Hosting 3 to 6 months

[Ella6386]

Can I negotiate?  They want to stay six months.  They Want a 55 to 60% discount.

can I ask them to pay the utilities if I agree to the discount?

[Joan2709]

@Ella6386 

Please be very careful with long term stays. There is a scam where the guest asks for a huge discount in exchange for a promised long stay, only to cancel the stay after one month and obtain a refund under the monthly stay cancellaton policy and/or fabricated cleanliness issues. Meanwhile, your calendar was blocked for this guest.

The average discount for a monthly stay is 20% (not 50%-60%)

What is this guest's reviews like?

Here is a link to a Guide for Monthly Stays. Please read through it before accepting this reservation:

Guide to Monthly Stays on Airbnb

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Community-Guides/Monthly-Stays-on-Airbnb-Guide-Revised/m-p/20665...

[Helen3]

I would run a mile if a guest asked for a huge discount like this @Ella6386 

 I'm sure you already have a discounted rate for longer stays.

In your situation I would tell the guest that your long term discount is factored in when they put in their dates .

If this doesn't work for their budget they can use the advanced search function to set their maximum budget and then only listing which are available for longer stays within that budget will be shown.  @Ella6386 

[Frances3408]

@Ella6386.Of course you can negotiate. Isnt it your place?

In addition to the great advice here, please investigate your legal obligations as a potential landlord of a longer term rental. I know there was a six month stay that appeared to go well for you but you really need to be sure as sometimes guests will take advantage.

For example, in my state any rental subject to a lease must set out in an agreement who pays the utilities. Normally here a tenant pays 100% of electricity (so account goes in their name and you arent left paying their bill) and water (usage only but not daily charges for water and sewerage services, thats paid by landlord).

Insurance coverage may be easier or harder to obtain. Factor all these costs in first, work out fair wear and tear, compare your offer to local furnished long term rentals then set your offer. Be the price maker, not the price taker.

[Alessandro2064]

Personally,  I'd decline the request unless I knew why they wanted it for so long.  Discount requests are a red flag as well IMO. 

[Emilie]

Hi @Ella6386, 

Have you hosted long stays before, or would this be your first one?

Several hosts have shared their best practice to approach such a request, let us know what you think once you've had a chance to read through it all. I'd love to know what you decide to do afterwards. 🙂

Thanks,

Emilie