Guest enquiry requests viewing beforehand and wanting to go to long term straight away

[Ros0]

I could be wrong as it has been a while since I hosted (for obvious reasons) and to be honest I was having better luck renting out rooms med-long term on an alternative listing site.

I have had a spate of enquiries from people coming to the local university ... and they have been... interesting.

1) Wanting a female housemate and asking me if I could get rid of the existing long-term male lodger or if she could just use my en-suite bathroom instead

2) A mother in South Africa enquiring for her son, who was isolating *somewhere* in the world - never came back with a response

3) Another female who wanted to know how far the university was and was the place not any closer than that?

And now one (who I don't know if he is at the university but he lives in the town already) and wants to come view and wants to know if he can stay longer.

I vaguely remember that allowing people to view ahead was not encouraged? Or did I just imagine that?

Have gone back with that response, and about sharing the bathroom with the incumbent... and that if he stays for the month and we all get on, then I can't see why I wouldn't consider a more formal lodging agreement (but that involves an actual agreement and a need for a deposit).

Right thing to go back with?

[Sarah977]

@Ros0  It's not against any rules to  let someone preview the place, there are just some reasons why it's not recommended.

1. Security risk. Letting a stranger into your home who doesn't have a confirmed reservation. You don't even have their phone number or anything if they haven't booked yet. Could be a way for criminals to check out your place .

2. Hosts often say allowing viewings was a waste of their time. Took 30 minutes showing them around and answering questions, never heard from the person again.

3. Guest might try to make a private deal with you, off platform, to avoid service fees.

What I would do with this guy is first of all, not rent to him through Airbnb for more than 28 days, so he doesn't acquire tenancy status. Then it seems you have it handled, if he turns out to be a good guest you can get along with, with a real tenancy agreement, security deposit, etc.

I can understand someone who is looking for a place long term wanting to see it first, so if you want to allow that, at least  ask to see ID before letting him in the door.

But I'm not sure how you'd even give him your address, or phone number, as that info is blocked in Airbnb messages before a booking is confirmed.

I'd probably just tell him he should be able to make a decision based on the photos and description and you answering any questions he might have. Since it would be a trial run as far as getting along and it being a good fit, if he decides it doesn't work for him, he's not locked in for longer than 28 days (or less- he could book a week or two to start).

[Ros0]

That is exactly what I went with - I suggested it was as much to see if he liked the two of us as much as us getting along with him, and he seemed more blown away that he was going to be allowed to use the washing machine (!)

Thanks for the advice and let's see how it goes (and one of the questions I had to ask was if he was double vaccinated and assured him the both of us have been too).

[Sarah977]

@Ros0  "he seemed more blown away that he was going to be allowed to use the washing machine (!)"

Hopefully he's not one of those guys who fires up the washing  machine on full load to wash the tee shirt and pair of socks he wants to wear that night 🙂

Better limit the use to once a week.

[Ros0]

That is a very good point - I was chatting with the lodger because he has been naughty and often taken his food up to his room and I told him I have told this guy he can't eat upstairs - I am also buying them both a compact clothes airer so that my heated one can move upstairs. 

[Ryan2352]

I'm a real estate Broker, so showing homes and maybe not getting anything in return is just part of my life.  I've shown on of my properties to a few potential guests (weddings, long term stays, etc.) and it has gone well.  I'm also cross posted on sites where weddings and events are allowed, so that helps as well.