Should I be concerned?

[Monta0]

So let me start off by saying I'm new to hosting. We're on our fourth set of guests and everything is going great so far. People are nice, kind, and great. I get a request from a guest, in her 40s, traveling with her fiance, and they're in town to see her 20 year old daughter perform at a concert. The account obviously belongs to the guy, but the woman writes me. It doesn't bother me too much. They don't have reviews, but the message was detailed enough to not cause any concern.

What concerns me is when the woman starts texting and calling me on my phone, using her phone number and not going through airbnb (The airbnb account belongs to the guy). It still doesn't bother me much because plenty of people are new at airbnb and don't know the protocols. What really starts to alarm me is when she texts me a photo of herself with fiance, which I thought was a bit weird and inappropriate, but maybe she's just trying to tell me about herself? Am I making excuses for this guest? Also, not to sound judgemental, but she looks too young to have a 20 year old daughter.

I don't know. I'm going to ride this one out and see what happens. At least my husband will be around if something goes south.

[Sarah-and-Alex0]

I wouldn't be concerned.  If it seems like they're partiers, maybe next time you see them, mention that you forgot to tell them earlier that some piece of furniture needs coasters - I find this is a good universal signal for "please don't get wasted and disrespect my house" ::knock on wood:: If the guy is the person on the booking account, you should be covered for any issues, but most people seem to be pretty respectful.  I've heard that soon Airbnb is going to require the names, etc. of all guests, not just the Responsible Guest, so that'll solve a lot of these issues, if true.  For this reservation, don't be afraid to assert any house rules (noise after a certain time, etc.) - it shows that you respect your home and expect them to do the same.  That being said, every time you want to criticize a guest, do ask yourself whether it's just because they rub you the wrong way.  Gritting your teeth and being friendly through that contributes to great reviews  🙂  Best of luck!

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

Sounds fine to me...they are keeping up communication - might be a bit worried about their trip and staying with you - you have to remember that too!

I would always reply to her text via th airbnb platform as well as text - that way there is a record online

[Nelson4]

Like Gerry And Rashid said, i think you should stick to airbnb message system and nothing outside of the platform.

From what you've wrote well... it doesnt sound that strange but, i dont know.

[Helen3]

Maybe it's me and because I am a single host but I would be uncomfortable about people sending photos of themselves - for what possible reason? It does sound weird and inappropriate.

Presumably you have reminded her that all correpondence needs to go through BnB and she needs to use their system. If so, you can ignore calls and texts and keep referring her back through the BnB system.

If she keeps going outside BnB personally I would flag it with them and ask them to find her another host/deal with it.

[Karen18]

Maybe she sent a photo so you would recognize them when they arrive..... snapping photos nowadays is a pretty common form of communication....