Does this request seem strange or am I overthinking it?

[Victoria69]

I received the below message in a request to book. I definitely will not allow someone to stop by or see inside the property without booking since I wouldn't feel comfortable with that, and can let them know that in the response. But the request to see the inside and that they will be filming in the area makes we wary that they are planning to also film inside the home (possibly for porn? I've seen a lot of threads about that in the community center). I don't want to make assumptions though and this could be something completely different- just curious if anyone has received a similar request before I respond.

The request message:

"Hello Victoria, We have three women who are apart of our upcoming filming that will take place in Butler County and parts of Downtown Cincinnati. We are booking now. Is it possible to come by to confirm your location and possibly see inside? We want to ensure that we don't need anything else for their stay. Thanks for your reply. Look forward to a great stay. We plan for them to check in on 2/20/22 and to check out no later than 3/13/22."

[M199]

@Victoria69 

Do not book them.  Red flags!

[Victoria69]

I was feeling the same way! Do you feel it's best in these instances to just decline?

[Huma0]

@Victoria69 

I have often received requests where it is either

A. Someone wanting to book my place for a shoot (not porn) because they think they can save a lot of money compared to booking via a location agency. I will sometimes consider these if the people seem professional and are willing to reimburse me properly.

B. People asking to see the house first. I host mostly long term guests so I can understand why they want to view the listing before committing. However, I just tell them no, sorry that's against Airbnb policy.

However, the request you got is not something I have come across. The dates sound too long for a shoot at your place (unless they are planning to shoot a feature length production and, yes, that could include porn!) but, on the other hand, it could be quite innocent. 

I would just respond explaining that third party bookings are against Airbnb policy (and would void the insurance), unless the person booking is registered as a business booker with Airbnb. I would tell them they need to register before they can book with you.

I would also explain that viewings, giving out the full address or exchanging contact details prior to a confirmed booking are against Airbnb policy too but that you are happy to answer any questions.

Above all, I would ask a lot more information about the filming. Let me know if you would like me to expand on which questions to ask. I have a bit of experience of this having worked in the film/TV and also fashion and commercial photo shoot industries.

[Victoria69]

@Huma0 Thank you for your thoughtful response! It sounds like maybe I should first respond back with a message including some of your noted details and a request for more information from them. At that point I can decide based on how they respond if it's something to accept...or just decline if they don't respond. 

[Huma0]

@Victoria69 

When you respond, you should mention that third party bookings and viewings are against Airbnb policy (as I mentioned before).

You should also ask questions about what they are filming and stress that filming at your place is NOT an option. 

I have a bunch of other questions I would ask if I was willing to let filming take place at my house (for an appropriate fee), but as the request is for a stay, rather than a shoot, I wouldn't go into that.

[Emilia42]

@Victoria69 

Recently, I had a woman book for a 4-week stay starting in a few months. She has family in town and happened to be visiting and asked if she could see the place to better prepare for her visit in the future. We arranged a time and I found nothing weird or unusual about this request. And it was a good chance to meet and chat with her. But the filming part of your situation is something I would definitely not agree to and would put a stop to this booking with a hard and fast decline.