I am having repeated problems with people using pseudonyms when booking, booking for reasons other than those stated in the initial interview, and those who misrepresent themselves in general. I am going to name names because I have no other way to tell others to look out, and when I contacted Airbnb, they weere pleasant but were not interested in who these people were. The advice was to ask for ID when they arrive. This hardly addresses my concerns.
For example, ** from Saudi Arabia came with his wife for two weeks. Lovely couple, left the place spotless. As I tied up I found out that his name was **. He was here on business and I don't understand the pseudonym except to avoid damage charges or something.
Next was a gal named **, whose profile said she was from India and who said she was coming with another friend. She showed up with two other people and I discovered they were from Korea. While country of origin is not an issue for me, I don't understand the need for deception. Later, I found my place in a terrible mess with some breakage. I responded in my review but of course they never offered a review of me and so no one else will be warned of the heavy drinking and partying that went on and the disrespectful way they left my unit.
The next inquiry was asking about an intercom "so that people could come and go". I have had these requests before and I think they are operating some kind of service or sales that require people to come in and out - clearly not what my unit is to be used for. I told them there was no intercom and that's the last I heard of it.
Then **, a lawyer from Toronto, wanted to stay to visit with his father who is a "fertility specialist" in the area. His cousin from another location in the province may be joining them. Sounded fine. Checked in 4 hours late without letting me know, although I got a funny voicemail in Chinese. Turned out his "father" was staying at the Delta hotel (?) and who has a cough for which he wants Chinese medicine and did I know of any pharmacies in the area. I later found floor plans for other units in the building, in my unit when they left. Selling real estate, obviously. He wants to revisit in July. Ya sure.
The current tenant was booked in by a third party which I didn't know about until it was too late. We'll see how that one goes.
So I am quitting. I cannot count on who is in my unit - the vetting is unreliable and although most pay and most leave my place in good order, some do not. I feel I am taking all of the risk here. I cannot handle not knowing if my unit will be treated well. Up until these last 5 encounters, things were going pretty well.
I'm going to take a long term tenant for a while. Sigh.
**[Sensitive information removed in line with - Community Center Guidelines]
