Viewing before a long term rental starts

[Isabel226]

I have let my flat for 51 days starting 20th July and my tenants move out on the 15th in which time I'm doing a lot of remedial works before the new guests move in. I've spoken to the guest - well he has booked it for his parents one of which is travelling from abroad. I explained the situtation I did suggest I meet the parents either in person or over skypeand he said it would not be possible so we agreed to meet to hand over keys on the 18th.

Since then he has been insisting that he needs to view the property asap before my tenants have moved out and works start. I'm not availiable but he is insisting the tenants show him around and he can't wait to look after the works are done.

What are my rights here? I dont want to show hime the property until it is ready to view but worried he might cancel if I dont.

Also, does anyone know what the rules are about handing keys over before the move in date, is it a no-no due to airbnb insurance? It's just because I may not be availible on the day.

Thanks! 

[Clare0]

@Isabel226 There are a couple of problems with this guest. 

First, it is a third party booking which Airbnb prohibits.  With a third party booking, not only do you not know who the booking guest is, but you also have no idea who the people are who will be staying.  Under Airbnb's system, you will not have direct contact with the guests through Airbnb.  Here's what Airbnb says about third party booking: 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427/can-i-book-on-behalf-of-a-friend-or-family-member

Second, be sure you are aware of the potential issues that come with long term stays: 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/805/what-are-some-things-i-should-consider-before-hosting-long-t...

Third, Airbnb highly descourages pre-booking visits for your protection.  Best to contact Airbnb so they can take an indepth look at the guest before approving.  Most likely they will advise you against it as it is a third party booking.

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/47/what-should-i-do-if-a-guest-wants-to-see-my-place-before-book...

Also, if a long term stay is confirmed, know that your cancellation policy will change as well as when you get paid.  With stays longer than 28 nights, you will be paid for the first month after check in with the remainder a month later.  The cancellation policy will change to the long term stay policy. 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/92/when-am-i-charged-for-a-reservation

https://www.airbnb.com/home/cancellation_policies#long-term

Personally, there are so many problems with this reservation, I would not do it.  The most concerning issue is that it is a third party booking.  You might not be covered by Airbnb's Host Protection policy if you knowingly accept one.  Also, asking to view the property is problematic from a security point of view. 

Ultimately it is your decision, but too many red flags for me!

[Isabel226]

Thanks so much, that's really helpful.

[Isabel226]

Also, just to mention, he has already booked. I've asked him to get his parents to reguster so I can transfer the booking over, but he says they are not 'internet savy'

[Clare0]

Contact Airbnb, @Isabel226.  People don't have to be "tech savy" to book on Airbnb.  It is as plain as day so anyone with a 3rd grade education can do it. With all the other red flags, I think this is just another one. 

My guess is that Airbnb will cancel this reservation for you.  Do you have Instant Book enabled?  If so, you can cancel the reservation yourself by selecting that you are not comfortable with the guest and then explain that it is a 3rd party booking.   

If you need help contacting Airbnb, go to the home page of this forum and click on Get Support, then go to the Community Help Guides.  There is a guide for contacting Airbnb. 

Please let me know how you get on with this!

Clare