Hello I have a request for a 1 1/2 month stay? No reviews on the guest. How do politely ask what the stay is for?

[Patrice425]

How do I ask politely what their stay is for? Brand new client to Airbnb. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Patrice425 How about something like 'Please could I ask why you are looking to rent with us so that we can confirm our listing is suitable'

Also have you researched the laws as to when a guest becomes a tenant? In many states this is after 4 weeks which could give you a serious issue.

[Patrice425]

Oh I hadn’t thought about that? I will have to look into that! Very interesting? 

Has anyone dealt with this issue in California? 

[Patrice425]

Have you ever had a long term rental? What did you do to protect yourself? 

[Ana2038 · Accepted solution]

@Patrice425, you can Google tenants rights in California, and the tenant/landlord guidelines as it pertains to rights and responsibilities and regulations. You also should check your local municipality to see if they have any added restrictions etc…

I, personally, will never do a long term listing (30 days+). I, unfortunately, have had the experience of dealing with eviction (not on my listing but another property). Hiring attorneys and the stress associated with waiting for the tenants to leave. It took 30 days after tenants were served for them to vacate the property. Luckily, I didn’t have to go to court to force an eviction.

I know there are host(s) on Airbnb that do long term bookings but I’m not sure how they protect themselves from their guest(s) turning into tenants. 

[Patrice425]

Awesome @Ana2038 . Thank you for your input! It is greatly appreciated! I will take your information into account! 

[Patrice425]

I have a client who has no history and wants to book for a Month and a half. More than 7 days. Do they legally become a tenant and what if anything should I ask for from them? 

[Helen744]

@Patrice425 this tends to be fairly standard with new hosts. they offer cheaper rates and a long term stay is generally more viable then. You do need to put everything in your house rules ,arrange weekly linen changes and probably provide some extra things like laundry baskets etcetera. You may be new at this but please start off professionally . These are guests not clients . Read your dashboard , talk to the incoming guest until you know all about them .Keep a happy tone but ask the questions. Make sure that ID is sent via mobile or messaging in this case and a selfie for up to date recognition .. ask the guest if there is anything they need to know about the house . Keep the channels of communication open . make it very clear that although you will respect the guests privacy , there are rules and expectations on both sides. as i imagine your price is well above ordinairy renting price , that probably will deter most who actually want a long term booking.you need to supply certain products to the house bit long term your guests should provide their own coffee etcetera but maybe toilet paper should be replaced during your weekly clean... weekly cleaning is a way for you to keep an eye on and maintain your house ... H

[Patrice425]

Hello, I appreciate your feedback! I’m concerned that the guest will move in and then not leave. I was wondering about what constitutes being a tenant as opposed to being a guest. If they stay longer for example 40 days, would that be considered as a tenancy? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Patrice425 A quick google suggests anything over 14 days in California creates a tenancy. I thought it was 28 days so I may be wrong