When you find signs a guest smoked after checkout, it’s natural to get angry
Running short-term rentals, finding smoking where it was supposed to be non-smoking makes any host upset.
"Should I complain now or collect evidence first?"
"What if I react strongly and get a bad review back?"
Cigarette smell or traces can mean damage to wallpaper or furniture and extra odor-removal costs — a clear contract breach. But if you react emotionally you may lose evidence and make things worse.
Here’s a calm, step-by-step way to handle it without a fight.
If you find smoking traces, don’t lash out—gather proof first
Before confronting the guest, first record the smell, ashtrays, or cigarette butts with photos and in chat.
Also check whether a no-smoking clause was included in the contract to make your case clearer.
Complaining without evidence can backfire
If you only complain verbally without photos, the guest can easily deny it later.
So even if you’re angry, start by recording the facts in chat rather than sending emotional messages.
Can I charge cleaning fees right away?
No. It’s safer to share the evidence in chat and confirm the facts first, then request fees.
Charging first without proof may only escalate the conflict.
If the breach is clear, you can charge extra costs
If the contract explicitly bans smoking, you have grounds to charge deodorizing or cleaning costs as breach-related fees.
There’s no standard fixed amount, so record the facts in chat first and involve customer support if needed.
Follow this order to resolve it without an emotional fight
① Share evidence (photos, etc.) in chat first
② Remind them of the no-smoking clause in the contract
③ If deodorizing or cleaning fees are needed, request them with the evidence
④ If the guest denies it, don’t force it—share the situation with customer support and ask for mediation
Item | Samsam M2 | plott LIFE |
|---|---|---|
Where to handle breaches | Host handles directly & customer support | Host handles directly & customer support |
Fees | 3.3% | ₩0 (current) |
Ability to claim extra fees | Covered after margin is reduced by the fee | No fee burden, so more capacity |
Source: Samsam M2 official site · plott LIFE official site (2026)
FAQ — Common questions about finding smoking traces after checkout
Q. If smoking is clear, can I charge a penalty immediately?
A. No. First leave the evidence in chat and confirm the facts.
Charging without proof can just create conflict with the guest.
Q. What if the contract had no no-smoking clause?
A. Your case is weaker.
That’s why it’s important to state no-smoking rules clearly when you set the contract to prevent this situation.
Q. Is it easier with plott LIFE?
A. Yes. With ₩0 fees (current), you have more capacity to handle follow-up costs, and the platform chat makes it easy to leave evidence.
Source: plott LIFE official site (2026)
Handle breaches with evidence, not emotion, to avoid losses
With ₩0 fees (current), you’ll have more room to cover unexpected follow-up costs.
plott LIFE — short-term rental host platform with ₩0 fees
₩0 (current) · simple contracts · support for damage claims · no listing fee