I think a useful rule is to say no to anyone who hasn’t got a home to go to - in case they won’t leave!
I have accepted local people WITH homes to go to however I am wary as they can bring plenty of complications.
My worst couple was several years ago, not long after I started. Their house was flooded badly and they had been moved into temp accommodation whilst the insurance job was undertaken. The job ran over by 3 weeks and they asked to come to me, at a good discount, as they were local. I met them, very nice, all seemed fine.
Went back the next day and all the shutters were barred at the windows and the curtains were closed floor to ceiling, in summer. Guests would not answer the door. I asked about the weekly bed and linen-change day via messaging and was told no thank you. Guest said they would do the washing. I protested, to no avail.......
this went on for 23 days. When they left the place had been occupied by a cat, amongst other things. Bathroom was mouldy. White Towels were now slightly pink. I believe they had actually moved all their furniture out of paid storage and kept it stacked up in my apartment for the duration. This was a massive health and safety risk and a huge fire risk in a listed building!
Plus it was very cheeky.
When I get wedding groups I can understand that some guests will be from nearby. E.g the bridesmaids all getting ready together in a special place.
Weekend ravers are not welcome! I don’t do 2 nights as I don’t want people just getting wasted, getting up late and then leaving everything in disarray when they depart. One issue with local people is the “all back to mine” mentality where they can’t wait to show off the apartment to others and the party comes back to the house. Then suddenly other local people are wandering in and out, clutching my keys, to get a takeaway or beers .... then staying over in the 3rd bedroom ....
So, once again I have beefed up my house rules and started being more security conscious, as one thing often leads to another.
The best thing is to find out why they need it if possible and then mention you are always nearby!
It is hard to get the hang of hosting guests. I do about half my business on Airbnb so have hosted around 600 trips of 3 days or more in the last 5 years. Some have been for a few weeks at a time.
It is a sort of sixth sense that makes me question people about their trip. However I always do it nicely! Me: “Will you be bringing a vehicle? If so, I will allocate you an off road space :)” answer: “Yes we will be driving down...” Me: “ I notice you have only mentioned one guest on your booking....”
- Ha!
etc etc. You live and learn! 🙂