blocking singles couples only

[Ian505]

I've been hosting for 4 years and the last 3 bookings I've had have been single groups ( 6 single people) 

Despite pointing rules out no smoking, loud music late at night and making too much noise in the garden after midnight - all 3 bookings have broken every rule and the current group of 6 single guys have also damaged items 

I no longer want to take bookings from single people and its only open to couples and families. 

Can I do this ? 

I've added onto my details its for couples / families only but I know often people dont fully read things, like the rules they have agreed to before booking my house 

[Anonymous]

@Ian505   The Nondiscrimination Policy says hosts may not discriminate based on guests' gender, familial status or age. Your listing is currently in violation of all three because it says:

"The apartment is only available to FAMILIES & COUPLES - No groups of single males or females."

I would strongly suggest removing that language immediately, because it can easily get your account suspended or banned.

Aside from the discrimination concerns, it would be intrusive and inappropriate for a host to ask about the relationship status of their guests. But if you don't use Instant Book, you can consider each request on a case-by-case basis.

[Ian505]

Didn't think it was discriminating saying I dont want single people anymore due to problems? but can adjust cheers 

[Anonymous]

@Ian505   If that's not discrimination, then what is? 🙂

[Ian505]

LOL...true I suppose I just want more control over the people that come to the house. Its been changed now 

[Ian505]

isn't it interesting how the site contradicts itself .. I looked at turning instant booking off, and see that I can keep instant booking off and cancel at any time if I'm not happy about a guest. So a booking thats just come in I click to cancel, and then see if I do my account will get penalties, surly its one or another!! 

But stopped instant booking   

[Anonymous]

@Ian505  https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2022/

Instant Book reservations

Hosts can cancel Instant Book reservations without penalty under certain circumstances. Some examples include:

• The guest makes it clear they’ll likely break one of the host’s house rules, like bringing a pet or smoking
• The listing does not fit the needs of the guest
• The guest has several unfavorable reviews or a lack of profile information that concerns the host

You’ll be able to cancel Instant Book reservations online penalty-free 3 times in one year for these reasons—after that, you’ll have to contact us to make the cancellation without penalty. Otherwise, host cancellation penalties will apply.

If you cancel a large number of your Instant Book reservations, you may be required to turn off Instant Book.

[Colleen253]

@Ian505 If you turn Instant Book off, you get Trip Requests instead. You can then dialogue with guests, before accepting, to better determine the dynamics of the group. Ask why they want to book your place, who will be joining them etc. Use those communications to decide if they perhaps won’t be a good fit, and decline the Request. Just know that if you decline a large amount, Airbnb will get on your case.

[Ian505]

its turned off now and thanks for feedback. 

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Ian505  If you don't want 6 single guys and prefer 3 couples or women then replace single beds with queen beds, paint the walls in pink, put romantic paintings and furniture etc... whatever most men don't like 🙂

[Anonymous]

@Branka-and-Silvia0  I also noticed that the sleeping arrangements aren't an ideal match for "couples only" groups. How many couples prefer sleeping in separate single beds on holiday?

[Ian505]

it does have one master king size bed, the 2 singles can be used as a double and in the past with families coming they have in most cases had 2/3 children, hence the singles 

[Ian505]

good ideas thanks 

[Ann72]

@Ian505  That's a tough one.  Hosts have to be creative to target the market they want.  Maybe the picture of the pool table calls to groups of singles.  They dream of running the game while throwing back shots.  Maybe the price does it.  $166 divided by 6 is less than $30 a night.  Could they get hotel rooms that wouldn't have your amenities for that?  I would try some different things along those lines.  To second @Branka-and-Silvia0, put in a photo of a baby's cot and a high chair - then you'll get parents, two small children, and a set of grandparents on holiday together.

[Ian505]

yes thanks some good tips - I have both and will do some more photos, as its no longer on instant book I do have a little more control as least