Sharing a Space request when you dont feel comfortable

[Ellie97]

What do you do when you receive a request to book, but the reservation just doesn't seem right. I have a small house and rent out a room, with a shared space. For example, someone with no profile photo, no reviews messages you and you get an uneasy feeling you just can't pinpoint? Something seems off to you.  Or I've even had a male guest comment on my appearance, which really freaked me out.  Is there a way to decline the request without being penalized? Or is it better to let the request expire? Do I get penalized less for one versus the other? 

[Edyn0]

I have exactlthe same sort of question, how do I get out of a booking if I feel uncomfortable without being penalised, particularly as I am on instant book now, I’m on instant book only because if I am not I go far down the listings. If I get the feeling someone is not a good match or for some reason the booking seems a little off can I just decline them? 

[Gordon0]

@Ellie97 It's really important you feel safe and comfortable in your own home, and declining bookings will undoubtedly be necessary at times. However, it's much better to get in to a conversation with your would-be guests to get a better feel for them. Do not let reservations expire as this will see you penalised.

PS. cute dog, shame about the jumper (sweater) 🙂

@Edyn0 If you have IB on, you can't decline them, you're effectively cancelling them - and all that it comes with.  

[Valerie192]

@Edyn0 - That said, if you can get an Instant Booking you don't feel comfortable with you should be able to call Airbnb and ask them to cancel it for you. The key is to get Airbnb to do it so it doesn't penalize you. I have had a number of guys IB with me but I don't host males. When this happens, I quickly call up Airbnb and ask them to cancel it for me and it hasn't impacted my stats. Thanks

[John1080]

@Ellie97, it's more important to respond to all requests and keep your response rate at 100% than to let the request expire. I would simply decline the request and be done with it. 

[Rebecca181]

@Ellie97 Call customer support and tell them you are not comfortable with the anonymous nature of this reservation. Ask them if they have a government-issued photo ID on file for this guest. Ask if there is a way you can get out of the reservation without being penalized. For the future, write in your house rules that you require guests have a profile photo and also state that you reserve the right to see a copy of their government-issued photo ID prior to check-in. This 'rule' alone will usually scare off any n'er-do-wells, in my experience. You should never feel uncomfortable in your own home - Act now to get this addressed and be assertive and unapologetic with support. Hope it works out for you, and best of luck!

[Kath9]

@Ellie97, it is always better to decline people than to let the request expire as your communication rate will go down. Listen to your intuition - it is usually right and it is paramount that you feel safe and comfortable in your own home. As others here have said, state on your profile that you only accept people with profile pictures and government-issued ID and then reiterate that if you get requests from people who don't have these. As @Gordon0 mentioned, try to get into a conversation with these people to get a better feeling from them. If it still feels 'off', just decline them.

If you have Instant Book turned on, make sure you have your settings so that people must have government verified ID and previous recommendations from hosts. Otherwise, switch it off altogether (and ignore the 'warnings' from Airbnb).

Just another point: I would not show the number on the front of your house on your profile pictures - this in itself is a security issue.