Imposter

[Richard338]

I booked a female guest for 13 nights and a man showed up?   He's from Costa Rica and speaks little english.  The girl that booked lives in the USA and knows him, but they are not related.  Obviously, my concern is this bypassed the Airbnb background ID check that I require with booking.  I've only talked to the male guest for a few minutes, and he seems okay.  Should I notify Airbnb of these tactics or should I wait until the guest leaves.  Since I'm new to Airbnb, I want good reviews.  Obviously if Airbnb questions the person that booked, she might write a bad review, even though she's the one who broke policy.  Also, how often does this happen.  This is only my second booking.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Richard338 third party bookings are against Airbnb policy so you are not protected and Airbnb doesn't know his identity.

Look in my house rules, it is written that only registrated guests can stay in my property. And I ask them to show me their ID or passport and I write down all their personal info. You should have done this, at least you would know who you gave your keys to.

I advise you to do that now and in the future

[Richard338]

Hi Branka and Silvia, 

Thanks for the response.  I found out yesterday evening that the person that booked me is actually a company representative that booked for one of their employees, here for training.  That person is also new to Airbnb.  I explained to the guest, that the person booking should in future communicate that they are booking for another person and send identification.  Maybe, I could have them sign a separate agreement to cover liability?  Or maybe I should insist that the company have the employee set up an account and just reimburse them for payment?  I would prefer not to turn down a 13 day booking for a business trip.  I'm learning 🙂   I'll review your house rules.  Thanks again. Rich

[David126]

I have had situations where a daughter booked for an aged father for example but this was mentioned beforehand, never had somebody turn up who was not the person who booked as a surprise and if somebody did I would not let them stay.

I realise it is against AirBnB rules.

[Richard338]

David, thanks for replying.  I found out this was a company representative booking for an employee that's here for training.  It still complicates things as far as liability coverage.  At least the person booking is in my country (USA).  I'll probably send the booking person a note, just asking for ID or suggesting they have the person book directly in the future.  I'm guessing it was easier for the company to book than trying to explain things to the employee. The guest speaks little English.

[Helen3]

Hi @Richard338

As has been pointed out it is against Airbnb's rules to accept third party bookings and if something goes wrong such as the guest damaging your property, you can't claim against the host guarantee/any deposit.

In your situation I wouldn't have accepted the guest onto the property, but would have called Airbnb and asked them to cancel the booking.

Your guest won't be allowed to leave a review as she didn't stay.

Did you contact the guest that booked and asked her why she sent a guest in her place?

In your situation I would call Airbnb (2nd post Community Help forum for contacts )

[Richard338]

Thanks for the response.  I found out yesterday evening that the person that booked me is actually a company representative that booked for one of their employees, here for training.  That person is also new to Airbnb.  I explained to the guest, that the person booking should in future communicate that they are booking for another person and send identification.  Maybe, I could have them sign a separate agreement to cover liability?  Or maybe I should insist that the company have the employee set up an account and just reimburse them for payment?  I would prefer not to turn down a 13 day booking for a business trip.  I'm learning 🙂   Thanks again. Rich

[Paul154]

Unfortunately, 3rd party bookings are common. 

Sometimes it is reasonable, sometimes evil. I often do accept them, but ask for ID at the door.

As people have stated, you are on your own with 3rd party bookings, Airbnb will not have your back.

Always realize you can prevent entry to these people. Once you give them entry, you have greatly reduced your legal rights.

Most importantly, you are a new host. Take care of yourself. Do everything standard and within the rules. Unfortunately, scammers see new hosts as a "mark".

Have patience that Airbnb will work out well for you. 

When I first started, I was very happy for 13 day stays. I was worried that one day stays would prevent me from filling up my calendar.  I was wrong to worry.

Now, I no longer prefer long term stays. With Airbnb's incredible international marketing, I can fill up 13 days with higher revenue/ lower stress guests.

Good luck.

[Paul154]

With Airbnb's incredible international marketing, I can fill up 13 days with higher revenue/ lower stress SHORT-TERM guests.