I had a Peerspace guest rent my house today for a video shoot. They left it a mess. Mostly fake blood and black spots everywhere. The floor is extremely dirty, more than just a sweep and mop that I would do in the normal cleaning. There may even be permanent damages to the walls or floor if I can’t get this stuff up. From the first time this happened I learned to report it to Peerspace within 72 hours. I charge a cleaning fee but I should have added a security deposit, maybe $250. Peerspace does not cover damages to hosts property if you read the fine print. I also called the guest and told him Im pissed and he needs to come tomorrow to clean. I’m wondering if I can charge him a few extra “add on hours” for the extra time and hassle. I may have to get the house professionally cleaned and some things may be permanently damaged. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Sorry that happened. I don’t think there’s anything you can do this time via Peerspace.
One of those “lessoned learned” situations. Highly recommend collecting security deposit or at least a credit card prior.
Also do all the things mentioned in other posts where hosts had similar issues — document the condition of your space before they show up, install cameras to record behavior, document any issues immediately after, make sure to do a walkthrough with the renter before they leave and deal with any issues right there on the spot.
I have a clause in my house rules that says if the person who booked doesn’t do a walkthrough with me at the end, the forfeit their ability to refute any accusations of damages.
Hello, fellow residential space here. We’ve done over 300 bookings since 2020. Music videos are by far the most destructive of all productions types. The only way to address the issue in advance is to require a cash deposit in advance of the booking. Additionally, we do not allow alcohol on site or shoes in the house. Watch how much more respectful the guests act when you have $500 of their dollars in your pocket.
I clearly state, in the production rules, what can and cannot be used. Blood must be contained and cleanup. I don’t know what black stuff they used, but if you saw it in use and became concerned, you could have talked to the director or producer in between takes to establish your concern. I always, at the beginning of the show, explain to the DP and the Gaffer, and PA that my “hardwood” floors (in my 84 y/o house), aren’t really all that hard and that kraft paper must be put down anywhere you are touching the wood. My last shoot, which had 29 busy and professional people, still left a lot of debris in the rooms they used. Mostly easy stuff, but sometime during the shoot, someone spilled something in the bathroom that was sticky and was tracked all the way out the hallway and into the dining room. This is the first time I will have to do some carpet cleaning after a shoot, other then having my cleaning crew come in to restore the shine! Luckily, I have a very good carpet cleaning machine so I do not think that those stains will be a problem, but all of my $200 cleaning fee will be used up for sure.
So sorry this happened. My nightmare! To avoid something like this, I require a Certificate of Insurance be provided to me prior to the day of the shoot. The only exception might be if it is a photo shoot with no more than 3 total people on-site. It isn’t very costly for the renters, but gives me the added security to know I have a second insurance to tap into if the worst happens. If a renter balks on this, then this is a red flag indicator that the rental is not worth the trouble. God luck!
Mary in Chicago
Fellow residential host here, over 400 bookings completed. Video shoots are always, always, the most destructive and always have the highest chance of damage. DO NOT allow guests to wear their shoes in your house during video productions. I don’t. 9/10 guests understand (I explain before accepting their booking that shoes are not allowed) and still book the space.
Second, get a security deposit. You’ll see how a guest’s attitude changes when you have their $$$ in your hand.
Finally, never book video productions at night. I don’t like hosting at night and almost never do. I strongly advise against hosting at night in a residential setting.
Truth! Nighttime video shoots are the worst — particularly music videos. Often just an excuse for friends to party and play around with a camera.