Guest Request to Look at Room

[Ilona14]

Hello fellow Hosts!  So today, I preapproved a guest.  They are in town and want to look at the room, but have not accepted yet.  Is this a common request?  Should I let them come by?  Thanks.

[Dawn33]

Don't do it.

[Matt77]

I'm new here too but Dawn is right, that's a "no". Also contravenes airbnb rules as far as I understand them, plus puts you in a vulnerable position.

[Stephanie6]

Hi @Ilona14, When I was looking for a place for my in-laws to stay for my kids graduation I did go and look at the apartment.  I wanted to make sure that my mother-in-law could navigate the exterior wooden staircase.  The host was quite happy to show it to me, but it turns out that he wanted me to pay cash outside of airbnb.  Now that I am hosting, I would show a potential guest the apartment if they had specific concerns, if they would be staying for more than 3 days, or if they were interested in repeated bookings.  Beforehand, I would be clear that it is necessary to book through airbnb.  I even require that of guests who have stayed before.  If you are concerned about your safety then plan to have a friend or family member with you.

[Anastacia0]

In that case, I would request photos/measurements of steps and explain to the owner that someone has handicapped needs...the listing usually tells you if it has access. I wouldn't impose on a owner, as it may get a guest flagged. I only allow registered/verified guests to stay, one can't book for IL's or friends who "don't have internet".  We all have access to internet via our libraries, family/friends/work for free. 

[Lyndsey2]

I would show it to them if it was convenient for me to do and I didn't have any other guests using it. Otherwise I would tell them why it isn't available and offer to answer any specific questions or concerns they might have. 

[Ange2]

@Ilona14  

If it's a long term stay, sometimes I will do it.   But, I always meet them in a nearby cafe first and never give them my address. Are they verified with a government issued photo ID? You could say your description is very detailed and you are happy to answer any questions or concerns they might have.  Many people "just say no!".

[Donna37]

No. Never. Do not entertain that thought even for a minute. You could potentially open yourself up for a real security headache. Not worth it.

[Stephanie6]

@Donna37, I don't understand the security concern.  The potential guest has completed the airbnb verification process.  If you were to simply accept a request and have them stay wouldn't that present the very same security concern?  I have not ever had a guest ask to preview, but if I did, and was suspicious after meeting them I could them just deny the booking.

[Anastacia0]

#1- theft. they are scounting/trolling properties, see inside contents of home, tvs, pcs, cameras in use. back entrances/exits. they send someone else over to take the contents, and you can't prove a thing....and airbnb won't cover it. might ask you about work, hobbies as they tell you when they "work" and get info on when you are gone. 

I just had one stating she remarried and moved to TX and wants to stay at my property, monthly to visit with her boy, whom she says she has 50% custody. sounds fishy. Her airbnb says she lives HERE. 

If they really like it, and want to rent it, they will and not be needing to eyeball it prior. 

[Patricia86]

All things considered-- no one in the room, it was clean, you felt safe enough to allow them inside... I would do it.  But I would quickly change my mind if some red flag went up.  A booking is not worth endangering yourself.  

[Anastacia0]

I've had the same request...for ppl asking if they could rent on a regular basis. (great deal- fully furnitured, water, a/c, whole house!) I always think of how many other guests have stayed, by just looking at photos and how many guests stay at hotels doing just that. 

I tell them "No, sorry, PER airbnb TOS/policy, I do not do previews of my property, it's a security issue. You are welcome to drive to the neigborhood, but you would have to register as a guest and stay, to see how you like it and go from there. Sorry, if that is not the answer you were looking for". 

I know it gave you an UNEASY feeling, and you know that if is quacks like a duck, it's a duck -if you get red flags, it's red. I use the flag those messages, especially if they provide their phone number w/o registering! I don't just give out MY number!