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?

[Helen3]

I think in most cases it is foolish to allow a random stranger to have access to your listing details and know that the property is sometimes empty. @Gregory87 .

You will always get some hosts willing to take this risk - even during Covid. 

For long term bookings I would give guests a local landmark so they can check the location and point to your many reviews that evidence the listing is indeed as described.

[Nathalie-Et-Gilles0]

Bonjour @Gregory87 

I use to rend 2 studios to students with AirBnb.

Students stay 3 months up to 3 years.

Most of them live far away so they don’t ask to visit.

A few asked to visit before renting and I always declined.

They can read the listing, read the description and ask for any question to be sure it suits their needs.

I refuse not only because it means they are around and it could be a method for casing the place in order to stealing a few weeks later but also because it is a request for exception.

In my experience, prospects asking for exceptions have a problem to follow simple rules.

If they don’t follow them before booking, I doubt they’ll follow my rules when they are installed.

Last but not least, search for long term rentals could be an easy way for some American/ German /foreign student to find a place in Paris because they cannot deal with  estate agencies, why people living around would pay AirBnb fees when they can visit properties with estate agencies?

One reason could be that their case is not solid or to propose to rent directly not to pay AirBnb fees.

[Michelle1851]

I had someone ask, we spoke on the phone and it made sense.  I met her there gave a tour with a mask and she wore one also.  We agreed and it worked out wonderfully.  

[Sarah977]

While it's generally something to deny, I can see where someone might not want to commit for a many-month stay without checking the place out first. If I had an entire place listing that I would rent long-term I would suggest to the guest that they book one night to get a feel for the place. And if they decide they like it and want to book for a few months, I'd deduct the charge for that one night from the monthly rent.

@Gregory87

[Emilia42]

@Sarah977 With that strategy would you block out the intended time that the guest could book? If not and the guest decides to take it then you may already have existing bookings. If yes and the guest doesn't want it then you've lost out on time to rebook. 

[Emiel1]

@Gregory87 

I sometimes allow it, it's mutual as you can meet the potential "long term stay" guest also.

And i understand a potential guest for "long term stay" likes to see where ending up before being chained to the rather strict "long term stay" terms of Airbnb.

[Ann72]

@Gregory87  I've always turned it down except in the case of a young lady who was planning her wedding.  In your case, I would have been put off by the tone of the request.  Aggressively telling YOU how long it would take, and using the old "everyone else allows it" saw, showed a lack of respect, and that's a bad sign for a long-term guest.  I'm relieved you parted ways, to be honest.

[Anonymous]

Hello @Gregory87 and congratulations for remaining this community's best-dressed profile of the moment! (Please read that aloud in your best Joan Rivers voice)

I'm completely with @Ann72 here that i think the communication style of the guest makes all the difference. If they're acting entitled and rude before they have a booking, you better believe they'll be every bit the same once they have the keys. 

Personally, if I were opening up for a multi-month rental I would definitely want to meet with the tenant and show the home in person. But I wouldn't use Airbnb for this arrangement, for all the reasons that I know you're well aware of.

[Sarah977]

If I were going to allow a preview, I would arrange to meet with the prospective guest for coffee at a cafe first. That way you could get a feel for the person, whether they came across as legit, or seemed to be sketchy and perhaps just wanting to gain access to scope the place out for theft somewhere down the line. Or were just someone you wouldn't want to have to deal with on a long-term basis.

And I hate it when guests say "Well, all the other hosts/ all the other Airbnbs I've stayed in....(fill in the blank)."

@Gregory87

[Nathalie-Et-Gilles0]

@Sarah977 

Your idea to rent for one night to test the place is good when it is legal.
In Paris, it is forbiden to rent less than 30 days except if it is not your living home.

So for me it is illegal. The fine is 10'000€ up to 50'000€ if you rent on a short term basis regularly.

@Gregory87 

It is obvious that the listing must be accurate with the positive and negative points and to take as many photos as possible and to be very honest about the neighbourhood and disctrict.

I speak for a long time with the student before booking and ask where is the university to check if it is fine.

The aim is to have a win-win rental. 

I am not an estate agency but I can understand hosts who prefer to meet the tenant.
However they have to be strong if it does not match because as said @Ann72 , they can insist and be entitled or negociate exceptions.
It is easier to say, "sorry, it won't work" by airbnb email than face to face.
In addition, if the prospect is not nice, he knows you, your adress and phone number.

[Sarah977]

Yes, I forgot that hosts in some areas have a minimum rental period they have to adhere to.

@Nathalie-Et-Gilles0

[Ben-and-Sam0]

Lots of great replies here...another option is a live virtual tour via video call, if you feel the request is reasonable but would rather not invite the prospective guest to your home in person. 

[Gregory87]

Thanks to everyone who has responded to my post!  It has been interesting reading the different perspectives on the situation.

[@Helen]:  There are numerous references to landmarks in my listing description as well as photos.  Guests could easily figure out my neighborhood and probably locate my rental, if they wanted. 

@Sarah977 

I did offer the suggestion to book for 2-4 nights to determine the suitability of the rental and the response was, "that sounds like a major hassle as other hosts have been accommodating".

I appreciate the compliment, @Anonymous .  🤗  Instead of a multi-month commitment, I recommended that we go slow and book a month at a time in case either party had a change in plans or "other issues".

The guest was encouraged to look over the listing and consider the almost 100 reviews, @Nathalie-Et-Gilles0 .  No other guests had the opportunity to preview the rental and were still happy with their choice.  Also, Airbnb is based on a level of trust.  This person only had a brief profile (which I had to request be updated) and 2 reviews (one from 2016 and the other 2012), but I am supposed to open my house to said person?!!

I like your suggestion of a virtual tour, @Ben-and-Sam0 .  That is a safe option for all involved.  

[Jill963]

I have had guests ask to view the property as well. I have not accommodated any requests for that as I feel my time is valuable and I don't want to be spending it walking someone through. My pictures are up to date and my reviews speak for themselves. More often than not it's someone that isn't a frequent air b n b person, it's someone new to air b n b that doesn't really understand how it works.