How to Handle Difficult Airbnb Guests Without Losing Your Cool

Co Host Oklahoma
Sep 8, 2025
3 min read

Running an Airbnb in Oklahoma can be a rewarding venture, but it comes with its challenges. Not every guest will meet your expectations. From noise complaints to unexpected messes, how you respond can impact your Superhost status and overall guest experience. Let’s explore effective strategies to remain calm, protect your property, and keep your 5-star rating intact.

Set Clear House Rules Before Check-In

Preventing problems starts with clear communication. Use your listing to outline essential house rules, such as:

Quiet hours: Specify times when noise should be kept to a minimum, like from 10 PM to 8 AM.
No smoking or pets: State your policies clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
Check-out instructions: Provide details on cleaning expectations and return of keys.
Extra guest rules: Define what happens if guests exceed the number of people allowed.

💡 Pro Tip: A friendly reminder message with these rules the day before arrival can prevent up to 90% of potential issues, setting a positive tone for their stay.

Respond Quickly but Calmly

If an issue arises, speed is essential. Aim to reply within an hour of receiving a concern. Maintain a professional tone and avoid emotional language. Instead of saying:

❌ “You’re being rude and disrespectful.”

You could say:

✅ “Just a quick reminder, our quiet hours start at 10 PM. Could you please keep the volume down to respect our neighbors?”

This approach keeps the conversation constructive and demonstrates your dedication to resolving the issue.

Document Everything

Maintain a record of all interactions. Take photos of any damage, including photos of messes or broken items. Keep screenshots of messages or even record video if necessary. For instance, if a guest leaves a space in disarray, before-and-after photos serve as valuable evidence. Documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim through Airbnb’s Resolution Center.

Use Airbnb’s Mediation Tools

If direct communication does not resolve the issue, don’t hesitate to involve Airbnb support. Their 24/7 team can assist in various ways:

Contact the guest directly to address concerns.
Relocate the guest to another property if necessary.
Approve reimbursement for damages quickly.

This not only relieves you of the tense situation but also presents a neutral party to handle the matter.

Keep Reviews Professional

Once the stay is over, your review can provide valuable information to future hosts. Avoid rants and stick to the facts. For example, you can write:

“Guest did not adhere to quiet hours and left the space unclean. Communication was polite, but rules were disregarded.”

This approach not only informs other hosts but also maintains your professional image.

Lean on a Co-Host (or Us 😉)

Sometimes, the best way to manage guest stress is by bringing in help. A co-host can take over responsibilities such as:

Guest communication: They can respond to inquiries and issues in real-time.
Conflict resolution: Experienced co-hosts can handle disputes efficiently.
Emergency calls at 2 AM: Having someone on-call during off-hours can provide peace of mind.

👉 At CoHost Oklahoma, we specialize in supporting hosts by managing these tasks and protecting your interests.

Keep Your Cool

Dealing with difficult Airbnb guests doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By establishing clear house rules, responding calmly, documenting interactions, and utilizing Airbnb’s mediation tools, you can effectively manage challenging situations. Maintaining professionalism in your reviews and considering a co-host can significantly lighten your workload. With these strategies in place, you’ll protect your property and keep that coveted 5-star rating shining brightly.