How to show an apartment to a prospective guest?

[Guillermo-and-Mike0]

We tend to host for longer terms, and recently lost a really good potential guest for a 2-month stay, because we could not show the apartment to the guest. In the past when we attempted to communicate to arrange a viewing with a similar guest we were strongly warned by AirBNB staff to not do that. It's a shame because AirBNB used to allow such communication and has since restricted it for everyone due to a few bad apples. Any suggestions on how to handle this next time we get a request to preview an apartment? Or is there another service that is better for month+ rentals which allows more direct communicaiton?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Helen3]

Hello Guys

As you know it's against BnB rules to allow a guest to visit before they come to stay...and for good reason. The 'guest' could as easily be someone who is looking at your apartment with a view to someone returning at a later stage to rob your place or they could  be someone who is violent or unstable. I appreciate this won't always be the case or even most of the time - but is it worth the risk?

There is no reason that if you have enough quality photos and information, that the person can't get the information they need from your listing and by talking to you through BnB.

Most guests won't live near enough to visit in any case.

If you want to have people visit in advance of letting your property, particularly in somewhere like NY I am sure there are lots of short term rental companies you can use.

[Stephanie6]

airbnb does not want potential guests to meet you in-person because they may make you an offer directly (going around airbnb).  It is not worth going around airbnb because you lose protection/support you may need.

I have not found any explicit airbnb rule that you cannot allow a guest to preview in-person.

[Marwan0]

1. Follow the Airbnb rules
2. Play it safe
3. Peace of mind

[Linda108]

From the guest perspective I can understand why they would want a preview for a two month stay.  While people can use Air BNB for longer term booking, I agree with a previous responded that another company might be better suited to support that request.  Something to consider before you rent for longer than 30 days - many states have very tenant protective laws for rentals over 30 days.  Should there be a problem tenant you have to go through the hassle and expense of eviction.

[City-Limits-Ranch0]

If you really want this guest, you could ask the guest to book for one night.  Then after they have booked and paid they can come visit.  If they like the apartment, they can modify their reservation to the length of stay that they want.  If they don't like it, they can cancel their reservation and you can offer them a full refund through the resolution center.  They will be out the AirBnb fees for the one night stay.  If they are legit they shouldn't really mind paying $10 or $15  in AirBnb fees for the ability to come and view your listing.

I personally wouldn't do this, but my listing is so unique that anyone that wanted to find it could just google it and then drive up my road.  Surprisingly, they don't.  We only have out of town visitors and they seem happy to reserve the space with only the information on the AirBnb site.