Renter Screen for 6-month Stay

[Jiawei8]

Hi all.

I'm a new host to the community and am currently hosting the property for 1-month minimum stay.

I just received an inquiry for a 6-month stay, and I am overwhelmed because I had a smell of this might be a scam.

The user has 2 reviews and ID verified by Airbnb, but he/she approached without much context and directly wanted to book for a 6-month stay, which costs over $10k.

I am worried, and wanted to do a 3-rd party background check before accepting the client, but I guess this is against Airbnb's policies.

Should I accept the inquiry? What could potentially go wrong? Could the client be a Professional Tenant? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[Emiel1]

@Jiawei8 

If you are a new host i would not recommend to start with  "long term stays".

Entering this words in the HELP section on Airbnb will bring up a lot of information you should read first, for example:

What-are-some-differences-between-longterm-hosting-and-shortterm-hosting

Also communicate with this guest more and ask the questions you want answers on.

You asked: "What could potentially go wrong" ? A lot, search this community !

[Jiawei8]

Thank you so much for the reply and the information! 

However, hosting short term stays in LA will require permit from the government etc. which also complicates things. 

[Lenore22]

What if you agree to a 30-day stay (or less of you can do that), with an option to extend and take it from there?

[Jiawei8]

Thank you for the advice!

You mean I can settle a 30-day stay with the guest first and decide whether to continue hosting the guest after the 30-day stay has ended?

This sounds like a better plan. I'm more comfortable of a 30-day stay than a 6-month one. 

[Ann783]

Maybe investigate when legal occupancy begins in your area. In NYS, after 30 days they are legal tenants and cannot be removed without a court order

[Jiawei8]

Same in LA. After 30 days, the tenant automatically gain legal rights, and this is why things get tricky.