Guest asking for an inspection of the property before to book it

[Diyosa0]

HI there,

Quite often, when I get an inquiry about one of my properties listed on AIrbnb, the guest ask me to come and see the property before to book it. I know it's against Airbnb rules to share any personal information before a booking is complete but how does Airbnb feel about a host showing a property to some guests before they complete the booking so they can decide if they really want to book that place or not? 

If the property is listed on Goo... map for example, by just giving the name of the property, the guest can find it on the map and come directly or even contact us via another website. Would that be a violation of Airbnb rules? 

I guess I already know the answer to that question but I just thought I would double check.

Thanks.

Best,

Rano

[Linda108]

@Diyosa0  I don't see that you have a listing on Air BNB.  Is that correct?  If not, then there may be something wrong.

[Allison2 · Accepted solution]

Making arrangements outside of the Airbnb system is against terms, but that doesn't necessarily bar you from showing the property.

Many hosts don't like doing this because it's a red flag for a high maintenance guest, especially if they're staying for a short period. There should be plenty of photos for them to make an informed decision. It can make more sense if someone is a long-term guest - in which case they're checking out both the property and the host.

At worst, it's an opportunity for someone to scope out your place for theft - and you don't have their full info or any Airbnb payment/insurance protections in place. Some people will also push to do an off-site booking once they've met in person.

It can be okay to do, but be cautious.

[Kimberly813]

Hi, I had a guest ask for address and to view property prior to booking. I am new to hosting and got a funny feeling about the request.  The guest is only staying 5 days and I thought it was odd. Guest doesn’t have any reviews. Can I just decline stay because this is a Airbnb violation?

[Ann72]

Yes @Kimberly813 you can say you're declining because you're uncomfortable with this guest.  

[Kimberly813]

Hi thank you for responding. I declined and he just sent the request again slightly changing dates and people coming but did not send message stating why he requested again. He has no reviews and identity is not verified. I’ve read that it can be bad for host to do multiple trip declines. I’m just unsure how to handle this. Any suggestions?

[Ann72]

I would just be honest with the guest @Kimberly813.  Don't decline but tell him you're concerned because he hasn't any reviews, asked to see the property (against policy), and hasn't communicated clearly with you.  That will give him the chance to straighten up and it will probably be fine.  Guests who are new to the platform need guidance sometimes.

[Kimberly813]

Thank you so much for your help Ann!  As it turns out guest was an older gentleman and unfamiliar with Airbnb policy. I’ll be hosting guest and his wife for their anniversary now!! Your support was very appreciated!!
Kim 

[Ann72]

That's great news, @Kimberly813!