What should we think about this review of a potential guest?

[Jon2761]

"Clearly, G... & her family thoroughly enjoyed our townhouse." That's the whole review. 

They've requested to book our house for 3 months while building their own house, which happens to be right down the street from ours. They have two young kids who will be enrolled in school there. 

This is their only Airbnb review, and it doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement. Aside from that she seems fine. Very friendly and well-written introductory note and even included her last name. 

Any opinions?

Thanks!

Nancy 

[Laura2592]

@Jon2761 they are, but don't fall for it. Airbnb wants your place booked and with lots of areas in lock down, they are encouraging long term stays so as to keep revenue coming in. 

I think it won't matter if you break up the stay as long as the same person is there continuously for the specified period of time-- its usually about the time they occupy the space not the way they paid or how its booked.   I would imagine they would have to leave and come back on a new booking in order to skirt tenancy laws. I certainly understand the hassle of turnover but its far less hassle than having a squatter in your place and having to go to court and pay lawyers. If I were in your situation and wanted to do a seasonal let, I would draw up a lease and advertise it myself on social media or on local bulletinboards or forums. I would not involve Airbnb in any way. If you advertise through this means, I would limit my stays to 27 days or whatever is just shy of tenancy requirements in your state. Airbnb IS NOT set up to help with tenancy issues. They will not support you on this and you will not be protected in any way if the guest decides to call themselves a tenant.  There are some con artists out there who know how this works. 

And yes, I agree that you should not host this guest. A guest should not need to come and tour your space before the money for the stay is in your hand. Another red flag. They are already acting like a tenant touring an apartment and not someone who is in a short term vacation rental. 

[Suzanne302]

@Jon2761  I never judge a business by mistakes, but by the way they HANDLE mistakes. In that same vein, I would judge this guest not by her mistake, but by how she handled it. When she was informed she had "overstayed" she paid for the extra night. She didn't fight, she didn't complain, she still left a great review. Did she really "forget"? Who knows! I have certainly made some stupid mistakes in my life and as @Sarah977  pointed out, it could have been as simple as getting her dates mixed up. I can totally see how that could happen. It doesn't make it right, but I can understand a mistake like that.

I think the host was being unfair and should have left a review revealing the whole story.

I hope they turn out to be wonderful guests!

[Helen350]

@Suzanne302 Read the post above! We miserable pessimistic lot have given food for thought and scared @Jon2761 & Nancy off!-  So they will not host G. after all! - Hope we did the right thing!

[Jon2761]

@Helen350  You definitely did the right thing. She went from an enthusiastic inquiry to total silence in response to our last message - all she had to do was say thank you, I won't be free on Sunday or something like that. I only hope she doesn't resurface on Sunday and assume it's still okay to come look.

[Sarah977]

@Suzanne302  I agree- if a guest does something wrong and responds by making it right, I would either never mention it in the review, or mention it as praise- that the guest is a person who takes responsibility for their actions or accidental errors.