Question about hosting longer stays

[Carey93]

Hi there, I am a new host.  I host longer stays; 30-day minimum. My target audience is travel nurses who typically stay 3 months. My first nurse moved in this weekend and I'm so pleased that everything has gone smoothly so far.   She and I jump through hoops to be able to exchange phone numbers so that we could speak on the phone and make sure that her booking was a good match for us both.  It was complicated because Airbnb doesn't allow you to exchange phone numbers in they're messaging system.  However I'm not comfortable letting someone book until I've spoken with them.  The cottage I am listing is a separate building but it's on the same property where I live and we are sharing a lakefront and outdoor amenities. My question/concern is how can I have a phone conversation with a perspective long-term tenant without looking sketchy and friending one another on social media?  I just don't feel comfortable letting someone into my space without speaking to them first Has anyone else run into this or have any suggestions? I do realize that if there is a problem once they check in I have recourse, but my intention is to be proactive and avoid problems.  I don't want to be stuck without a tenant for weeks at a time or longer and I don't want to leave a guest stranded without a place to stay because there was a mismatch or miscommunication.  I appreciate any feedback or suggestions.  Thank you!  

[Emiel1]

@Carey93 

Private information like phone numbers, email addresses etc  can not be exchanged in the pre-booking proces (But It is possible as soon the booking is confirmed, but then it is too late for you...). I also offer long term stays, but i only use the message system to communicate with potential guests.

So your only option is  to use the "tricks" to exchange phone numbers.

[Carey93]

@Emiel1 Thank you!  I called Airbnb customer service and they told me as much. But I would love to know what your overall experiences with long-term rentals through airbnb. Do you stay booked? Do you know of a community forum within Airbnb that focuses on long-term hosts? Thank you for any feedback you can offer! 🙂

[Debra300]

@Carey93,

I also rent to traveling nurses.  I list my apartment on Furnished Finders, which generates a lot of leads for nurses/other professionals looking for long-term stays.  On that platform, you may exchange email and phone numbers.  During our communication, I tell these guests that I handle the reservation and financial transaction via Airbnb, and it has worked out well.    

[Carey93]

@Debra300 Thank you for your feedback! I started with furnished finders and was so excited but never got any real leads. I pivoted to Airbnb only after furnish finders didn't produce results and have gotten more interest from Airbnb. Maybe I'm doing something wrong 🫤

[Debra300]

@Carey93,

I've gotten the majority of my long-term guests from Airbnb, and you do have to be pro-active when a Furnished Finder lead comes through, because the guests are probably getting plenty of hosts contacting them, and they lose track of who's who.  However, that platform does offer you the opportunity to communicate with a prospective guest before they make the reservation.  Also, these guests are usually willing to sign a licensed lodger rental agreement and pay for a refundable security deposit (via the Resolution Center).