I am a new host and have a unreviewed guest who just signed up for AirBnB that wants to rent my hous

[Judi17]

He wants to rent my house for 4 adults and 2 children during December 24-26. I am leary to approve this transactionbecause he has no reviews, limited profile, last mintute booking and it is only 2 days during Christmas. Any suggestions?

Thank you,

J.F.

[Alice-and-Jeff0]

Cynic here - aren't you just the pot calling the kettle black: you have no verifications, no profile information, no reviews or aren't even using your real name.  Who exactly is taking a chance here?  He's planning on bringing children to a total stranger's home that has no information provided about her or her style as a host.  

If you don't trust people, don't host. This entire proposition is based on trust. If you don't trust him, don't say yes.  Personally, after some conversation with the guest, I'd figure out why he's booking last minute, why he liked my property and chose it over all the others, the names and ages of his kids, why he's using Airbnb instead of a hotel,  and what were his plans for the days he's going to be there and, probably, end up booking him. We book a lot of first time users, but unless you communicate with them, you'll never know. 

BTW, what is the 10pm-6am "house rule" referencing anyway?  

[Bridget0]

I agree with @Alice-and-Jeff0 100%, but maybe with a softer tone.

this is exactly what you will be doing ALL THE TIME as a host. You can gently ask some of those questions of your guest...most likely they are visiting family nearby and would prefer to stay elsewhere.

And you must fill out your profile fully and use a full first name, if you come across as sketchy you will be more likely to attract those who want to be anonymous themselves.

[Judi17]

Thank you, I updated my profile. As I stated, I am a new host and I do not know what is suspect and what is normal. I did sent the prospective tenant an email asking for some more information.

[Alice-and-Jeff0]

@Bridget0 - definitely not a softy here 🙂  Just a tell it like it is kind of gal. 

[Marit-Anne0]

@Judi17

Ask them to complete their verification and make them tell a little bit about themselves and their motive for visiting.  If they have nothing to hide, they will be more than willing to reveal this info.  

Last minute in airbnb terms would be a same day booking.  Two days over Christmas does not really bring out any red flags and your minimum stay is two days anyway.

Around 50% of your potential guests may newbies with no reviews - saying no to those will severely reduce your potential income. The best thing you can do is educate yourself as best you can and be prepared for all sorts of guests. Newbies may need some extra attention and info - that is part of the business.

Also, you have instant book activated, meaning that these are already booked.  Cancelling a confirmed reservation is a sure step towards commercial suicide.

[Judi17]

Thank you, that helps me very much. I am trying to educate as best I can which is why I came to this community support page. I thought the instant book was only for pre qualified applicants. 

[Helen3]

Hi @Judi17

BNB makes it quite clear on the information they provide about Instant Book https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/523/what-is-instant-book. They state....

'If you have Instant Book on, it will apply to all available dates on your calendar. Guests who meet your requirements will be able to automatically book your space'.

In terms of requirements, you can tick a box to say you only want guests who have previous reviews. If you have ticked this box, the guest shouldn't be able to book without checking with you  first.

Did you check this box?

[Judi17]

Yes, I have that box checked. Thank you!

[Marit-Anne0]

@Judi17

If you received an instant book that did not meet your requirements, I believe you can contact airbnb and have the booking cancelled. I have experienced the same - luckily I was ok with the guests and their communication, so I did not need to go through the rigmarole of contacting airbnb.  Not sure if it is a system glitch or something deliberate.

[Tony316]

Can you please tell me how one  "contacts Airbnb" in such a situation?

[Matthew285]

@Tony316 to contact Airbnb

On your Help page, near the bottom right is a "Contact us" button.
Or you can use this link: https://www.airbnb.com/help/contact_us

Once you are on the "Contact us" page, choose "Its something else"

This will give you the choice to either exchange messages with AirBnB or to speak to someone on the phone.
(Using the "Contact us" by phone gives you the option to have them call you, so you don't have to wait on hold.)

If you don't mind waiting on the phone:

United Kingdom: +44 203 318 1111
United States +1-415-800-5959 +1-855-424-7262 (toll-free)