exact location revealing?

[Sergiu0]

Hello!

A potential guest asks me to reveal the exact address of the apartment i offer for hosting... can i do that?

Thanks!

[Deborah0]

It's best not to reveal your exact address/location before a booking is made, to avoid potential problems, or in some case, scams.  (If guests are demanding about this, one might give thought to the other ways that this guest might prove to be demanding.! ) Just tell the guest that the exact address will be given to them after they complete a booking. Many guests are new to using Airbnb and dont' understand how it works -- it can help for hosts to educate them a little about how the system works and how address and contact information is not exchanged until AFTER a reservation is booked.  

I always wonder why some guests feel a need to know the "EXACT address" in advance-- and that is the phrase they often use (those few who ask about this) .   For what purpose, I wonder?   If you think about it, it really is not necessary for someone to know your EXACT address before they book -- really all they need to know, for purposes of planning their trip and transportation plans, as well as to assess safety of your area, is your general vincinity, which is already given to them on the map.  If they know where you are within a  couple blocks or a few blocks, that is really all they need. 

[Monica9]

I had to exact problem ...

I copy paste the message :   I want to stay but i wondering why don't you tell me where is your place exactly. This is first time that host doesn't tell me full address. So i'm really confused. I will reserve after you tell me exactly and find in (SENSITIVE CONTENTS HIDDEN) map. You know what i am saying?? 🙂

[Emeline14]

Hi, 

This message is a scam I think. I received exactly the same today: 

"I want to stay but i wondering why don't you tell me where is your place exactly. This is first time that host doesn't tell me full address. So i'm really confused. I will reserve after you tell me exactly and find in map."

I think I will report the user.

[Eric985]

Hi,  I ended up on this thread becuase I was looking at booking high rise condo unit in Denver.  They said it had a hot tub but it had no pictures.  My first reaction was to just look at google maps so I could see an aerial where I could zoom in and get an idea of the pool/Hot tub area myself but of course I had no idea which building it was because I couldn't get an adress.  It was king of annoying to be honest.  Do you have any idea what the scam is attempting to accomplish by obtaining the address of a booking before actually booking.  I'm not sure I understand why that is dangerous to give or what people are doing with the info.  If you are all getting the same message word for word it's obvious there is something going on but do you have any idea what their goal is?  

[Helen3]

Why not just ask them to upload photos of said pool/hot tub. It would seem unbelievable that the host wouldn't take photos of such a key amenity.

Not sure which you don't understand why it can be dangerous to give out your address - it gives potential burglars and others with ill intentions details of a property which lies empty some of the time and therefore is a good place for them to break into or use for illicit purposes.

[Sarah977]

@Eric985  As Helen said, it can be a mark for thieves and not only when the property is empty, but also when guests are there. There is a lot of thievery where I live- pretty common in a Mexican tourist town. Thieves scout properties which they know are rentals, then stake the place out waiting for the newly arrived guests to go out for dinner or to the beach, then break in. They know tourists are likely to have money, devices, jewelry. In some cases the guests walk off without locking doors and windows as instructed (all blissed out on vacation in paradise) so the thieves don't even have to go to any trouble to get in. So not only is an early location revealing a security issue for hosts, it also is for guests.

Also, guests who are given exact location may try to just drive by, and approach the host with a "private" deal, i.e. bypassing Airbnb.

I think if you feel you need to know the area, most hosts would give you the cross streets, which should tell you what you ned to know.  And if you need to know if it's close to places you want to visit, just message the host to ask how close it is to XXX.

[Kenneth-And-Lilia0]

Mr guest - I appreciate your request but AirBnB (nor I) release an exact address until a booking is made for leagal reasons.  If that is unacceptable to you, may I recommend a hotel in the area?

[Paula121]

in our case, the area of the city is questionable. Parts are ok, others are not. Our son lives in the city that we want to book a house in. And without knowing the exact address, he tells us we cannot determine if it is a safe neighborhood or not. So, in this case, we have to pass on the house we would like to book since we cannot get the address to be sure it is in a safe area.

this is not being demanding, it is being safe and practical.

[Mike77]

@Paula121

On my listing it shows the general area of the treehouse, but not the exact address.  Evidently knowing the general area is not good enough for you?  I don't think any AirBnB host is going to give you their address BEFORE you make a booking.  But good luck finding one that will.

Mike
AirBnB Treehouse for Rent
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7292887

"Coming soon to a bookstore near you: The Quotable Host by Mike" -- @Sandra
"Guests neither scare nor intrigue me--and I'm ALL about the money!" -- @C C

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[Judy178]

trying to book a 2 month stay in Merida, Mexico and given there are no zoning rules there, one can end up with a 2 month stay that is next to a bar or a turkey farm.

[Rania-Sara0]

I ask because I care to know in which neighborhood I'll stay in espacilly that I travel with family! Also Airbnb location map isnt always accurate many times some host told me the location shows in map isnt the location for the apartment (airbnb map shift it) that what they say! I think its my right to know where exactly I'll be staying before paying just like any other website! and this one thing I dislike about airbnb! 

[Elaine33]

Its for the security of host

People who have not confirmed turn up on your doorstep !!  At all hours

[Amanda1909]

What if I paid the first part of the trip? I was given the choice to pay all of it or a portion so we paid a portion. Will we get the address after paying the rest of it? Asking cuz this is my first time booking thru airbnb and we are going to Destin FL

[Anna1644]

I agree Elaine in Spain. I host and the map shows the area and someone can see what the town is like on google for example.  At this very moment am on here as I have a guy who was meant to be staying with me for a week from tonight but hasnt booked.  I am worried he might just turn up thinking he has!  I preapproved but he never booked.  So glad I have not given my address in advance and the map doesnt show the street.