New Guest

[Manuel4579]

Hello everyone, I am new to Airbnb and I have a prospect who would like to stay at my place for 3 months.  He says that he owns his own company and that he was recently doing a contract job in Alabama and will now be working in Texas.  He asked for a discount and I offered him one.  He is now asking for my phone number and if "he can see the place" before he makes his decision.  What should I do?

[Anonymous]

@Manuel4579   Asking for a discount upfront is a major red flag. So is asking for a private viewing on a listing that's already extensively photographed. Don't give this person your phone number or address.

Unless your local laws prohibit short-term rentals, I recommend setting a much lower maximum stay and steering clear of long-term bookings until your listing and your hosting record are well established. Airbnb does not offer any of the tools you'd need to safely accept long-term bookings, such as security deposits and background/credit checks.

[Gwen386]

@Manuel4579 Hmmm. Owns own company and asking for a discount. It’s too bad your initial response wasn’t to say, “no can do.”  Well, now you can say it!  As @Anonymous say, “a major red flag!” So, no, don't give him your number or allow him to see your place. Matter-of-fact, If it were me, I would probably report him for asking for my number. 

Another thought—your place is huge. and very nice. Why does a traveling contractor needs this much space unless other workers are traveling with him. Just food for thought.