Blocking locals for safety

[Piero12]

Is there a way to block locals? If no, is there anything being implemented?

It is quite dangerous to have locals with access to the house keys and enough time to check the house. It is very easy to make copies and enter the occupied rooms of later guests to steal their belongings. Nothing against my neighbors but that would be an easy tactic for thieves.

[Alon1]

@Piero12 

I don't think there is a special way to block locals.

In 'Help' you can find instructions for Report/Block of anyone.

[See copy below]

I've only ever used to Report, not to Block, so don't know how effective it is.

Perhaps wait for someone else to answer more informatively.

Otherwise, just to say,  I don't share your fear of 'locals'.

However, many Hosts have expressed this concern on the Community Centre.

I've hosted loads of Londoners on Airbnb without ever encountering the problems you project.

(I only turn down party seekers, but that's the same for non-Londoners wanting to hold a party here).

Consequently, I tend to believe it perhaps depends on the place one lives and hosts to fear' locals'.

======

How do I report a message or block someone on Airbnb?

To report a message from someone or block any future communication from them:

1. Go to Messages on airbnb.com and click the conversation with the person you want to block
2. Click Report under their profile photo
3. Select the reason you’re reporting this person, then if you also want to block future messages from them, click Next > Yes, block now

If you block someone, they won’t be able to send you messages, send you a reservation request, or accept a reservation request from you.

.

[Cynthia475]

@Piero12 

Have you considered changing to a digital lock where you can create a new pass code for each guest?  That would eliminate your need to block locals.

[Piero12]

I was just looking for that in Amazon. Thanks

[J157]

I wish for a way to block the locals too. 99% of them are for parties and I don't allow parties. Even though I stated that in my house rules, many guest still sent enquires. One even said that he is organising a small group gathering, not a party. LOL!

Perhaps there should be an option for host to choose if they allow local bookings and it will not show up during guest's search.

[Alon1]

@J157 

You have the option to advertize NO PARTIES in your listing.

See Dashboard - Booking Setting - House Rules -Parties and events allowed.

Just don't click it, it means you don't accept parties.

So if anyone tries to book for party you can legitimately decline.

Beyond that it's ABSURD to try legislate on a global website v. locals, because issues can be very different in so many countries and cities.

See my previous note above, re. hosting loads of Londoners.

The population of London is twice the size of Singarpore.

Many people in London need temporary accommodation for a variety of reasons.

More than half my income is based on the needs of Londoners.

In conclusion, please think about what you are saying when making comments for a global audience.

[J157]

@Alon1 

my listings are advertise as no parties/events allowed, well reflected under my booking setting and my house rules too. But sadly, many guest dont read them or just simply ignore them. and because my listing are the entire house and i dont live there to spy them 24/7, there is no way to track them until the party has started, neighbours disturbed, management pissed off and damages done. 

i am not asking for legislation, but merely an OPTION for host to choose if they wish to and that to reflect during guest's search. thats what search filters are for right? You mentioned that many Hosts have expressed this concern on the Community Centre, so why is this not a workable solution? it save guest's time to search and read through all the house rules and save host's time to answer and decline bookings.. in fact, i think the search filters should also reflect other option like "suitable for children/infants/pets/smoking too. 

Of course, different country/city/location/listing has got different infux of guest. you are lucky that you havent encountered sneaky party-goers who trash your place and i wish for you to never encounter them.

just to highlight again, the word is OPTION.

[Alon1]

@J157 

Thanks for your detailed reply.

Please know that I've been hosting for 6 years and regularly receive requests for parties, (despite my House Rules, commonly unread as you rightly state).

  But I don't do Instant Book, so all inquiries have to come through me. Moreover, I have the distinct advantage of being a live-in-host.

  Consequently, since I turn down by rote all party inquiries, I've 'never encountered' nor will ever do the nightmare scenario. It's simply not posssible so long as I say 'Sorry, no parties'. The Inquirers immediately cease contact because there is no point. -- Occasionally, I do refer party seekers to other Hosts, specifically one whom I know holds parties. But they have to be very specific, as the Host has a spanking location and charges a lot.No chance for a Rave or the like.

If you wish to convey your concern and request the OPTION, you'll only get Host feedback on CC, so I rather suggest that you focus your energy on contacting Airbnb.  There is a mechanism for Feedback. 

If you do this, please post the result.

Best Wishes,

[Heather1510]

This changed from a post about locals to a post about parties. We did have issues before with locals and parties but not lately. We live above one of our Airbnb’s and I don’t want locals knowing where I live. I’ve had unwanted overtures with guests, not sexual but wanting to be friends etc. it’s a tough spot to just block or report people when they have your address and as a woman you never know how people will receive a rejection….I would like to block locals for that reason. That being said, we have had people who are from somewhere else that now live in our city and Airbnb doesn’t keep that updated so makes it hard to filter.