Tenant lied about dog. How much to charge?

[Tim V.]

Hey Everyone, I've been successfully self-managing a full time STR in the in-law unit of my San Francisco home for a few years now. I have been able to avoid trouble tenants in the past through the normal mechanisms, but had my first real problem guest this week.

I'll save you the gory details, but essentially the tenant showed up with a dog, lied about taking it to a pet hotel, and kept it in the unit while they were inside. I believed them when they said they took it to a pet hotel and didn't realize that they kept the dog until I did my post checkout inspection and found a puddle of urine. Closer inspection of an outdoor security footage (from a disclosed camera) shows that they were hiding the dog in a jacket as they came and went. They only stayed for two nights.

How much would you charge for this? The reservation was through Airbnb, and Airbnb has been involved from the moment I realized that they have a dog, so given the evidence they should be on my side. There is no real damage to speak of just some additional cleaning time that I will be billed for.

[Julie McCoy]

I have it stated in my description that any guest bringing an animal will be charged $200.  And I have no compunction about doing it (though fortunately I haven't had to so far).

The dog peed on your floor, and left hair and dander that will require additional cleanup, if you want your place restored to its original condition.  The guest was brazenly dishonest.  I don't especially care if the cleaners charge you extra for it or not, the guest should be fined for breaking your rules.  (you should frame is as a fine, as well - not as an extra cleaning charge or repairs, as then AirBNB may request receipts to back up the amount.  You don't want to be limited to that, so focus on the fact that they broke your rules and thus they forfeit $X - which AirBNB probably won't allow to be more than whatever deposit you charge)