fake dates used to book during lockdown

[Emma2074]

My calendar has (quite rightly) been blocked during the UK lockdown dates; I received an enquiry from a reviewed guest wanting to book for dates after those blocked. In he email he sent me, he was actually looking to book this weekend during lockdown- claiming to be flying from the states (I'm not even sure they are allowing flights) I can't turn these dates down as I will jeopardise my Superhost status so I have blocked the fake dates he has used to contact me. Is this going to affect my listing in any way?

Also I have tried to report him but none of the categories apply.

[Luana130]

You are over reacting @Emma2074 . All the guest did was send an enquiry. I used to get them quite frequently, specially for Carnival time, when the dates were already booked by someone else I would get enquiries for other dates, and they would ask if I still had vacancy for Carnival

There is no reason to flag a guest because of it, or block those dates. 

[Helen3]

Wow @Luana130 

That's rather harsh @Emma2074   is not over-reacting.

It is illegal in this country to run STRs at the moment in the UK and there are large financial penalties and potentially criminal action that can be taken against hosts who do this. So it is very serious matter.

It seems clear the guest has done this to get around our legislation that was introduced as a result of the virus. 

You can't compare a guest asking for a booking at a peak time for you and a guest trying to get around legislation to make an illegal booking.

[Emilia42]

@Luana130 is correct. The guest's inquiry will not affect your super host status or your listing. Just simply reply to the guest with a 'no, thank you.' Dismiss the inquiry and no need to worry.  

[Emma2074]

Gosh @Luana130 what a harsh  response. With the media here lambasting Airbnb for continuing to host in some areas it’s totally inappropriate for a guest to look to find a way to avoid the block on dates, not to mention that it has heavy penalties in this country, which the guest was aware of as he made reference in his message. 

No comparison whatsoever to a host being busy due to carnivals; this is a government lockdown banning this type of hosting. 

[Helen3]

Hi @Emma2074 

Just decline the request it should give you the option to choose because dates requested were not ones guest wanted to book for, or something similar.

Remind the guest that legislation was introduced in March to ban the use of STRs during the virus. It is quite clear that he was trying to get around the rules by doing this. You can report him to Airbnb but not sure what they would do at the moment as their resources are stretched.

[Anonymous]

@Emma2074 The only thing a host is obliged to do with an INQUIRY is write a reply. You don't have to pre-approve or decline it.

Also, your superhost status is not affected by declines. Some of the criteria have been suspended due to the pandemic; you can review the current ones here: https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/answers-for-superhosts-about-the-coronavirus-160

[Helen3]

Ah @Emma2074  sorry didn't release it was an inquiry not a request.

In that case @Anonymous  is correct just respond you don't need to decline.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Emma2074 Agree with most of the comments but there are legitimate people who can be hosted that do not fall under the Airbnb healthworkers scheme. We have had bookings from key workers installing safety screens at supermarkets and specialist electricians in a power station all travelling from a distance away. 

That said your person may not be legit - you just have to ask questions and demand proof.

[Emma2074]

Thanks everyone. Have a great weekend!