Should I report another host for address in their description?

Answered!
SueEllen0
Level 4
Danville, VA

Should I report another host for address in their description?

I was just diligently checking out my competition with other listings in the area when I came across one that listed their street address in the "Place" description.  I know that Airbnb prohibits this, so I was quite shocked t see it.  I'm guessing their algorithms didn't catch it because she left out some spaces.

It is kind of a small thing, but it makes me suspect that she is doing it to rent outside of the platform. 

 

Should I report her? And, if so, how?  (The little flag thingy has no such circumstances in its options.)

Top Answer
Linda108
Level 10
La Quinta, CA

I would agree with @Sarah977  in that it could be an error on the host's part.  Rather than taking a competition perspective, would you feel comfortable just sending a message about the address?  That is if you think you need to do anything at all.

3 Replies 3
Sarah977
Level 10
Sayulita, Mexico

@SueEllen0  I don't think it's any of your business. If she rents off-platform, that's up to Airbnb to catch. And plenty of hosts list with other platforms and through direct bookings- Airbnb doesn't own your listing. It's just not kosher to use Airbnb to suck in guests and then try to book them direct. And it's actually not at all to a host's advantage- hosts who have allowed pre-viewings say that it was a total waste of their time- the guest never booked and/or wanted to chisel them down on the rent. 

 

Unless she's an experienced host, she could just be naive- plenty of new hosts will put their address or phone number or a photo of the front of the house with the house number clearly visible, and when other hosts on this forum take a look at the listing and tell them they shouldn't do that, that it's a security risk, they say OMG, thank you, that never occurred to me.

 

I appreciate your suggestion in the 2nd paragraph, but not your tone in the first sentence.   

 

Linda108
Level 10
La Quinta, CA

I would agree with @Sarah977  in that it could be an error on the host's part.  Rather than taking a competition perspective, would you feel comfortable just sending a message about the address?  That is if you think you need to do anything at all.

More tools to help you meet your goals

Resource Center

Explore guides for hospitality, managing your listing, and growing your business.