@Kelly149,
I hear you. We rent our Atlanta apartment only longer-term, and it was unavailable on Airbnb for awhile. Now that the ABB calendar is open again, the poor quality inquiries have resumed. During the past three days, I've received two inquiries asking for further reduction on the monthly discounted rate, and the following.
Inquirer (joined in 2020, no reviews): My son has relocated to Atlanta and is I need of a rental asap. Is there anyway he could check in tonight? If not, how early could he check in tomorrow?
Me: Per Airbnb and our policy, reservations can be made only by the person who is staying at the rental: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427/booking-for-friends-and-family. Your son needs to sign up for Airbnb, and make the reservation inquiry. You cannot make a reservation for someone else. If you do so, your son may not be admitted into the rental, or it will be canceled, and you may not get a full refund.
Inquirer: I understand. He is driving so I was doing the leg work for him.
Would he be able to check in this evening or would he need to wait till tomorrow?
Me: We will not be able to host your son. I know that a person has to have their first Airbnb stay at some point, but last minute urgent requests from people who are brand new to the platform (no reviews from prior stays and a sudden need for housing), and have had someone else try to book on their behalf raises too many red flags (responsible adults who have an Airbnb account in good standing can handle these matters for themselves).
Please note that booking an Airbnb is not anonymous like reserving a hotel. Guests are asking to stay in the homes or personal property of their hosts. As a result, guests are vetted to determine their suitability to stay at the host's place.
Inquirer: I understand your concerns. I am just a Mom trying to help her son. I have my own vacation rental business and usually just inquire more about a person circumstance before making judgements but thank you for your time.
(My inner voice that can't type, thankfully): Really, you have your own STR business??? This is quite incredulous since you tried to book for someone else, provided no explanation why you're were doing so, and gave no reason for your son's sudden urgent need for housing. You still failed to address these concerns when brought to your attention. If you've always handled your son's affair for him, and done so in this manner, it goes to reason that he's driving around Atlanta homeless. Bye, Felicia.
