I host on many other web sites for my lake front home. They all have certain features in their software that are sorely lacking at Air bnb.
1. There needs to be a "paid" notification sent to hosts. I know based on the Air bnb model it is "assumed" that the renter pays in full when a reservation is made. I want to hear from Air bnb that the renter paid. And the default payment should be one payment from the renter..not multiple payments. There should be a tab that hosts can use inthe software that are labled "paid reservations"......so one can tell who has paid, how much, and when.
2. There should be a default "Owner Log In" hot link when the main sight is reached.....and a "Owner's dashboard" as soon as Owner login is done.
3. There are fundamental flaws in Air bnb business structure that act against the Host's interest:
A). There is absolutely no reason for Air bnb to hold rents until a renter arrives. Sometimes rents are made in months in advance...that money belongs to the Hosts as part of their commitment of the implied contract to host...period.
4. While you are holding the money, a renter can cancel his reservation prior to arrival...and the Host has no recourse. This is not an issue when one is renting a room in his house.....but when renting a house....this can cost the Host hundreds if not thousands of dollars because a renter can cancel a week before arrival.....and it's not possible to rent a house on that short notice....and Hosts are the life blood to Air bnb....no Hosts....no renters...no revenue.
5. As a real estate professional, I am use to a certain level of professionalism and knowledge when doing a real estate transaction. Most of the people who write in this chatrooms, while knowledgeable about Air bnb, are ignorant of real estate law and common procedures that professional are use to. But the most dangerous problem is that they are obliviuos to dangers that they do not understand.
6. And that leads me to this complaint.....It is stated that Air bnb is based on trust. That is a failed philosopy. Good faith is essential in any business, but all actions and business decisions should be rooted in law to protect everyone involved....not just faith it will work out all right...or that Air bnb will make sure everything ok. I believe in the Ronald Reagan philosopy of "trust but verify" . That is why all aspects of a transaction should be verifiable...especially with people with limited knowledge pontificating about one of the most complicated business transactions today. Also, remember, at least in the Commonwealth of Virginia, all aspects of a real estate transactions MUST BE IN WRITING TO BE ENFORCABLE" . That comes directly from the "Statute of Fraudes" which is the basis of real estate law....and is the reason for this post. In closing, everything works...until it doesn't...it's when it doesn't that people get hurt, law suits happen, and Air bnb's reputation is harmed. A word to the wise should be sufficient, and I would tell this to an Air bnb help desk or any other living corporate assistance person, but you can't get to one in this company....also a unique flaw not sharred by any other hosting sights.
