First time Airbnb user is requesting 30 days (my listing is new / I am a new host). Any known scams to be aware of?

[Sarah6882]

Hello! I am a new host and just listed my first property. We got our first 3 bookings which was exciting - first stay is this weekend. We just got a 4th request that is for 30 days (Jan 1-jan 31st). Initially, this was amazing as it would be great revenue of course. However, I am nervous of scams as I have read about some on a Reddit forum, especially targeting new listing/hosts so I poked around and wanted to get this group's opinion. The person requesting is new to Airbnb (joined in 2025) and their profile says no stays yet. Additionally, the message was initially in Chinese but was auto translated. It does not matter to me if they don't speak English, just added to the uniqueness of the request/profile. Lastly, my house can hold 9 people and it is for 1 person (at least that is what they inputted). It could be completely normal and this person could be traveling to the US and needs a place to stay for a month, which I would then love to welcome them!! I just read about some horror guest stories on Reddit and I just wanted to ask if anyone has had a similar request or has an opinion. Thanks! 

[Lorna170]

@Sarah6882   This is a SCAM that is directed to new hosts. 

IMO, as a new host, do not accept rentals of more than 14 days to avoid potential guests from turning into tenants (know your local tenancy laws).  Turn off Instant Book until you have experienced a few months worth of guests; that way you can communicate with potential guests and vet them prior to accepting the booking.  Do not accept guests who have just joined AirBnB and have no reviews.  When you have a listing that accommodates more than 4 guests, bookings with 1 guest are suspect.  

Best wishes with your endeavors.

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Sarah6882 

It’s not necessarily a scam  sometimes guests are just browsing and haven’t used the filters correctly. During inquiries, I’ve noticed that some guests don’t enter the right number of people in their search, which can cause confusion about pricing. So whenever someone inquires about our property (which has a maximum capacity of 7 guests), I kindly remind them to update the number of guests in their search. That way, they’ll see the correct total price before proceeding with the booking.

[Joan2709]

@Sarah6882 

Please be very cautious about monthly stays on Airbnb. Airbnb does not provide security deposits or background checks. Other platforms are more suited to long-term stays and do provide these protections.

Here is a Guide to Monthly Stays that outlines some of the issues:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-guides/Monthly-Stays-on-Airbnb-Guide-Revised/m-p/2066547#M2...

[Frances3408]

@Sarah6882 . Hi Sarah, just ask lots of questions, ask them to fill in more info on their profile and then judge their responses. 1 person staying in a 9 person stay leans me towards the scam/party vibe so check that too.

But most of the time your gut will tell you if its genuine from their responses (or lack of). But respond quickly to keep your stats up. If its a request to book you will need to accept or decline within the 24 hours or if still concerned, contact Airbnb. 

Welcome to hosting 🙂