New at hosting and have a question

[Kay316]

I just listed my place and have several requests already.  My first "inquiry" was for a long term stay due to a flood in person's home.  While they were checking on possibility with insurance company someone was able to confirm a stay within that time but I didn't confirm it.  I'd like to be able to accommodate the long stay but not sure if I'm able since this one traveler was able to confirm without my knowledge.  

Where do I find out what my options are?  Thank you for any input!

Kay

[Helen427 · Accepted solution]

hello @Kay316 

Welcome to ABB  & CC

Go on to your Dashboard and adjust your Settings and ensure your listing has it included that Guests either must send an enquiry if they wish to stay over xyz days/ weeks.

Have a look at my listing how I've worded mine as I got caught out when I 1st started Hosting.

Use related keywords here in the CC Searchbox as there's much valuable info in here from others who have had 1st hand experience with these issues.

You will also find the Help section valuable on the main page of your listing - it's listed at the bottom.

Happy Hosting

All the Best from here in New Zealand

[Kay316]

Thank you Helen, I'll look at your listing to see you've worded it.  

[Helen427]

thank you @Kay316 , for your prompt acceptance of my suggested answer.

Keep it in condensed format & be mindful some don't read all parts of one's listing !!
I need to edit my listing 😉

I do like to keep it up to date & make sure you keep your calendar up to date.

[Kay316]

Good advice, thanks for the tips Helen!

[Pete69]

My advice: Know the tenant laws of your state before you start accepting long-term stays. For example, in California once someone stays for 30 days they become a "tenant" instead of a transient occupancy guest. Then if they refuse to leave (AKA a "squatter"), you will have to spend a ton of money taking them to court before the Sheriff will come out. Usually that's a 3 week minimum if they don't contest it.

Also you're taking more risk because most guests pay by credit card, which can turn out to be stolen. With short term stays obviously you're just out of a few hundred bucks if a payment bounces.

[Kay316]

Good things to look into that I hadn't considered.  Thank you for the information Pete