I have a request to host in two days from a suspicious local interested guest.

[Jasmin100]

How do I decline? Person said traveling from United State to Bridgeport but lives in Trumbull, one town away.

[Susan151]

@Jasmin100 Have you asked them? If they have had their account for a while, they mighthave lived in Trumbull then and have since moved away. In that case they might be returning to visit friends. Or, if it is a new account, maybe they are planning a move to Trumbull and need a place to land while they look fora place to live.

I agree that this is a bit of a red flag, but I would investigate a bit more before declining. Good luck!

[Valerie192]

Hi @Jasmin100 I agree with @Susan151  - probably 1 in 10 guests show that they live in LA on their profile and I will usually inquire to say "Your profile says that you live in Los Angeles. What brings you to my part of LA?" which I hope comes across as neutral and not accusatory. Usually it is that they have moved away and are coming back for a business trip or to see friends. Once in awhile they are indeed local and have had a myriad of reasons to do so (including my most recent guest who was wrapping up a semester at school and had a few day gap between her school lodging and flying to Seattle for a summer internship). At the end of the day I consider a local suspicious only if he/she is unable to satisfactorily answer the inquiry about why they are booking local accommodation.

[Cathie19]

Hi @Jasmin100. Definition respond but as advised but @Susan151 - communicate!

Options:

communicate

1. Just communicate and ask questions.

Find out what you want to know. I see you are from Trumbull, it’s unusual to have local guests etc etc. Ask them to respond to your queries by a certain time so you can be sure that you and your homestay are the best fit for their important stay! 

2. Accept:  stating you will accept their request once they respond they will accept all your house rules: no exceptions.  ( I hope they  are all well laid out and visible in your listing.)

3. Communicate and let the time just run down..

Mention in your communication that as a matter of safety, you take photographic copies of Govt ids of all adults present.

Remember as Susan said, guests aren’t always living in their initial joining town. What makes you suspicious, then communicate or ask questions to cover that concern... if not comfortable, let Airbnb know that you are not. Comfortable to accept this request..

other hosts will offer further advice.

Let us know how things go!