New host - six month let requested, is this a scam?

[Chrissy139]

I’ve only been hosting a couple of months and have had a few bookings. I’ve now been contacted by someone who says they want to let my place (1 bed flat with its own bathroom and kitchenette) for 6 months solid, to temporarily house their employee.

This sounds too good to be true and I am wondering if this is legitimate? Any info or opinions would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Chrissy139 New hosts are often targeted with scams. That said it might be absolutely fine but as you are in short hold tenancy territory I would ask for a contract with the person actually staying. I am fairly sure you will be creating a tenancy here. Also any FHL tax advantages that you may be planning to use will be invalidated by this tenancy. Of course they are going anyway in April 2025!

[Helen3]

Is this an Airbnb at Work booking? 

As your place only has a kitchenette is it suitable for a six month let for example does it have a washing machine ?  

[Guy991 · Accepted solution]

@Chrissy139 ,

I had a friend who had a similar fantastic opportunity. After a couple of months, the 'boss' stopped paying and disappeared. When he wanted to evacuate the 'employee', he told him to go to the 'boss' because he is legally there. It has been 3 years already. He can't get the 'employee' out, and he lost contact with the person who made the reservation.

One of the most critical rules on Airbnb: do not allow third-party bookings. The primary guest is the person who made the reservation on Airbnb, paid for it, and stays for the entire period of stay!

[Chrissy139]

many thanks for your reply . It is one thing of the things my son was concerned about when I told him . Best wishes 

[Alex1485]

Bad idea to take yourself off the market for a 6 month stretch, as if you’ve only been hosting a short time, you do not have a good sense of maximizing rate…

get more bookings, then raise rates.. 

For fun, you could request they book direct with you pm service, which requires all 6 months upfront, first, last and sdeposit

[Chrissy139]

thanks, that is another concern. Best wishes.