Airbnb has really changed form their hip platform of connection between host and guest to being a hotel like site like booking .c om . Obvisioulsy , the owners , the processing bank, is interested in their quarterlies only . There is no regard for the privacy of the host, as we still have pictures and stories on our profiles . Without the guets pictures, we have to ask to get some information , which some guests find intrusive . Another policy of airbnb , needing to allow someone with a " service dog ", in reality just a comforting dog with a $15 downloadable statement from the iternet, was another social posturing . Actually , their policy is that the guest does not even have to disclose the dog , even if your rules are no pets. I talked to a lawyer who advised me , that private homeonwers do not fall under the same disability act as a public building . Airbnb is just riding on the political correctness wave , which somehow does not include all the information they need to get a correct credit card. . They do not care, that we have neigbors or rules in condos . Especially in gated communities, were we can loose rental privilges. I am listing my condos on other sites like Homeaway ( VRBO) is the same , where you can buy a yearly subscription which allows cancelleation with no penalties. Guests , who do noy provide any information and just want to book, will be declined from me . They will treat my condo like a hotel room , crank up the AC while leaving the patio door open ( in 110 degrees heat ) and invite multiple friends over to stay, which is imposssible to check on . All this has happened. I have had 3rd party bookings, which were not disclosed and completely different people stayed there. Airbnb will not change their rules for the hosts and are touting their progressiveness in multiple Media ads . Its time to look for other alternatives and start your own rental websites . I would disable any instant bookings , that might give them a hint . If all host disable that feature , hosts will still get bookings but airbnb will get a wake up call. They just follow their stats and algorithms , not indivudual complaints.
I also have noticed, that I can not leave a reply anymore once a guest posts a review. We as hosts, need to change our behavior collectivley, so we can have a voice. Cancel instant booking , ask guests for communication and leave no reviews unless they enable the reply to a review again . Guests will still book and adjust to this, as we do . This is the only message, we can send to airbnb .
Arguing with an answering service in the Phillipines will not change anything . Airbnb is in busimess to make money just as we are , but withut a host and their homes , there is no airbnb .
