What should I do?

[Ximena1]

I received an inquiry from a guest wanting to come and check out my place before booking online, the guest is making the reservation for the parents so I understand wanting to come and check it our especially if she leaves in the area but I'm not comfortable with this request and I'm not sure if this will violate airbnb procedures. It seems a bit unusual. I'm very new to airbnb so I prefer to ask. Ximena 

[Kerry-Phil0]

Personally I would not do it. How do you know it isn't someone casing the joint and I am pretty sure it is against the rules to make a booking on another's behalf. If you have loads of pictures on your lisitng it should be unnecessary to see the place.

[Ximena1]

Thank you!

[Momi0]

ABSOUTELY NOT!!!!  THIS   is against Airbnb terms and conditions.  And she cannot book the place for her parents either. That is also against the terms of Airbnb.  PLease write back to this guests in a nice way of course to remind her that this request is against the terms and conditions of Airbnb and CHANGE your settings to only accepts bookings from guests who have been VERIFIED with passport or drivers license.  Shame on her for even asking. Never NEVER NEver give out your address to anyone. IF you have good and clear photos, then it should  be enough.  If she is not agreeable to understanding that HER parents need to set up their own account and viewing your photos, then this isn't the guests for you.  Its good that you see the RED FLAGS....as I do too.

Please advise her to contact Airbnb to explain it to her if she can't read.   Airbnb has a 24 hours help line for all customers and  hosts.

Thank you for asking us hosts.  When in doubt always contact Airbnb on their help line. Personally I would contact Airbnb on thier phone line so they can reach out to this woman to remind her about Airbnb rules.  If she hasn't read the terms, then who's to say she wil read your rules too.  Let her parents get an account, get verified and let them book. Thats HOW its done for everyone.

hope this helps.  

[Momi0]

Ximena....

also I want to recommend that you also read the terms and conditions of Airbnb so you don't violate anything too.  Violations can get you removed from the platform   NEVER allow anyone to view your place, nor let anyone book for anyone else.  

Thanks for posting your concerns.  Lots of hosts are here to help you, but its also important to be self educated and read the rules too. Good luck.

[Ximena1]

Thank you Momi, makes sense. Yes I will take a look at the terms and conditions again.

[Clare0]

@Ximena1 Both @Momi0 and @Kerry-Phil0 are correct.  Here are the Airbnb articles covering these subjects: 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427/can-i-book-on-behalf-of-a-friend-or-family-member

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/47/what-do-i-do-if-a-guest-wants-to-see-my-place-before-booking