@Colin493 I totally understand your hesitation and fears about the younger generation and crowd. Of course there are some folks that just do not come with much common sense as I would say - typically I think its young folks.....now, some are just not born or taught much that's common and renting to them is a challenge no matter the age....but often with age comes some common sense or a little wisdom. I too have and have had great hesitation in booking young folks. Example: freezing cold inside cottage cause they have the A/C set to 68 degrees....wearing almost no clothes, no shoes, sleeveless shirts.....Outside is 90 degrees - very hot.. .....what do the young folks do?.....climb up and close all the A/C vents and keep the A/C running at top speed - instead of looking at the House Manual with clear instructions/ plus I told them arrow up and down as you need - too simple --- Or asking me for assistance/pushing the arrow to turn the air warmer or off. Nope - I was really grateful that their silly/stupid move did not freeze out the entire system which would have cost $5000 at the least and probably a new system install.
Another example: I write on the listing its not necessary to strip the beds: you have paid for this service, just leave them. Young guests - without saying we stained the sheets, ask about stripping the bed - I say "Oh, its not necessary, I will take care of it." What do they do? Pour huge amounts of water onto the sheets/and soak the mattress - I was dumb founded with this one. It was so much it went thru the sheets/mattress protector and all. So embarrassed or something/or no common sense to say - we stained the sheets - so they did EXACTLY what I said, don't strip the bed. Now - I have written/ and don't hesitate to say any stains please put in the sink or in the shower with COLD water. Most just cover it up and leave it - out of sight -out of mind.
So what I do is write this on my listing:
For those younger than 25 yrs old. If you message and talk with us about your trip and your plans it helps - we have made a few exceptions - sorry we can't promise but we do try.
Also, I write in the info, we reserve the right to ask for your ID upon arrival! I've only checked it one time -- and after that....this young fellow couldn't leave fast enough. He was planning for his hooker to show up and he told me when I asked where is she? She's at the Motel 6 - I almost fell over (that's the local crack house- drugs and hookers and super low in standards). I told this young fellow, he was most probably better off at the Motel 6 with his girlfriend! I also did ask if she was a hooker - he almost choked saying Ohhhhhh no ma'am. This was all upon check in when he arrived without luggage, girlfriend or a jacket.
I do not hesitate to tell all younger folks that we had a very bad experience with younger folks and they have spoiled it for most all of them. They get it and usually apologize for those young people doing stupid and tell me/promise/almost beg they will be great guests, etc. They usually are terrific guests - they know I'm extra cautious and it helps. But, I do not rent to teenagers. I just don't - its my one rule....if teen is part of their birth age Nope. Also, I NEVER IB instant book.....never - you have no control over who can come - there's no communication necessary with IB - and I wanna start a relationship and let them know it is a real place with people that care about it and that we live in the big house in front of the property.
If you can't tell by what they say or ask in communication if they seem mature.....I ask them their age. And the answers are very funny sometimes......"well, in 6 months I'll be 18"...."my boyfriend is 18 and I'm almost 18"...."Using my grandmothers credit card and we are 17". I do not hesitate to ask anything, and if they don't respond, or answer - I do not book, I do not decline.....!
Most important thing about being a host - ALWAYS trust your gut, intuition or whatever you call it. I promise if you have a weird feeling about a comment, or any part of it. Check it out and I go by when in doubt - I Don't. This has always been right on! Every single time! Always!
happy hosting, Clara