Long term booking.

[Jeannie185]

Hi Guys, 

I listed my property just a week ago and I’ve had a request to book it for a month while a house sale goes through. I’ve already got 40% discount on long term stays. 
just want to know if you would offer more and what questions should I be asking?

thanks , 

Jeannnie

[Joelle43]

Hello @Jeannie185 

You have to bear in mind that if you don't go through a Channel Manager, you won't be allowed to ask for a deposit so make sure you feel confident in renting to this person.  Do they have great reviews or is this a new profile recently created?

The price for the month has to include electricity, gas and the cleaning fee as you can't invoice that separately so you need to be sure that you're not offering this monthly stay too cheaply either.

Check out what others are charging for your area on Airbnb and also the price for a monthly stay via an agency.  You should charge for more if you have someone renting through Airbnb - you offer them flexibility, no added costs and a great place to stay and zero paperwork! 

Here is a great guide on what to look out for with long term stays on Airbnb:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-guides/Monthly-Stays-on-Airbnb-Guide-Revised/m-p/2031979

[Helen3]

Personally I would run a mile from this @Jeannie185 and this is why....

1. 40% is far too large a discount and probably puts you in line with long term rentals but with you picking up the tab for all the bills. I would suggest around 15%

2. as a new host you need as many short term bookings as possible so you get hopefully lots of good reviews and ratings 

3. sure you know this one already - - but if a guest doesn't have permanent alternative accommodation then in the UK they get tenancy rights from day one and the new tenancy regulations which came in last year will make it really tough to get them out 

4. what will you do if their  new place isn't ready after four months and you have other guests booked in

please walk away or if you want to do long term rentals do it properly with full tenancy checks, a contract  and a deposit 

[Jeannie185]

Thank you so much for raising my awareness to this. 

gosh - so many things to learn!