hello!

[Kim4784]

I recently listed my home on air bnb and my first two experiences were rather scary.    Both reservations were made by third parties, the names and phone numbers did not match up with the people in the unit.   The first one stayed at the home overnight, smoked in the garage when clearly noted a non smoking property and appeared to be homeless.   The second reservation also made by third party, but I required photo ID from the guests and when I asked for that they cancelled the reservation.   The guest called from a different number then the reservation and the name that came up with the phone call was not the name of the person making the reservation.   This is super disheartening, I am more than likely going to remove my listing as I don't want to subject myself or the newly remodeled home to this.

Anybody else have this kind of experience?

Kim

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Kim4784 

Sorry about your experiences, but there is a steep learning curve for New Hosts for sure. As a new Host many unscrupulous guests will try to scam you or otherwise take adantage. Here are some things I suggest you do right away to minimize future issues.

Third Party Bookings Are Not Allowed

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

Per Airbnb, guests are not allowed to book for someone else who will stay at your property unless they will be present during the whole stay. This is called a third party booking and is against Airbnb terms of service. If you discover this, you should contact Airbnb and have them cancel the booking and the guests must leave with no refund. Make sure Airbnb cancels the booking and not you as the Host.

Violation of House Rules - Smoking

If you have proof a guest was smoking against your House Rules, you have the option to  contact Airbnb and have them cancel the booking. Make sure Airbnb cancels the booking and not you as a Host

Set Your Min Stay to 2 Nights

You currently allow one night stays? I usually suggest my Host clients with entire homes have a 2night min stay. Change your minimum stay to 2 nights. One night stays and last minute bookings invite problems and potential party risks. 

Turn OFF Instant Book (if using)

I usually suggest my new Host clients NOT use Instant Book until they gain some experience. When someone requests to book, feel free to ask questions and state that 3rd party bookings are not permitted by Airbnb and the primary booker must be on property for the entire stay.

Addl House Rules

Add that 3rd party bookings are not allowed - the party booking must be on property for entire stay. Add no unregistered guests permitted - all guests must be listed on the reservation. Some Hosts add that a photo ID will be required at check-in for all guests, but that is not always possible. Some Hosts ask for a copy of the photo ID as part of the booking process. That is up to you, but you must disclose that you require that on the listing in Addl House Rules and/or as part of your messages to the guest when booking. Add that smoking of any type inside or outside anywhere is not allowed and will result in cancellation of reservation with no refund. Add some addl pet rules - you can search here on the community center for examples.

Add a Cleaning Fee & Pet Fee

I don't see a cleaning fee or a pet fee. I would add those ASAP to the listing. Average Pet Fees are $50-$100. Check what other similar listings in your area charge for a cleaning fee:

- Go to Calendar

- Pricing

- Scroll Down to Addl Charges

Add Profile Photo Required

Turn on Profile Photo Required on the Listing. It's found under:

-Listing Editor

-Your Space

-Preferences Icon (3lines top right)

Fix the Photo Tour

Your listing says 2BR/2BA but the subtitle says "Studio 1 Bathroom"? You need to add 2 Bedroom (Rooms) and 2 Bathroom (Rooms) to the photo tour. Looks like you're missing some other rooms as well. Click the (+) sign at the top to add rooms. Add photos to each room. Be sure to add the number/type of beds to each bedroom under sleeping arrangements. Add captions/descriptions to ALL photos.

Consider Working With An Experienced Co-Host

To help you learn the platform and prevent issues, I usually suggest to my new Hosts clients they consider hiring an experienced Co-Host, at least for the first few months or so. Sometimes just asking a friend or family member who is a Host can help. You can always come back here for addl suggestions and ideas for free.  

[Kim4784]

so helpful Joan, thank you.    I do know third party bookings are against the rules and did contact Air bnb support.    They were very slow to respond and then stopped responding and I had to get the police to remove the people from the home.   Not a pleasant experience at all.   I really appreciate the time you took to provide me with all the great tips.... thank you again.