I don't think the metric that measures acceptance rate is showing the correct picture.
As a full time tenant landlord myself I know there are two distinct types of landlords.
1-cares about his property and wants only people renting who have good credit and will respect the property like it's their own. This type of landlord does not always have a tenant and his property goes empty sometimes until he finds a good tenant.
2-cares about getting fast money and will rent to anyone willing to sign a lease. This type always has a tenant ,but his property gets disrespected and trashed.
My acceptance rate on Airbnb dropped to 86% and I was concerned I would lose host status. I had several phone conversations and a chat session because I do not think it's fair to make us accept just anyone and take a chance(that's because I'm the #1 landlord not the #2)
worried I would lose my host status I headed the advice from one of your associates to accept as many booking as possible to get back to 88% before the next review. I accepted a booking from someone with no reviews named Kelly. After accepting the booking I saw his profile picture (him in a scuba mask) and it made me feel uncomfortable because I could not see his face(not happy that you let this inadequate selfie verification go on). Things got worse when I communicated to him prior to his arrival and i did not get a response. I finally got a response the day of saying I’ll be arriving around 4:00pm and will use the hot tub soon after (it needs to be preheated in advance) The night he was scheduled to arrive time kept ticking on till I finally shut off the hot tub not wanting to waste electricity . I finally got a message @9:00pm which is past check in time saying I'll be arriving at 11:30 PM running late(my check in is 3:00-8:00PM and my wife and I have to get up early in the morning for work. We hear them arrive around midnight and try to get some sleep. Than at 3:30 in the morning I hear an extremely loud screaming which is a domestic fight. After I wake up I notice the strong smell of marijuana. So I went around to the room to confront Kelly and after our conversation we agree he needs to leave my property. While this is going on my wife is horrified by the fight they had and its content. So in closing I should have stuck to my guns (because I'm pretty sure I know better than most of your associates about how to be a good landlord and maintain a nice respectful property) and be The #1 landlord ,If I did this would have never happened but your metric for accepting bookings does not reward me for that and that's a big flaw (your metric is not letting you see this). Your saying to your hosts who are dropping below 88% acceptance rate “Make guests fell welcomed by accepting more reservations” and in the end I think you will end up with less upscale well-kept respectful rentals in your stable. There will always be that #2 looking for quick buck that has the not so well kept gritty rentals. Is that what you want Airbnb to be known for ?
Would love to hear your feedback on this
