Could this be a scam? Host sent me different address then listed.

[Tim3300]

Hi so I’m new to Airbnb and the other day I booked a place near Disneyland to stay a couple days with some friends. The host messaged me shortly after sending me the address. I didn’t think much of it. However today I noticed that the address that shows on the actual listing is different from what he sent. The address on the listing brings me to a gas station, a couple blocks away from the park. The address the host sent me brings me to what looks like an actual condo (what it was listed as) that’s pretty close to Disneyland. If it’s legit, I’m happy with the address the host sent because it’s close to the park, but at the same time I’m a bit concerned that the addresses don’t match. 

The host is listed as a “SuperHost” and has a 5.0 rating, with only good reviews that I can see. 

Is this any cause for concern?

.. Thanks!

[Mike-And-Jane0 · Accepted solution]

@Tim3300 as long as the listing has good reviews you should be ok. Is the host an individual or is it a company with loads of listings. If the latter then the host may well just pit people where they have space which is a bit naughty of them.

[Tim3300]

Thanks for your reply! The host is an individual. Although it looks like he has a few other properties he rents out as well.  Both the host/ and property Im staying at has good reviews. 

[Helen3]

In your situation I would be very concerned that the host is operating an illegal listing which brings a risk that if the host is found out the listing could be shut down. @Tim3300 

You can ask the host but I don't think they are likely to give you an honest answer. I can't imagine him telling you "Oh we are operating an illegal listing and I have put in a false address to help avoid my HOA/Local Government licensing scheme/Airbnb finding out'

Ask the host by all means but personally I wouldn't risk it and would ask Airbnb to cancelled the booking as the Airbnb is not as advertised and the host has sent you an address that is

different to the one given on the list. 

You can be an illegal host and still be a superhost - just means they haven't been found out yet.

Did he message you on the platform with the different address?

[Tim3300]

Thanks for info! That makes sense. I see what your saying. I haven’t messaged him yet for the exact reasons you mentioned. I may or may not at this point.

He did message me using the app. 

[Tim3300]

Hey, so just for the heck of it I decided to message the host and ask him why the Address difference..

He told me the address on the listing was for Key Exchange, but they have since changed to self check in at the other address he sent me.

Is that reasonable? Or still seem sketchy?

[Ana2038]

@Tim3300 , it may be that the condo complex has CCR&Rs in place that prohibits STR and the listing owner is trying to hide his listing from being discovered by anyone (who lives in the same complex) and/or someone who works/appointed by the condo management association. The city of Anaheim does have a STR policy in place and it could be that this particular listing is not registered with the city as required.

If that’s the case, it maybe somewhat uncomfortable knowing you’ll need to be careful arriving and leaving so that you don’t tip off any neighbors or prying eyes. 

You may want to ask the listing owner/agent the reasoning. It just might ease your concerns.

[Tim3300]

I’ll give that a try. Thanks for your response!