Fraudulent behavior

[Pierrette69]

I’d like to report a fraudulent behavior of a guest. Sadly to this day Airbnb’s hands are tied to take any action on their side. I’ve sent the guest a letter urging him to pay within 8 days. Afterwards I’ll take legal action against him. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Pierrette69 what did the guest do and what are you claiming for? Nothing like a bit of legal action to line the lawyers pockets

[Pierrette69]

The guest uses the Airbnb platform to request a later payment via Special offer not only with me but with other hosts and then leaving “out of embarrassment” and “my employer still hasn’t paid me” without paying. In France there are other legal options than “lining the lawyers pockets”. As the guest is a journalist it would make for a great article in how to live for free and to leave blood stains and damage apartments for a year using the Airbnb platform. 

[Joan2709]

@Pierrette69 

Oh noooo....

Never make any "special arrangements" with guests regarding payments. They either have the money or they don't. You can offer a discount of course using a Special Offer, but never delay payments or make arrangements outside the platform for payments.

Airbnb now allows guests to book using various payment plans - most don't have to pay the full amount up front. They don't disclose to the Host whether the guest is using a payment plan or not when they book however. 

You can check what type of payment plans Airbnb is offering for your listing (for information purposes), by trying to book a stay on your listing as a guest in Private Window Browsing. Try various dates and dates of arrival and you'll see the various plans Airbnb is offering now. I don't like that Hosts DO NOT KNOW if a guest is using a payment plan on the reservation. Vrbo does disclose this information to Hosts. Apparently, if Airbnb is unable to collect the final payment on a payment plan, they will cancel the booking and the Host gets nothing. Meanwhile your calendar has been blocked, perhaps for months.

[Joan2709]

I should clarify that hosts may get nothing if the guest cancels...it depends on the circumstances. I'm still tryingn to figure out all the nuances regarding the new policies on partial payment plans.