Somebody want to rent our swimming pool only

[Tatiana40]

We got a couple of requests to rent our swimming pool only? We are new hosts here and not sure if such requests are common or not. Can it be a scam? If we decline such a  request - will it affect our rating and searchability standing? Any feedback is very appreciated. Thank you. 

-Greg and Tatiana

[RobandAnna0]

Declining any request will not affect your standing. I'm sure that you can rent just about anything but renting out only your pool gives you a lot to think about. Good luck

[Tatiana40]

thank you, Rob, for the explanation with rating.

[Reinier0]

Why would it be scam?? Perhaps pools are popular in your area... It does make an impact, declining isn't something Airbnb appreciate a lot 😉

[Tatiana40]

Hi Reinier, 

It's such seems very unusual,considering that our pool is very small and is listed as such with dimensions on the description (not very suitable for swin lessons). Also, the first reques was very direct saying that we can rent only our swimming pool and make at least $300 per day. Thoughts?

[Sandra126]

You can certainly offer them to rent your place, and it is up to them if they only use the pool and not the house. But it will prevent other bookings, so the rental is a rental. End of story.

And yes, declining bookings affects the search placement slightly. I notice than when I decline I slip down 6-7 places. If you are a habitual decliner you will get a warning from Airbnb.

I try my hardest to accept, but sometimes the requests are just so unsuitable!

just looked at the listing, yes, small pool set in a deck attached to the house. Very suspect that someone would pay big money for this, but the location is private and I sense xrated filming which is potentially high damage and generally poor form! A common enough request and will be MUCH higher priced, should you choose that route.

[Tatiana40]

Thank you, Sandra, for checking out our listing and providing your feedback. We kinda suspect it's might be for some commercial use, but that really requires a diferent set of agreements and prices. 

[Bridget0]

If you want the protections of using airbnb, do it only through airbnb and treat it like any other rental of your whole space.

Here are some of the cautions I would give you for those kind of inquiries:

- Are they just using it for a photo shoot or filming? If so, location fees are usually much higher than an airbnb type rental - you are going to have different usage (crew, equipment) and you will want lots of other legal agreements in place. Be sure you know what they are really doing.

-If they just want the pool, aren't they also going to need the bathroomand possibly the kitchen? that is basically a full rental.

- as noted above, you can't rent the space to anyone else if they are using the pool so you are losing out. I have had people want to use my space just for a few hours in the afteroon (no comment) and I have let them know that they are more than welcome to use it is they book that 24 hour period starting at 4 pm. No one ever does.

Basically, don't put yourself in a position of losing money and potential bookings. Also, if you wanted to stay within Airbnb (and REALLY don't even thik about doing it outside) you'd need to do a listing just for the pool and keep them co-ordinated.

[Bridget0]

Also, don't worry about legitimate declines. Unless you are declining zillions in a row, the algorithm isnt affected by them. Be sure when you do hit decline to use the correct reason (which i believe only shows on full site, not app). It is fine to say "Not appropriate usage" or whatever the similar language is.

Good luck!

[Tatiana40]

Thank you, Bridget and Mark, for your very informative answer. It really helps a lot. Our space and location doesn't allow us just to rent the pool by itself, so if we decide to rent just the pool (for leisure purpose only), it has to be the same price as the apartment. But then again, you brought up a very good point -  wouldn't people want to use bathroom and kitchen. So, thank you again for your great answer. 

Greg and Tatiana

[Andrea9]

@Tatiana40

Maybe they want to make a film...

Do make sure you wouldn't be liable for accidents. I've read numerous times by community hosts in the US that guests could sue hosts for any accidents. Just saying.

[Tatiana40]

Thank you, Andrea, for your message. Our suspicion that they do want to use it for some commercial purposes and maybe get away with that. 

[Lois-and-Darryl0]

While declining a Booking Request doesn't impact your Superhost Status, or working to reach that status, I have read that if you are declining too often, your listing will be moved down in the order so it isn't seen immediately.  I believe you can edit your listing at the beginning of your description to clear this up without being too obvious.  Something like:  "As an overnight Guest in our home, you have access to our swimming pool, ....."  Good luck.