I’m new to this! I’m concerned about access info going out too soon

[Adele97]

Hi everyone!

I’m new to Airbnb. My concern is about guests receiving access information such as alarm codes and key box codes in advance of their stay. 

Whats to stop someone from making a booking, confirming it, then cancelling it. Will they then have all our information including the address and alarm and key code?  Couldn’t they just then come and empty the place out anytime, or even when someone else is there? I know I can change the codes but that would surely get very confusing if we have lots of bookings. 

Does anyone know at what point the access and information email gets sent to the guests? Is it when they make the booking or is it when they are due to arrive? Thanks!

[Mika8]

@Adele97  .. in my opinion it's your duty to change the codes after every guest!

Especially also for security reasons for other guests staying there. 

[Adele97]

Hi Mika8,

My concern is before the guests arrive, not after they have left. I can easily change the codes once they have gone but I was worried in case someone would book way in advance and have our access information for months beforehand then they could have access anytime they wanted. 

Anyway, I understand they get it 72 hours prior to arrival so that’s fine! 

[Helen3]

Hello @Adele97 

It sounds like Airbnb Help Centre and the useful community guides on this forum would be a useful resource for you to read to help you become familiar with the basics around how Airbnb works including the self check in process.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/1644/how-do-i-add-self-check-in-to-my-listing

It will tell you guests only get access to your check in information 72 hours before their check in.

If guests cancel  after they receive self check in details and you have a moderate or strict cancellation policy they will incur cancellation charges (hopefully you haven't chosen flexible - if you have I would advise you to change it) so they are unlikely to use this as a way to steal from you.

If you are uncomfortable about them having the information 72 hours before, you can do self check in and check your guests in personally and provide them wth codes/keys then.

[Adele97]

Thanks Helen. 

Im ok with 72 hour notice period. 

My understanding is that Airbnb will send the directions and access info that I have provided them with. Is that correct or do I have to send it as well?

[Helen3]

Hello @Adele97 

As it says in the information I linked to in my earlier post, Airbnb sends the information.

[Adele97]

Also, which cancellation option should I choose? I think I’m on option 2, moderate.

[Helen3]

It's up to you which cancellation policy you use @Adele97 .

I have always used strict as I live in an area with lots of competition, where I am not always likely to get a replacement booking if someone cancels at the last minute.

If it is easy for you get last minute replacement booking then moderate probably works fine for you.

[Mika8]

@Adele97  ... what you wrote makes no sense .. because, when you change the codes after one has left, then all the codes which you have sent to other guests weeks before would not be any longer valid.  ... it does not matter if a guest has access prior or way after the booking.

What you like to have is no work with changing the codes .. and for this, you are willing to risk the security of every guest. 

These few minutes of work you should really invest.

[Ange2]

@Adele97    The codes are sent out when they make a booking. You can delay that by 48 hours see screenshot, go to your listing -  location - edit  (This may be for strict cancellation policy only)  Personally,  I would not put any of this info on the site,  I would send it to them a few days before they arrive.  I just have a message in that area saying I will send you instructions and codes xxx  days before your arrival.

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Adele97 

If you're going to change the code each time between when one guest group leaves and a new guest group is scheduled to arrive, why would it matter when they get the code? The code they get wouldn't work till you set the door to that specific code.

Or it seems you were planning to use the same access code for months on end meaning there will quickly be tens of hundreds of random former guests (and anyone else they gave the code to) who will have access to your home .....which imo is pretty dangerous.

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/Guest-re-entering-home-one-day-after-check-out/m-p/51441...

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/Guests-arrived-two-days-early-at-12-noon-check-in-is-4-p...