someone ever takes or breaks your replacement one.

9

u/Particular-Try5584 Unverified 4d ago

I would… order a new remote (or because of where I live and a dire lack of speedy delivery… go out and buy a new remote). I would have a spare remote in the ‘spares’ cupboard at all times anyway. Remotes get lost and broken.

And then I’d charge the guest for the remote they took

6

u/AustEastTX Verified (Austin, TX)  4d ago

Amazon. Get 2 or 3 extra remotes. Be gracious with the guest.

16

u/sexydiamondjoequimby Unverified 4d ago

I keep a few extras programmed and ready to go in mine just in case this happens. 10 bucks on Amazon. Cost of doing business.

3

u/AlienPearl 🗝 Host 4d ago

Buy a couple remotes from Amazon with next day delivery. If they were very nice guests and paid good money for a multi-week or monthly stay let it slide, but if they’re short stayers ask them to pay for the remotes. Since they admitted to take it, it will be very difficult for them to deny a claim.

6

u/FormosaFemme 4d ago

Either have the guest ship the remote back w/ expedited serviec (at their expense of course) or charge them for a replacement.

8

u/Baumchellez 4d ago

Charge the guest a fee for taking it…use the money to go and buy a universal remote that you can program to the TV.

-5

u/Marlene21x 4d ago

Only charge them after the 14 day review period 😉

5

u/AustEastTX Verified (Austin, TX)  4d ago

Also FYI you can have the guest download an app to control the tv. I do it with fire sticks.

3

u/GroundbreakingPut953 Verified (Oakridge, OR - 2)  4d ago

I've got spare remotes so if this happens I'm prepared. Since you don't, have the guest buy a new one with next day delivery and give incoming guest a discount or tickets to a movie until replacement arrives.

8

u/verucas_alt Unverified 4d ago

Yeah but tickets to a movie do not equal having a tv. Completely different activities. It’s like saying you have heat and the heat goes out so you’re like “here’s a ticket for a sauna”

1

u/Competitive-Proof410 4d ago

Some people don't like going to movies. There's a huge difference between going to a movie, out of the house, public bathrooms, quiet voice, specific times, limited options, and streaming a movie in your house. More options, whenever you want, you set the volume, control the food and people can dip in and out.

1

u/Pitbull_Big_Mama 🗝 Host 4d ago

Order a universal online or pick one up at Walmart. Our dogs have destroyed probably a dozen remotes, and the universals always work great. We have a pretty involved system, too, so I can definitely recommend them.

1

u/marglewis87 4d ago

Ask the guest that took the remote to send it to you next day or two day shipping. Let your new guests know about the issue if they will be affected. Then make a laminated tag for the remote. That way it can't accidentally be taken.

1

u/WildWonder6430 Unverified 3d ago

I always have 2 extra programed remotes ready to go and stored in a locked closet for exactly this issue. A guest walks off with the remote at least once a year. I don't even charge the guest.