Re: Guest asked if a deposit is required to book l...

Katie521 · ‎13-12-2018

Hi everyone,

I am a new host and my first booking request is for 39 days. She has just messaged me and is asking if I require a deposit from her to book. Excuse my naivety... but what is the norm with this? I would prefer one if possible since it is such a long booking but I don’t know what the protocol is.

Do I say yes or no? And if I say yes what is a reasonable amount?

Thank you so much - I honestly don’t know what to say in reply so I really appreciate the feedback!!!

Giedre-and-Andre0 · ‎13-12-2018

@Katie521 your non existing house rules are a recipe for disaster!

Please see the conversation at:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/Is-there-any-reason-to-be-worried-about-a-local-guest/m-...

Also ask you selfe (no judgement) what kind of guests you want to attract

and if your listing presentation is helping to achieve your goals.

Best Andre, NYC

Jeff158 · ‎13-12-2018

@Katie521 Payments are under the control of airbnb, nothing to do with hosts, hosts get paid 24hrs after checkin. For long term bookings hosts get paid every 30 days.

Airbnb will probably require the full amount at the time of booking or they might offer a deposit and the balance prior to checkin but only the guest will know if this is available when they book.

Emiel1 · ‎13-12-2018

@Katie521,

If you are a new host, maybe better not to start with a long term stay. Set your maximum stay to a shorter period and first experience hosting some guests for short periods. A deposit is an option you can set in the listing. Long term stays have a special cancellation policy and payment is done in installments. There is more info available in the help-section, just enter the right keywords.

Best regards,

Emiel

Katie521 · ‎17-12-2018

Thank you very much!!

Sarah977 · ‎14-12-2018

@Katie521 Are you aware that a booking longer than 28 days will put you into local landlord-tenant laws and that you would have a horror show trying to get them out if they were objectionable and refused to leave?

No offense, hosting is a learning experience for all of us, but your question is so basic as regards how Airbnb works that I suggest you spend time reading through all the info for hosts on the Airbnb site so you understand how things work on this platform. And spend time each day reading through posts here on the hosting forum, it's invaluable.

Katie521 · ‎17-12-2018

Goodness. This is why I am researching. Thank you for your feedback. I did not book this person and this is why I am reaching out to the community. Aka research.

Roberta2 · ‎14-12-2018

Hi @Katie521

Long term guests - Airbnb gets the 1st 30 days as a down payment, and then the guest pays the remaining days later.

I do not want to be critical, but if you wish to atract a high class of guests, you should re-think your pictures.

Make the bed, turn on all lights, tidy up, take pictures during the day, make extensive house rules (have a look at the listings of the active hosts in this forum, they are a great source of inspiration). This should avoid a lot of future headaches.

Katie521 · ‎17-12-2018

Thank you for your feedback. I haven’t even completed the profile yet and used old pics. I certainly understand that professionalism

is key, however that wasn’t the question? Anyway thanks...

Katie521 · ‎17-12-2018

I do appreciate it. I am just not even ready to host and this was my first booking several weeks in advance. I was more enquiring about the norm

for deposits so if anyone has any insight into that specifically, rather than esthetics or marketing, that would be greatly appreciated!

Katie521 · ‎17-12-2018

Everyone, I hear you. I am brand spanking new. I obviously have some work to do... please be kind. No one is booked with me or even able to for two and a half months. Can you please call off the hounds? Just wasn’t the feedback I was asking for to be perfectly honest.