This just happened today and I have to ask how other hosts would handle it. I meet my guests, a couple of 21-year-old from the same town I live. I went over the house rules and ask what brings them here. They told me they are just here to meet with some friends. Then I ask, "But you all live here, why would you pay $200+ to rent my house?" Their answers were evasive, "Well, we want to meet with friends and play board games." I gave them a doubtful look, "But you all live here." I restated all of my house rules, then took their IDs and stored on my phone. I started doing that after one time 80 kids partied at my house unannounced. What a nightmare that was. So I was very serious when I repeated my house rules a few times - No Parties, No drugs, No excessive drinking, No loud noises after 8pm ...
So as I drove away, my guts were turning upside down. I had such an uneasy feeling about these kids. Sometimes it takes you to meet a person and see their facial expressions and hear their answers. Something isn't right, their story does not check out. I called my wife and both of us are worried sick. I had to call them back and ask again why they want to rent my house while living in the same area. This time, their answers alarmed me even more, "Oh, don't worry, we are here just for a couple of hours. We are not even sleeping here. We will leave at 10 pm tonight." What in the world is going on? I would not want anything to go down in my house for the next few hours. Apparently, they have something planned for the next few hours, but surely not playing boardgame as they claimed.
I am worried sick. luckily, the guest called me back, "I don't feel comfortable staying here. Can you come back and pick up the key." I must have annoyed them enough with my questions on their intent. "Yes, I will come back now and issue a full refund right away."
As I picked up the key from my young guest, they walked away unhappily. However, I felt as if a mountain lifted from my chest. I called Airbnb and they issued the refund, logged my concern and without penalty to me.
I think I have made the right choice. What do you think? What would you have done?