Getting to know your guests....

[Eileen462]

Hello Hosts....

I spent some time tonight getting to know my guest before she booked with me for 7 days.  By the end of our conversation after she booked the 7 days, she told me she would be at my house with her boyfriend and her Mom.  She told me Mom  just broke up with her man, she flew in from another state to rescue her, boyfriend works construction, Grandma is on Social Security and she has no job yet.  She said they live with AIRBNB... and they utilize it to keep a roof over their head.  None of them have a car.  I told you I was in a depressed area... what are your thoughts about what Im sharing?  Is none of this my business?  Do you see a potential squatter?

[Lisa7068]

I understand the fear of a potential squatter. I have seen the devastation left from that too many times. I do think the fact that she was open with you about that says a lot. That's a scary situation for a homeless person to be in, let alone one that is remaining housed through short term rentals only. Good on you for getting to know her, asking enough and trusting your gut.

Edited to add; Please let me know how this ends up working out. Best of luck to you.

[Eileen462]

@Lisa7068   Thank you Lisa.  The laws in California are so twisted.  My guest didnt really open up to me until after she booked.  She is staying less than a mile from me right now and Im sure she will go back to stay there again.  I cant figure out how they can pay their bill with AIRBNB.  Its none of my business as they are AIRBNB guests before they are my guest.  Thank you for your reply,  Eileen

[Lisa7068]

I heard the laws are crazy there now especially. I am so sorry you're dealing with that. Stay safe, sounds like you are on top of things at least.

[Eileen462]

@Lisa7068  In California squatters have rights and they can remain on your property free for 6 mos or better during the court process and the homeowner cannot do a thing about it.  They can destroy your home and nothing will happen to them.  It costs the homeowner thousands to get them out.

[Lisa7068]

@Eileen462  My jaw hit the floor. We are considering opening our rental up to longer stays (currently at 28 days max) but that is a frightening thought. What ended up happening with this booking if you don't mind me asking?

[Eileen462]

@Lisa7068  Hello Lisa... Like I said before I live in a depressed area, I grew up here and when I was young it was NOT what it is now.  The 2 women arrived and they are as sweet and kind as it gets.  I am currently hosting them.  Sofar, they have been clean and nice and very respectful.  I do have an issue however with a 3rd person who spent the night and is paying for all of this for them.  He was very respectful too and spent 1 night after they asked if he could.  My husband however has been exposed to people who do drugs in his past.  He tells me when this man came into our house he smelled like methamphetamine.  I did find out that the older woman has had a serious drug past as well and has only been clean 1 month. They were very honest about her past and the older woman lived in motels for a very long time with her ex of 20 years.  The younger girl is her relative and came to California to rescue her however, is clean and sober.  I explained to them that my home is a clean and sober home and they understand, and if I find out any drugs are done in it I will ask them to leave.  I am currently at my other home 35 miles away for the holiday.  They will be renewing their AIRBNB on Wednesday.  How they are getting the money to pay for me has me really clueless, but this man said he pays for them.  Anyway,  Im sure because of where the house is, I will encounter situations like this in the future unfortunately.. I am glad my husband is around, and I am glad they are honest about their life and grateful to be in my home but it could turn sour quickly as with any situation.    Thanks for caring.

[Helen3]

So you accepted a third party booking from someone not staying at the listing @Eileen462 

[Eileen462]

@Lisa7068  Hello again Lisa,  This is why people are leaving California in the groves.  The laws here are very unfair to the homeowner.  The politicians are lawless and they are in favor of those who break the law because of our homeless situation, they are making it impossible for the homeowner to continue to rent properties and keep them safe. Very sad.  The other night  a young couple was squabbling in my neighborhood.  He shoved her with his foot and grabbed her face hard with his hands but because she had no marks it was not considered domestic abuse and he was free to go and continue to stay in the house he abused her in,  Thats California for you.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Eileen462 Just research the law. It is often different in a home share environment compared to a whole home. In the UK the guests would have zero rights in a home share environment but I have no idea in California.

[Ana2038]

@Mike-And-Jane0 , you are correct in the home sharing rental laws in California. I believe in the State of California it falls under lodgers law.

See below:

“Under Civil Code 1946.5, a “lodger” is defined as a person contracting with a homeowner for a room within a dwelling unit that is personally occupied by the homeowner. (Civ. C. 1946.5.) In order to classify a guest/tenant as a lodger, the homeowner must retain access to all areas of the dwelling unit and have overall control of the dwelling unit. (Id.)”

@Eileen462 , I strongly suggest you familiarize yourself with the civil code especially the portion where “the homeowner must retain access to all areas of the dwelling unit and have overall control of the dwelling unit.” 

Best—

[Debbie210]

It sounds like you are going through Airbnb platform. There is a contract that you, Airbnb & your guest have signed. The second their time is contractually up, come to the property with your cleaners. If they start making excuses, then call Airbnb and also start court proceedings immediately. No sob stories, this is your business. 

[Eileen462]

@Debbie210  Thank you Debbie for your reply and encouragement.  Eileen

[Helen3]

Do guests need a car where you live? @Eileen462 

You would need to understand whether in your location whether homeshares would give guests squatters rights .

if you're concerned don't accept the booking. What are their previous reviews like? 

[Eileen462]

@Helen3  they have 2 good reviews sofar