No reviews since 2016

[Lauren536]

I'm looking at a place I'd like to book, and all the reviews are mostly good. The host sounds friendly and helpful, and the only problems reported are little things that don't bother me.

However, all the reviews (there's only a handful) are from 2016 and within a few months of each other - nothing more recent than that. Would that put you off booking a place?

I figure that if the host is a nice person and the place is good, neither of those things will really have changed since 2016, but not sure if it's an issue since it's my first time using Airbnb!

I thought that maybe they'd decided to take a break from hosting and gotten back to it, but don't want to message them to ask, as the last time I messaged a host the price for that listing then jumped considerably.

Thanks for your help! 🙂

[Linda108]

@Lauren536  There are several reasons why there might be a break in reviews - long term renters, home renovation, host illness.  If the listing description does not address this issue and you are concerned, your only choice is to gently ask the host.  Start with stating something positive about the listing for you and ask if anything has changed about the listing since 2016.  The host will probably volunteer something about the long period without reviews.

[Lyndsey2]

As a host, I wouldn't be offended if someone asked me about something in the reviews. I'd rather they ask than wonder. It's also possible they ask guests not to leave reviews if they live in an area that isn't friendly to short-term rentals. But chances are, once a great host always a great host.