Suspicious Guest Behaviour – Need Guidance on How to Proceed

[Joy1907]

Hi Airbnb Community,

I’m seeking advice on how to handle a current booking that has raised several red flags. Here are the main concerns:

1 The booking was made for the entire house on short notice, and some “people” checked in the same day the booking was made. I say some people because the person whose face is on the profile was absent.

2 Initially this person did not mention that there would be additional guests until I probed further.

3  Three men checked in who do not appear to be related, despite the guest stating he was visiting with his family and one other guest for a local event.

4  When I probed further, the person who made the booking, said he plans to join his family on the eve of the check out day.

5 With this, it seems the booking was made for someone else.

6 The three men who checked in, parked down the street, rather than in the driveway. This seems intentional and I’m concerned they may have been trying to avoid having their license plate captured by the security camera.

7 They also checked in without any visible bags, luggage, or supplies, despite booking a 3-night stay. This seems unusual and adds to my concern.

8 Our house rules clearly state that for hygiene reasons, guests should avoid walking outdoors on bare-feet but unfortunately, this rule has already been ignored.

The overall behaviour appears suspicious and I’m genuinely concerned about the safety of my home.

Has anyone encountered a similar situation? What’s the best way to approach this, and would you recommend reporting it to Airbnb immediately?

Thanks in advance for your support and guidance.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Joy1907 if they are not staying for a long time there is little you can do. Perhaps a photo of their car so they can be traced if something bad does happen. Most likely they are just working locally and your place is cheaper than a hotel.

[Helen3]

What you could have done is not allow three visitors not on the booking to check in and asked Airbnb to cancel as it was a third party booking @Joy1907 

[Joan2709]

@Joy1907 

In addition to the other suggestions, I would in the future be sure to add to your Addl House Rules and message to guest after booking that 3rd party bookings are not allowed (booking for others, but not staying yourself). The primary renter must be on property for the entire stay.

3rd Party Bookings

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427

You can also note on the listing and in your message that for security reasons, a photo ID of the primary renter must be shown at checkin and much match the name and profile photo of the primary renter.

[Joy1907]

@Joan2709 @Helen3 @Mike-And-Jane0

Thank you all for your contributions, highly appreciated.