Long term reservation

[Kimberly1324]

I have a guest that made a one night booking (Jan 14-15)and then made another reservation for the following day (Jan 15-March 18) for 62 nights.  I am thrilled with the prospect of that income but am nervous.  He indicated he is staying the first night as he is having surgery and wants to stay there the night before since it's close to the hospital.  When he made the second reservation for the following day, he said his Mom was going to stay there while he was in the hospital and he would return there after leaving the hospital until they head home.  I messaged him and confirmed he intended to make the checkout day MARCH 18 and not January 18 and he said "yes" but then recalled the message that said "yes."  I am perplexed why he wouldn't have just made one reservation and avoid two cleaning fees.  My long-term cancellation policy is firm which shows if he cancels within 30 days of check-in then first month's payment is non-refundable.  His identity has been verified but I can't see where he is from and he only joined airbnb this year and has no reviews.  I messaged him again stating that the bedrooms are on the second floor in case his surgery would limit his mobility but he didn't reply.  Is there any scam I should be aware of or should I just be thankful for such a reservation?  My gut has me nervous.  

[Gernide0]

Hi Kimberly,

I totally understand why this would make you nervous — long stays with new guests always make us pause, especially when there are medical circumstances involved. You’re doing the right thing by double-checking everything.

A few things I’ve learned hosting long-term:

• Separate reservations aren’t uncommon.

Some guests book the first night alone to “test” the space or secure an early arrival, then book the long stay after. It could simply be convenience on his end.

• Verified identity and up-front communication are good signs.

Even though he has no reviews, him sharing why he’s coming and who will be staying is helpful. Many new users join Airbnb specifically for long medical stays.

• Trust your policies — long-term has built-in protection.

Your firm long-term cancellation policy applies, so the first month’s payment is secured if he cancels within the 30-day window. That alone weeds out most bad actors.

• It’s okay to request the missing info.

Since he didn’t reply yet, I’d send one more friendly message asking him to confirm:

– who will be staying during the booking

– acknowledgment that the rooms are on the second floor

– approximate arrival time for both reservations

Not as a warning — just clarity for safety and expectations.

• Red flags to look out for:

– requests to communicate off-platform

– asking to pay outside Airbnb

– unusual refund/overpayment stories

– refusing to confirm basic details

If none of those show up, this may very well be a genuine medical stay — and those guests tend to be quiet, responsible, and very grateful.

Your gut matters, so keep an eye on communication, but based on what you shared, nothing jumps out as an Airbnb scam pattern. You’ve set good boundaries and policies, and the platform still holds the payments securely.

You’ve got this — long stays like this can be a blessing when everything checks out. 🌿

[Kimberly1324]

Thanks for this insight!  I have had a few successful long term nurses stay so I hate to balk at the nice paycheck with minimal cleaning.  I appreciate your feedback and will follow-up in another day with the guest.  I appreciate your time.

[Joelle43]

Hello @Kimberly1324 

Great insights from @Gernide0 already but if you want to know more on the pros and cons of accepting long term stays, read this great guide on the subject too:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-guides/Monthly-Stays-on-Airbnb-Guide-Revised/m-p/2031979#M2...

All the best
Joëlle

[Helen3]

I would never accept such a long term booking on Instant Book but would want to ask vetting questions before accepting such a long term bookings and would want to factor in regular cleans to make sure the property was being looked after . @Kimberly1324 

What reason did he give for needing to be in your location for three months post surgery- that is an awfully long time ?

would that give a guest tenancy rights in your location? 

As the guest isn't responding to your messages on platform have you tried messaging them on their mobile and asking them to respond? Have you asked them to add the mother to the booking ? 

[Kimberly1324]

He does have 2 adults on reservation for number of guests.  I don’t see his phone number since airbnb verified his identity.  Where would I see his number?  I have had long-term nurses stay without issue in the past. I suspect I should give him a few days to respond and then probe for more questions.  You bring up valid points.  Thanks for the followup.