Should i give address out to a perspective, renter

[Helen605]

Hi, just a bit of advice, should I give a prospective renter full address of the property before they accept the invite it’s only that I’m a bit cautious that they will know the property is empty. What do you think?

[Pat271]

@Helen605 I have been asked this question by guests, but I’ve always responded that they can get an excellent idea of the location from the description, general area on the map, etc., and that the exact address will be available after booking. I do give them the geographical block I’m in, or the nearest major intersection, so that the guest can make a more informed choice depending on where he/she wants to go during the stay. I always encourage the guest to ask me any questions about how near or far any desired destinations are. There really is no practical reason for the guest to know the exact address beforehand, IMO.

However, on other platforms, I have seen many addresses displayed right in the title of the listing, so there are different levels of cautiousness, I suppose.

[Helen744]

@Helen605 there is no value in this . It leaves your property vulnerable and allows the guest to reject or accept the property subject to 'google searches' or to allow them to let others know the full address. Near enough and inside pics and descriptions should be enough. Ask the guest to send any other than the address questions to you, and let them know the full adress is only 'available ' after booking , for many reasons.You may be in the area but you are not a tourist destination... H

[Lorna170 · Accepted solution]

@Helen605  I do not provide an address until the property is booked, and even then they get the actual address just prior to arrival when I send the Welcome Package with driving instructions.

If the guest is insistent, you can tell them that it is near such and such intersection or landmark.  

Years ago, when the address was provided on the advertising site I was using, I would get prospective guests showing up at the property weeks in advance or sending a local friend to "check it out", disturbing the in situ guests by asking to see the inside, or walking around looking in the windows.  

No address until booked and just before arrival.

[Paula]

Hi @Helen605, It looks like most of our hosts in this conversation are on the same page regarding whether or not to share the address of your listing before booking. Have you had a chance to go through their comments? Are you considering trying out any of the strategies they suggested?

I'm eager to hear from you!

[Bob297]

@Helen605 
If the property is empty, I would not do it.
I regularly allow guests to come and have a look.
Most of the time they vacation in the area and want to investigate if one of my properties would suit them better. That leads to reservations 12 months in advance