A couple with no reviews

[Karen4339]

Hi, I normally only have female guests in my home so it is a safe space. I have never hosted couples. However, I have just had an enquiry from a person who has just joined Airbnb, has no reviews but wants to book as a couple. As I live on my own I feel quite vulnerable letting a couple stay with me as they have no reviews. If they had reviews I wouldn't mind. Is it ok to decline the booking based on no reviews in these circumstances? If so, how could I phrase the reply?

[Joan2709]

@Karen4339 

Yes...you can decline and say you don't feel comfortable hosting guests in your home that don't have previous reviews. I would leave it at that.

[Rebecca]

Hi @Karen4339 👋

Great question that I'm sure lots of other hosts have experienced, so thanks for asking it here.  I wondered, @Joan2709, if there was anything a host can do to limit the guests with no reviews? 

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Rebecca 

Unfortunately...no. Hosts have been asking for this option from Airbnb though.

Doubtful Airbnb will allow blocking of new guests. Everyone is new at some point of course and there is no guarantee that a guest with previous good reviews won't be an issue. However, new guests do have a much higher risk for Hosts.

Some Hosts are more willing than others to accept new guests. That said, I would never suggest one of my Host clients accept new guests at very large properties...too much risk. Especially in light of Airbnb's new, AI-driven review dispute system that is not working as it should. I believe more and more Hosts are also turning off Instant Book due to several huge loopholes in the Optional Settings. 

[Rebecca]

Thanks for that information @Joan2709. I suppose that's why it would be a good idea to carefully read guest profiles and ask them some more questions? 

@Karen4339 Do you have a set group of questions that you ask your guests when they message? 

[Joan2709]

@Rebecca 

Yes...I do advise Hosts to ask questions after carefully reviewing previous reviews AND how the guest has reviewed other Hosts they have stayed with (this can identify serial complainers, or guests who never give a 5-star review out of principle).

I advise Hosts NOT to use Instant Book (too risky with the loopholes in optional settings). I have a few of my Host clients with small properties or who live on property that use Instant Book.

Questions depend on the on the size/location/type of property and any issues the Host has identified they repeatedly have with past guests. 

[Karen4339]

Thanks for all the comments. As I don't have instant book turned on, most of my guests explain why they are in the area as to why they need accommodation - usually relates to working in the area of attending courses. So I normally don't need to ask any questions as all info is usually provided. As Joan mentions above - I am in the situation where I am in a very large property on my own hence I am worried about accepting guests without any reviews.