First Inquiry from a non-airbnb user

[Hedy4]

I just received my first inquiry from someone who says they want to rent long term even though the form stated 2 weeks. I said no children cuz of the steep stairs and she has a child who she says is not staying with her for the summer. I am not interested in a long-term rental for someone not verified by airbnb. I have regular rentals and the business model for this unit is short-term guests to my city. Is this normal? If I wanted to rent it long term; I would charge first, last and security deposit. If it were someone who had high airbnb ratings; maybe I would consider. My guess is they dont' have the credit to rent in the City.
Will this effect my ratings?

[Emiel1]

@Hedy4 

As it is an inquiry, you only need to answer the question within the time limit (no obligation to pre-approve or decline). It will not effect your ratings in a negative way. Long term stays at Airbnb are different from long term rentals. I understand this person wants a renting  agreement outside Airbnb and not a long term stay with Airbnb.

best regards,

Emiel

[Hedy4]

I want a long-term agreement outside of the stay. i am not interested in renting long-term to local people plus i said no children cuz the stairs are super steep. I think its okay i declined. 

[Sarah977]

@Hedy4  You will be penalized in your acceptance rate for declining. As Emiel pointed out, you don't need to Decline or Pre-approve an Inquiry. Messaging back within the 24 hour window, explaining why you can't accept this booking will not affect your ratings and you can just ignore Airbnb promptings to Pre-approve.

[Kenneth12]

Last i knew,  you had to decline 10 in a row or more to get a nasty email.    Decline rate doesn't matter until well under 80% AFAICT.

[Hedy4]

thank you!