Hi @Justin28,
Let me break this down with my thoughts. @Clare0 is right with being careful but I'm not 100% sure this person is fraudulent. Whilst their terminology might be a little off at no point have they asked you to pay money OFF the platform.
Do you think English is the first language? That could explain the difference in translation and terminology etc.
Does this person have a good standing of reviews? Are the rolling and recent?
"The apartment is empty at the moment and for security purposes i would not like to give to everyone the exact floor and unit number as i do not know all the people that contact me, please do not feel offended but i am just careful."
This is 100% normal. No Host would or should provide their address to you at any point until you've confirmed a booking with them. Furthermore, if I was the Host I'd be wary of yourself given you have not verified any of your details... you don't even have a profile picture.
"This is not a short term letting, so you can't pay me directly with a credit card.
In order to move things forward, the first step is to register the transaction with Airbnb, as a landlord I have been provided with a user name and password for this purpose."
Whilst their language is not that clear they ARE telling you that a booking is required and that Airbnb handles this.
"Once my request is processed, Airbnb will be in touch with you. After they explain you the whole process which is mainly what I told you in the previous emails, they will send you the agreements so that you can review them. Then, they will ask you to pay the deposit.
Afterwards, Airbnb will assign an agent which will be available for the date you decide to view the apartment.
When you meet the agent, he/she will have your contract and all paperwork. Provided that you decide to sign the contract, you can do it on the spot."
This process (and once again terminology) is a little irregular but not out of the realms of possibility. Some States / Countries may require you to sign a simple agreement given the length of your stay. They have simply sent you the necessary document to review... does it demand additional payments off of Airbnb?
"Airbnb will release the deposit to me after you move in. If you take a look over the attached Pdf files they have sent you there are all these details. Let me know if you can confirm the deposit today because i have someone else interested and i need to cancel our agreement thru Airbnb before i let someone else apply as a potential tenant."
Once again, Airbnb release the deposit after you move in. The PDF files, I haven't seen them... could be fine. The 'book now / someone else interested' can often be a reality for many busy Hosts although some Hosts also use it as a tactic to add time pressure to the situation.
First thing you should do is improve your own profile so Hosts will be willing to have you stay - particularly if it's your first time and you're looking for a longer stay.
Also, make sure all your correspondence with Hosts stays on Airbnb's messaging system rather than using email... it may be a slight inconvenience but it will help Airbnb in understanding a situation quicker should one arise.
Anyways, I hope you find a place soon that suits your needs.
Cheers,
Paul
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