Have you had a potential guest ask to view your property?

[Rachel2961]

Hi only been a host for a year (super host) I feel I have navigated the process pretty well and got nothing but 5 star reviews. Around 100 images etc and today a potential guest (never had any trips before) sent a DM asking if they could view the property this weekend (for a potential booking at new year - almost a year away for just 2 nights) I had to politely decline as we live remotely and we have a deep clean the day or day before a booking so I wouldn’t want to show it any less than it’s best but also wouldn’t want to show it to potential guests when actual guests are on their way and wouldn’t want people poking around in there before they arrived. Not to mention the time in viewings. 

I found this highly irregular and have zero interest or time for viewings (could even be a security risk) I just wondered if I am being small minded and others get asked/offer this or if the potential guest just doesn’t understand how air bnb works? Of course I was polite and explained it’s not something we can do but happy to answer any questions and have lots of photos and reviews. 

is it just me? 

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Rachel2961 

Yes, this is a well-known scam and has been quite frequent lately with many Hosts reporting it. They will try to get you to send them a video of the property so they can get your phone number, or ask to tour the property. Just click the 3 dots next to the message thread and click report this message. 

Here is another thread on the topic:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help-with-your-business/SCAM-ALERT-Host-s-Beware-Common-Scam-Tar...

[Alicia753]

Hi Rachel,

You’re absolutely right to feel that viewings are unusual and not in line with how Airbnb typically operates. Airbnb relies on photos, reviews, and clear descriptions to help guests make informed decisions. Offering a viewing can be logistically challenging, compromise security, and disrupt your schedule, especially when you prioritize maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for booked guests.

It’s not small-minded to decline such a request; it’s practical and protects your property and time. Potential guests may not fully understand the platform’s norms, but you handled the situation politely and professionally by declining while offering additional information to address their concerns. There’s no need to offer viewings unless it aligns with your comfort and hosting style, and many experienced hosts take the same approach. 

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Upfish Management

[Rachel2961]

Thank you so much 

[Lisa166]

@Rachel2961 Yes, and for a long  booking over 30 days it might be a reasonable idea.  But it is not possible to exchange numbers or emails on the airbnb site until after booking.  If your listing is clear, then it should be unnecessary and might indicate a difficult guest.  Have you checked the reviews the guest has?  Best of luck.  I say "no" to preview requests unless there is a solid reasonable concern for one. 

[Joan2709]

@Rachel2961 

BTW, no need to hit the "Decline" button on an inquiry. Just respond within 24hrs to the message and then click the 3 dots in the message thread and report the message. Otherwise, the decline goes against you.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Rachel2961 , thanks for sharing this instance with our host community! Do you receive such requests often?

I noticed hosts @Lisa166 @Joan2709 @Alicia753 have shared interesting insights on how to identify whether such messages are scam and how to report them. Did you find any reviews on the guest's profile as our host @Lisa166 asked?

We're eager to hear your insights on how you think of dealing with similar instances in future! 🌻

Kind regards,

Bhumika