Substitute guest?

[Lori21]

My guest just showed up and announced he would not be staying but his uncle, who he brought with him, would be staying.  I was caught off guard and explained that I only host verified people with at least one positive review.  I felt very "put on the spot" as they did not communicate with me ahead of the time but ended up saying he could stay.  They just ran out to do some shopping.  I don't know what to do but this makes me uncomfortable.  Any advice?

[Isabel30 · Accepted solution]

This has happened to me before, but at least I was told before arrival.

I would take it very honestly, and "start again" asking all the questions you would ask from a potential guest,

and since he did not go through airbnb security screening, I would ask to see a driver license or passport, take

note of this personal address, telephone number, etc.  In turn, I would flag this person with airbnb.

[Lisa159]

I have had this happen too, I also recommend getting ID, because you have no idea who is in your home, and that is a problem.

[Lori21]

Thanks Lisa - I felt uncomfortable enough with the situation and the person that I called them and told them I couldn't host and I'd refund their money.  I'm presently on hold with Airbnb to plead my case for cancellation 🙂

[Julia87]

I was in this situation once and basically did the same. I told the guest that it was not what they had booked and they had the option of keeping the original reservation, or I would be happy to refund them through AirBnB. AirBnB is usually pretty good in those kinds of situations.

[Sara2]

ABB do not cover guests not registered .

on the other hand for security I take everyone's ID and no one complains

[Lori21]

Thank you so much - it's great to have support from another Airbnb!  I actually called and told them he could not stay and Im presently on hold to cancel the reservation and refund their money.  I just felt so uncomfortable with the guy who was supposed to stay.

[Andrea9]

@Lori21 @Lisa159 @Isabel30

This is clearly a 3rd person booking that is not supported by Airbnb.

Further, in such a case you are not covered by the host insurance and would probably not even be able to claim damages from the person booking.

Good you got in contact with Airbnb beforehand and didn't just cancel.

[Daniel127]

You are very kind to refund them. I certainly wouldn't as I wouldn't be able to get the room re-booked. It was them that have broken the T&Cs not you.

[Anastacia0]

I was showing airbnb to a coworker and she asked the same question..she wanted to find a place for her FOUR out-of-town guests. I barely know HER and I told her, after she asked if She could just rent from me AND stop by to see it, first. I pulled up the photos and told her to take a look, but I would not rent to her and then have 4 strangers stay w/o going thru airbnb. As soon as she told me the dates, someone paid for those dates. MY problem solved. LOL. I asked her, would you want just anyone staying in your home? They could be out to loot the place, or worse. People just don't THINK or don't empathize!