Exterior Photos and Safety

[Lucinda123]

Hi All

Seeking advice re whether to use exterior photo in my listings as new host. The exterior of my place is very special- it's why it's heritage-listed, so a big drawcard. It's also an unusual place for the area, so quite easy to find even from the description. Today a man came and knocked on my door. He had seen my place on Airbnb and found it by walking the streets. He said he'd like to rent it for a year. It was flattering and unsettling too.

I am suddenly nervous about people coming and finding me, especially as a female host. People can now easily find out where I live. I've only had my listing up for a couple of weeks and already someone random has found me IRL.

What advice do more experienced hosts have for this situation?

With thanks

Lucinda

[Fiona256]

As a guest, I would not book a place if there were no photos of the outside. I would feel that the host had not provided full information and had something to hide.

As a host, I have many photos of the exterior of the buildings and the surrounding area, as I consider it wrong not to. My properties are attractive and their locations are special,  as yours is, so showing that is an added selling point.

I know people will say there are security concerns with doing this, but I prefer full disclosure.

[Lucinda123]

This adds a very interesting dimension to the situation. This was how I felt originally too, that also as a guest myself I would want to get a sense of what the property is. It is really difficult to find a safe compromise.

Thank you so much for responding.

Lucinda

[Greystone0 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Lucinda123 ,

Agree in general with the previous comment. Safety and feeling comfortable are just as important though and it certainly is a bit disturbing that this happened so quickly. 

You could consider:

- add a comment to your listing that visiting the location is not possible/welcome outside of a valid reservation (at the check in time)

- put a sign at the door/entrance stating only valid and confirmed guests allowed anyone else please reach out via: whatever method. Surprise visitors not welcome

- and you could have all this in place and this fella might still have done what he did.

- anyone doing this should understand that their actions are bound to make anyone extremely uncomfortable and the best method is communicating first so that you can vet the person and situation. 

Good luck!

[Lucinda123]

These are very creative ideas, thank you. This has inspired me to make my gate lockable, too. I'm going to experiment with a few of the excellent ideas in these repsonse. 

Thank you.

Lucinda

[Joan2709]

@Lucinda123 

There is an element of risk when listing a property on any platform. I advise my Host clients to not show address numbers in any photos. The photos you have currently show aspects of the exterior and those are sufficient. 

I would ensure you have good security cameras with live viewing capability around the property and not answer the door unless you know the person. I would also consider an alarm system. 

[Lucinda123]

@Joan2709thank you. I really appreciate these ideas. I think I need to implement them to feel more secure. 

With thanks for responding.

Lucinda