@Cindy1142 Are you sure it's a Request, not an Inquiry? It's important to notice and understand the difference.
An Inquiry is just a way for guests to contact the host with questions without committing to a booking. On Inquiries you only have to answer the message, you don't need to click on pre-approve or decline (and never waste a decline, which counts against you, on an Inquiry).
If it's a request, you can certainly communicate with a guest before deciding whether to accept or not (also look to see if they have any reviews). That's the whole point of Requests as opposed to Instant Book, that the host can communicate with a guest first. This is how hosts get a sense of the guest, vet guests to make sure they will be a good fit, have read your listing info and rules, etc. If the request is inappropriate, let the guest know that, and try to get them to withdraw the request so you don't have to decline before the 24 hr clock runs out.
A sample message might go something like,"Hi XX, thank you for your request. However, it doesn't appear that you thoroughly read through my listing info, including the house rules, where it is clearly stated that my listing isn't suitable for children. Sorry about that, but the house isn't set up for kids and it would invalidate my insurance to accept them. You should withdraw your request ASAP so you will be free to find a suitable listing."
