Previewing a rental

[Gregory87]

Recently we received an inquiry for a long-term booking.  The guest asked for the opportunity to preview the property (stated: "it will only take 5 min.").  My co-host and I explained that it was against Airbnb policy and a safety concern as well.  We encouraged the review of our listing photos, descriptions, and reviews and welcomed questions if there was anything unclear.

The guest asserted that s/he had previous bad experiences where the photos didn't reflect the property and s/he was concerned about this happening again.  Evidently other hosts had accommodated the request.

We reiterated the policy and also noted that during a pandemic, it wasn't a good idea for potential guests to visit a property since if s/he decided not to rent the space, then there is a possible need to re-clean and air out the space.  Also, bookings may be lost in the interim.

In the end, we mutually decided to go our separate ways.

My question is whether there are hosts who are really allowing guests to check out their properties in advance?!!  Is it worth the time and risk?

[Lorna170]

@Gregory87 , I do not permit property viewing prior to a booking.  When I was new at this game, I would pay my housekeeper to go over and show the property.  In 17 years, it has never paid off with an actual booking, just lots of Lookie-Lous with comments like, "I thought you had a pool along with your hot tub".  @Ben-and-Sam0 have a good solution with offering a virtual tour, however, if you are booked at the time of the inquiry, the prospective guest would have to be satisfied with a pre-recorded tour.

Short answer:  No.  Another answer:  Show me the money.

[Robin4]

@Gregory87 

My feeling here is, everyone with the exception of @Ann72 is missing the point. Talking about whether you would allow it or not, is not the starting point.

Much is gained about what the guest will be like by that opening dialogue, and enquiries which sets that initial  communication tone with demands do not make good guests. I have discovered from experience, one request leads to the next and then the demands start and you get to the point where you will give into anything to get them out of your life. 

For me, someone either likes what they see in my description, or they want to jerk me around.

In you situation congratulations Gregory you handled it well but, I think you handled it with the safety of your property as the focus. Guests can look after your property but still be a complete pain in the butt to deal with.

My motto is, don't rent to hagglers!

This is a bit over the top but, it is how I handled one a couple of years ago.... 

I am not generally as blatant as that and normally state that my accommodation may not be a good fit for the guest and suggest they look elsewhere. But I was aware through my community here that this identical request was sent to a number of hosts in my state, none of which resulted in a booking, so I made an exception here.

Within 10 minutes an auto response came back 'Stay not possible' .......

Mission accomplished! 

Cheers.........Rob

[Ann72]

Thank you @Robin4 - and absolutely love that reply.  My only hope is that I get the chance to steal it someday 🙂