ANIA 2018: C1 & C2 (Wednesdays) Lesson 17

C1 12:30pm
Class

1. Introduction to Chapter 7 - Values p. 103
2. Easily Confused words p. 106, question 1

Homework 
Reading: Why going back home can be dangerous. pp. 104 - 105

C2 2:00pm
Class

1. Commonly confused words occurrence/incident, differ/differentiate
2. Air B&B and Insurance

Vocabulary
to be left out of pocket
to stonewall someone
an add-on
wrought havoc (what is the present tense? see: http://virtuallinguist.typepad.com/the_virtual_linguist/2011/08/wreaked-havoc-or-wrought-havoc.html)
to stump up for something

Reading
Read TB's letter below.

1. What are the insurance/legal issues? 
2. What would you advise TB to do? 

Why does Airbnb’s guarantee make it so difficult to claim?
It promises hosts won’t be left out of pocket for damage but it’s hard to get in touch
Anna Tims Wed 3 Oct 2018 07.00 BST 
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/oct/03/airbnb-damage-redress-guarantee

I decided to list my flat on Airbnb for two months while I was working abroad. One of the bookings was for two guests, but neighbours report there were more and they left damage to furniture and fittings.
Airbnb claims to provide a guarantee that the host will not lose out if a guest causes damage. However, I have been totally stonewalled in my attempts to claim.
Customer service staff can’t discuss the case over the phone and don’t reply to my emails. I have had to decline reservation requests until the damage is repaired, as the apartment is not fit for guests as it is.
TB, London

Now read the response from Anna Timms below - what is your view? 
“Live a richer life; start hosting,” Airbnb’s website urges homeowners.
Some hosts have found themselves considerably poorer, however, after guests wrought havoc and the company refused redress.
The host guarantee, which promises cover for up to $1m, can lure owners into a false sense of security, for it is not an insurance policy – indeed, hosting can invalidate your home insurance. And because it’s not a paid-for policy you are named on, there’s no recourse if Airbnb refuses to honour a claim.
Moreover, there’s a long list of exclusions, including damage caused by guests who were not included on the booking and damage to communal areas. And you have to claim before the next set of guests arrives, which, if you’re abroad, gives you no chance to identify the problems.
It’s hardly surprising Airbnb makes it as difficult as possible, since it provides the potentially crippling guarantee for free.
However, the company acknowledges it failed you. “Our original handling of this case did not meet the usual high standards we set for ourselves and we have apologised to the host for the delay,” it says. It has now stumped up £2,859.

Some insurers offer a Airbnb add-on to home insurance, and there are specialist companies that cover paid-guest stays.

Corrections
Damage & Furniture are uncountable and therefore only used in the singular.
Compare the difference in meaning between damage & damages.

Going Further 
1. The Grammar of Either/Or, Neither/Nor
When using either/or and neither/nor, note the following rules:
1. If both elements are singular, then the verb is singular too.
Either the father or the mother has to attend the meeting. (The nouns 'father' and 'mother' are singular; so the verb 'has' is singular too)
Neither Leila nor Nancy is going to write the report. ('Leila' and 'Nancy' are singular; so the verb ' is' is singular too)
2. However, if one of the elements is plural, then use a plural verb.
Either Sue or the girls are going to prepare dinner tonight. (The noun 'girls' is plural; so the verb 'are' is plural too)

Neither the teacher nor the students were in the classroom this morning. (The noun 'students' is plural; so the verb 'were' is plural too)

Extra practice: https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-exercise-either-or-neither-nor.php

2. Learning English with "Friends"