Common Friction Points & How to Avoid Them

Hosting is a rewarding experience, but it’s not without challenges. The good news? Most hosting issues are preventable with the right approach. Below are common friction points (based on industry best practices) and how to mitigate them to ensure a smooth and professional experience for both you and your guests.

1. Last-Minute Cancellations (by Guest or Host)

(How to Mitigate It: Understand Foxhole’s Cancellation Policy & Set Expectations Early.)

• Foxhole’s Refund & Cancellation Policy protects both guests and hosts. Be sure to review it and set clear expectations in your listing.
• Guests who cancel within 7 days of check-in receive no refund (unless it’s a documented emergency).
• Hosts who cancel within 14 days of check-in may face penalties, including temporary suspension of listings or a cancellation fee deducted from future payouts.
• If a guest no-shows, no refund will be issued.

Solution: Encourage guests to finalize plans early & provide emergency contact information in case last-minute changes arise.

2. Guests Not Following House Rules

(How to Mitigate It: Clear Rules, Visible Signage & Direct Communication.)

• Set clear house rules in your listing and reinforce them in a printed welcome guide inside the home.
• Use concise and enforceable rules:
  No smoking inside.
  No unauthorized guests.
  Respect quiet hours.
• If a guest violates a rule, remind them firmly but professionally through the Foxhole platform.

Solution: Make your expectations clear from the start to avoid confusion and disputes.

3. Late Check-Outs & Early Check-Ins

(How to Mitigate It: Automate Check-In & Set Boundaries.)

• Use a lockbox or smart lock to eliminate coordination stress for check-ins.
• Charge a small late check-out fee if guests overstay. (Example: A 30-minute grace period, then a $25 charge.)
• If you offer early check-ins, state that they’re subject to availability and may include a small fee.

Solution: Keep check-in/check-out automated and consistent to minimize disruptions to your schedule.

4. Cleaning Complaints & Messy Guests

(How to Mitigate It: Set a Cleaning Standard & Plan Ahead.)

• Use a cleaning checklist or hire a professional cleaner to maintain high standards.
• Have a backup plan in case your cleaner cancels—keep a second cleaning service on standby.
• If a guest complains about cleanliness, respond promptly and offer a solution. (Example: “Apologies for the oversight. Would you like us to send a cleaner, or would a partial refund work for you?”)

Solution: Set expectations for cleanliness before arrival and have a cleaning plan in place.

5. Damage to Property or Missing Items

(How to Mitigate It: Security Deposits & Inventory Tracking.)

• Require a security deposit to cover any damages.
• Take dated photos of your space before check-in to resolve disputes quickly.
• If damage occurs, report it immediately to Foxhole Support.

Solution: Proactively track items and use Foxhole’s protection policies to safeguard your property.

6. Unresponsive Guests or Communication Issues

(How to Mitigate It: Set a Communication Plan & Use Pre-Written Messages.)

• Send pre-arrival instructions 48 hours before check-in.
• If a guest is unresponsive, check in with a friendly message:
  “Hey [Guest Name], just checking in to make sure everything is going well. Let me know if you need anything!”
• If a guest stops responding, notify Foxhole Support.

Solution: Automate guest communication with pre-written messages to keep the process smooth.

7. Double Bookings or Calendar Conflicts

(How to Mitigate It: Keep Your Availability Updated!)

• Sync your Foxhole calendar with your personal calendar to avoid accidental double bookings.
• If you need to cancel due to a scheduling conflict, notify the guest ASAP and help them find alternative accommodations.

Solution: Regularly update your calendar and block out unavailable dates early.

8. Guest Locking Themselves Out

(How to Mitigate It: Provide Backup Entry Options.)

• Use a keypad entry system or secure lockbox so guests don’t rely on a physical key.
• If using a physical key, keep a backup with a trusted neighbor or local contact.
• Include clear entry instructions in your welcome message.

Solution: Automate entry and make re-entry easy if a guest accidentally locks themselves out.

9. Noise Complaints from Neighbors

(How to Mitigate It: Set Quiet Hours & Address Issues Quickly.)

• Establish quiet hours in your house rules (Example: 10 PM – 7 AM.)
• Post reminders inside the home: (“Out of respect for our veteran community, please keep noise to a minimum after 10 PM.”)
• If a neighbor complains, contact the guest immediately to prevent escalation.

Solution: Set expectations upfront to avoid unnecessary noise issues.

10. Negative Reviews or Low Ratings

(How to Mitigate It: Address Issues Promptly & Ask for Feedback.)

• If a guest leaves a bad review, respond professionally to show future guests that you care.
  Example: “Thanks for your feedback, [Guest Name]. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and will work on improving.”
• If guests had a great stay, ask them to leave a positive review. (Example: “I’d love to hear your feedback—reviews really help fellow veterans find great places to stay!”)

Solution: Encourage good reviews and use negative feedback as an opportunity to improve.

Final Thought: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Most hosting issues can be avoided with clear communication, preparation, and consistency. Foxhole’s Refund & Cancellation Policy is designed to protect both hosts and guests—so if issues arise, you’re covered.

Want to stay ahead of potential issues? Follow this guide and you’ll be running a 5-star Foxhole listing in no time!