18 year old renters

[Milena362]

Hi!

I'm a renter, 18 years old, and would like to book a house for me and some of my friends. I'm finding it hard to find someone who will rent to us because we're young, but we have no malicious intent. I was wondering if the hosts have any advice on how I could maybe ask a host if we can rent their property considering we're 18. Is there anything in particular you as a host would like to know that we could provide, which might change your mind and have you rent to us?

Thank you!!

[Johanna394]

@Milena362 these might be obvious tips and ignore me If already done, but:

One thing you should definitely do is fill out your profile, telling about yourself, and putting up a clear photo. That can do wonders in making yourself appealing to hosts.

When booking, you should read the listing thoroughly and let that show in your opening message/request. Request should also include information about yourself, your possible companions and the purpose of your trip.

(Not a host, but a fellow guest, who has read these forums and picked up tips :))

[Anthony223]

@Milena362 

@Johanna394 

I am a host in Portugal and the first thing I look for is the profile and a clear picture (not a silhouette nor a picture of a flower etc). And then I look at what the guest has said, the politeness and level of respect.  Make a really good profile and write a detailed message and things should change.

[Gillian166]

@Milena362  you could share your full name with a host, and even your socials handle, so they can see if you're a party girl or not. the #1 concern hosts have with young people is 1) parties, 2) general disrespectful behaviour and 3) general immature behaviour that results in stains, mess and damage. 

[Kristina46]

I don't think you can share full names on the platform until the booking is confirmed. 

[Anonymous]

@Milena362   Good advice above. The very first thing you should do is complete your profile - a face photo, a sentence or two with general information about yourself (e.g. your field of study, interests, and travel goals) and most importantly complete the ID verification step. Ask your friends to do the same, so that their profiles can be linked into the booking request. If any of them are previous Airbnb guests with a review on their profile, that's even better - many hosts are hesitant to rent to unreviewed guests of any age.

[Kristina46]

Even if it is an IB property, you ought to write to the host explaining your age and reassuring them that you will be quiet, neat, compliant guests who will be a delight to host. That you are willing to work hard to defeat the perception that young renters make bad guests. If there are several of you though, you have to make sure the friends are on the same page. 

Some of my very best guests have been under 21, and they wrote a version of the above to me in their booking requests. Good luck!