Uneasy when I receive a requst

[Zacharias0]

Ever since Airbnb removed the photos from inquiring guests a sense of unease overcomes me when I receive an inquiry or instant booking. I know many others feel the same and  honestly the feeling never goes away. Its something about the fear of the unknown and then having to live with the person that becomes terrifying. I received a request from a guest and noticed they provided Airbnb four verifications: email, phone number, government ID and work e-mail but the host isn't provided ANY of that. In fact, it'll take a court order to even get that information unless the guest willingly provides it.

The guest does have the option of providing a paragraph about themselves but lately NO ONE is filling it out. Its the worst when all you have to rely on is previous guest reviews when basing your decision on if you want someone to become a roommate for a few days to a few weeks. I tell guests to provide reasons for their stay because I have a one month minimum and people arent forthcoming with information either. Im never sure how to ask nicely: Im looking for inquiries from people who work full time or will be occupied and out of the house at least 40 hours a week. This statement only applies to people who choose not to provide any reason for visiting that would logically keep them out of the house more time than not.

[Hendrik47]

To be honest I don't get the point completly. As a complete new host on ABB I'm stucked yet with a lot of bookings made by nearly anonymous guests. My first guest just registered on ABB to book our appartment. Nevertheless, I do understand that some hosts here are offering spaces that are included in their own premises (what is not the case for me), but is a profile picture any kind of proof that the guest is a nice person? What is the differences between no profile picture versus the completely photoshopped /filtered instagram pictures of guests that are far away from reality too? 

In the end it will be ever the decision of every single host to decline a booking or not in cases where you can't check a guest while proofed informations or ratings are missing.

[Thomas-and-Damian0]

Hi Hendrik, the difference between offering a "private room" or an "entrie place" is very significant. I believe that a picture is in many cases telling more than a thousand words. Picture yourself renting out the bedroom next to your own bedroom in your home. You get a reservation request from a guest which is only wearing a bathing suit or wearing a beer or cocktail in their hand. Wouldn't you automatically wonder wether this guest is a good fit or not?

[Sarah977]

Hendrick- No, you can't judge a person solely by their photo, that's not the point. There's plenty of sociopaths out there who are good-looking people who manage to suck others into their strange realm by managing to look "normal". But when you're sharing your private home, it's about openness and mutual transparency. An open, friendly face seen along with a booking request or inquiry makes a host feel this person has nothing to hide, and makes communication and acceptance more natural. Communicating with a letter in a circle, or a black silouette is not what home sharing is about.

I wouldn't accept nor decline a guest based on what color their skin was, what ethnicity they looked like, whether they were posed with their same-sex partner, or whether they were slim and attractive or fat and ugly. But someone who thinks it's appropriate to pose with a gun, scantily clad, boozing it up with their buddies, or as a comic book character when expecting to be accepted into someone's home is not the type of clueless person I would want to host.

It's just another valuable tool to use when vetting guests, along with verifications, past reviews and messaging. And Airbnb has been raiding our toolbox. Soon they'll be nothing left but a few rusty nails in the bottom.

[Thomas-and-Damian0]

I totally agree with you Sarah!!!

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

Not allowing hosts to have access to guest photos does nothing more than set the tone that Airbnb PROMOTES GUEST ANONYMITY.

Most guests I've talked to in the past have seemed to assume hosts have access to all information they included on their Airbnb profile - they were surprised to find out how little we actually know about them unless the guest tells us directly. A few were saying something along the lines of "Ahh~ no wonder you were asking about xxxxxxx when I first contacted you~"

I always end up spending quite a bit of time educating guests on how things work on Airbnb. It's frustrating having to do Airbnb's job for them because I don't want to be penalized for guest's not knowing the reality of how things work. 

[David6]

Activated instant book several years ago and I find it works really well. If a guest books and you have an issue with the booking a quick call to Airbnb and you can cancel penalty free. And if you have a legitimate reason, they will allow way more than the 3 per year as per policy. I’ve cancelled 6 or so IB so far this year. 

You can completely cover yourself by stating exactly what you require from your guest in the house rules. Then use this to cancel any IB or regular booking you are uncomfortable with. 

Set a maximum latest arrival time. State your listing is not suitable for guests who will not be out during the day. Anything you don’t like, don’t want -  just list it. 

. 

[Celi0]

I am glad I came across this conversation and that I am not alone on this issue.

[Thomas-and-Damian0]

Hi Celi, rest assured that you are not alone with this issue!!!! 🙂

[Jonathan-and-Ingrid0]

I got a booking a new profile with picture and all

they rent my house for 2 days ,when I get there to clean since I have new guests  coming that same day.

mh surprise they empty my house they robbed all the electronics linens,pillow  cushions all what they can fit in the car

and that was with a picture I’d ,but you know they can add any picture and  then is a fake pic.

we need more help from Airbnb  screening the guest or asking for more info

this is custing me couple 1000 to get it back

[David6]

sorry to hear this @Jonathan-and-Ingrid0 did  you report this to Airbnb? Make a claim via resolution centre? 

[Thomas-and-Damian0]

Ouch! That sounds like a terrible experience but I am sure Airbnb will help you in this case!?

[Donna240 · Accepted solution]

I don’tknow whether or not this has been discussed, because I don’t have enough time to read through more than 1 1/2 pages, but every time we’re encouraged to lower prices, find new hosts for a bounty fee, accept IB so we can see a photo,  which may or may not help the host, AirBnB is attempting to get more of the market share for short term rentals. This is especially important for a company planning an IPO.

I fear nothing will change, but it may be more difficult for hosts when the powers that be have stockholders to answer to. 

If I were a single female renting out a room in my home I would do a google check immediately after getting the guest’s last name, and a Meagan’s List search after finding out the city of residence. I might also require a passport or federal or state ID that I would photocopy upon arrival. Hotels ask for photo ID, why should’t we? I think any of that would make me feel more secure than a photo that could be of another person or 30 years old. 

[Angela-And-Jonathan0]

I just sent a message to Air BnB feedback about this, and then clicked on the community chat and you are all talking about the same thing! We host in the home where we live.

If you haven't sent feedback to Air BnB yet, please do! We want them to get the message.

[Alice595]

BTW, here is the feedback link

https://www.airbnb.com/help/feedback

As host, we should all provide our feedback. The more the better. Once it is get flooded, Airbnb will take consideration.

[Geri26]

It's not that there is no photo available for bookings but that there is no visibility of reviews, government ID or guest trip information - there is absolutely no information at all on a potential guest unless IB is turned on.  A 'guest' I had with IB tried left early and took my key to intimidate me into giving a refund. So I no longer use IB (in fact I will be delisting that space in new fin year if there is no movement on changes).

Every one is so caught up with the photo/no photo when the bigger issue is there is no information on potential guests and when they inevitabley do the wrong thing, AirBnb side with the guest.