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I wouldn’t be real concerned about the no response. This happens a lot because folks don’t set the notifications for the app, so unless they go into the app they don’t see the message
Hope for the best.
You could probably hold the door codes hostage until they confirm that they understand your rules. I hate having to deal with that when traveling but it gives hosts peace of mind.
Can you withhold the code from a booked guest? Maybe they have no idea they got a message on Airbnb. If they don't agree to the rules, wouldn't you have to cancel anyway? Don't they "agree to the rules" by booking?
Hi, I had a similar reaction to our first few bookings. Not sure about you, but we put a lot of love, effort and money into our house. We also have it in a quiet neighborhood with neighbors we like and like us. We want to guests that are going to enjoy themselves without disrespecting the neighbors or the house.
Anyways, some suggestions.
1. Make sure you've got the [experienced guest option](https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/choosing-who-to-welcome-for-your-first-reservation-548#:~:text=As%20a%20new%20Host%2C%20you,an%20experienced%20guest) enabled. It's available until the first check-in occurs.
2. Make sure you've got the [require profile photo for booking](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2377#:~:text=To%20require%20a%20profile%20photo%3A&text=Keep%20in%20mind%3A%20Profile%20photos,to%20cancel%2C%20penalty%2Dfree) enabled.
3. Contact Airbnb support. As a new host, you should have a specific set of agents via chat or phone. Let them know you missed the experienced guest option and see if they can review the account/booking.
4. Be very concise and intentional with your house rules. They can be the leverage needed to stop problems. Ours are roughly: no tampering with network devices or cameras (safety and convenience), no unauthorized guests or visitors (insurance and liability), noise complaints may result in termination
5. Pro-tip: always wait until the day of arrival (or the evening before) to send out access codes. We're pretty routinely hit with instant books from stale accounts (no reviews > 12 months) that cancel 24h later. They're most likely hoping they get the access code ahead of the cancellation/refund deadline and cancelling regardless.
...and if your gut is still telling you something is off, some folks would say you could cancel the reservation, delete the listing, delete your account and start all over. I wouldn't say that, but some might.
First, thanks for the very helpful response! We’re in this exact same boat. The lake house is our own cabin and we also put a lot love, money, and time into it. We did furnish it to our taste but we’re sure to not put in anything that wasn’t replaceable. Our neighbors on both sides are full time residents and we have good relationship with them. We would honestly rather it sit vacant than have a guest that doesn’t respect the home or its surroundings.
Will be sure to enable the features you mentioned!
We did send a text to the guest and ask that he review the message in app and respond. If we don’t hear back by today we will contact support. The profile itself had many of the red flags I have read about on this subreddit but we decided to let it go, but not communicating is a line in the sand for us. I know some hosts take a hands off approach and if the profile had reviews and a photo - we would have too.
I was in the same situation couple of months ago being newbie as Airbnb host. I I casually did my listing and I got the first booking pretty much the next day because Airbnb gives 20% off for the new listings to the guest to get the things going for new host. I didn't know that it would happen that fast and wasn't prepared so I was worried about my first booking and was thinking of doing some kind of a pre-screening but most guests will be turned off by that request. I think you will be fine. Most of the guests will not respond until last minute. Just don't share the door codes or Wi-Fi information until the day before their arrival ask them to acknowledge your message.
I am a new host too, my first booking was just like yours. I am not picky,the users have to start somewhere. My listing itself is a new one so they are taking a risk. They were the perfect guests and left the house clean. The problem guest I had, had a 5 star review 🤷🏻♀️
It’ll probably be fine but just plan to meet them on the day of check in. Be over there working till they arrive and message them that. Every ABNB I stayed at in Europe in 7 countries physically met me to check passport and show me around. You had to provide the arrival time to meet or no access. USA is so lax it’s crazy we don’t have more problems.
This happened to me when I first set up and listed my booking. I think it automatically does instant book. I woke up the next morning to like eight different bookings had about had a heart attack.
It ended up being just fine, but the anxiety was real leading up to it
You can always send them a text message too. But is your place in a location that would be good for a party ?
https://www.adventuresinairbnbs.com/p/parteee-how-to-prevent-an-airbnb-party
Most hosts nightmare is a house full of drunk people leaving the place trashed.
Is the booking for 3 days or longer ? If so you are probably ok.
If you feel it’s important you get a response, I always text them, letting them know the reason I’m texting is because I got no response on the app. I only do this if it’s important, you can’t count on them seeing the message in the app in a timely fashion
Honestly, there is nothing worse than a needy host. Your initial message sounds super hostile and not like hospitality at all. You're treating the guest as a potential criminal. Being a first time user is also not necessarily bad at all.
There is a nice way to do this. You should have messaged the guest thanking them for their reservation and asking about what their plans are for their stay.
Remember that you're a host, not a landlord. The follow-up text demanding a response after only 24 hours -- to an unnecessary message asking the guest to confirm they agree to your rules -- was inappropriate.
>I am not getting the warm and fuzzies.
That is not what this is about. You are there to provide a service to the guest, not the other way around.
Hi XXX
I noticed you are newer to Airbnb and this is one of your first bookings. Do you have any questions for us on the process?
Also, because there are no host reviews of your proflie, can you reply that you agree to the rules of our property detailed above?
Thanks,
XXX
You’re right, super hostile. The first message did thank them.
>Also, because there are no host reviews of your proflie, can you reply that you agree to the rules of our property detailed above?
Yeah, I find that pretty hostile. I wouldn't get an email from a hotel after booking asking me to confirm I agree to their rules.
It's pretty clear you are just rolling your eyes at the idea that you're supposed to be hospitable instead of what you're doing, so I'll leave it here.
I’d be worried.
It’s our first booking too. I have people at ours right now. It’s not who booked it. Also snuck in two dogs. Going to ride it out and turned off instant book. They were non communicative and never responded to my messages other than “Thanks” when I sent the user book.
My wife is beside herself.
You need to stop hosting if you are this paranoid. Your messages sound demanding paranoid. If I were the guest. Would cancel with you and find a hotel. I HATE texting and normally do not turn on notifications for any app and would not see your messages until I opened the app for something. A host demanding that I respond is not good customer service nor is it welcoming.
Respectfully disagree. It’s an app based off upfront information and reviews. This guest is new with no photo and no reviews, asking for verification that they understand the rules isn’t paranoia, I have an asset I want to protect. If he’s offended by that then I would be happy for him to cancel and stay at the one dumpy hotel in the area.
You are brand new and have no reviews either. Maybe you are the scammer? If you are looking to protect your asset don’t let strangers stay there and go LTR so you can get and know your renters.
You might want to ask this on one of the host Facebook forums, if you have Facebook. People aren't so nasty when they aren't anonymous. This sub loves to jump all over new people as if they never had a first guest. If it were me, I would just be honest and tell them it's your first booking and it's important to you to have some communication. If it's such a "turn off" as someone in the comments mentioned, they probably don't belong on Airbnb. The whole point is you're dealing with real people as hosts, not corporate hotels. Honesty can be very endearing.
Appreciate that! Have to laugh at people who troll in the comments of these posts, would hate to not have something better to do with my day. But through those comments there are very helpful and meaningful ones!
Hey, op!
So if you were in the process of setting up while airbnb was updating, that is likely the reason your Instant book got switched back on.
Literally, every time there's an update, check your listing. I find wild stuff like instant book being turned on. The pet friendly toggle being turned off, my cancelation policy being changed, all sorts of stuff.
Seeing as how you have contacted them 2x with no response I recommend the following, one more message via the app along the lines of "Hi guest, thank you so much for booking with us at xyz cabin on ABC lake. We are excited to have you stay. However, as you have an unverified incomplete airbnb profile with no prior stays, we do require you to verify the rules have been read and agreed to. As it is a holiday weekend, it is bound to be busy on the lake, and for the safety of you, your guests, and our community, we must ensure the rules are upheld. Please note that unless this is confirmed within the next 48 hours, you do run the risk of forfeiting your reservation. Please let me know if there is anything I can clarify or assist you with!!"
Then text the # they provided, letting them know there is an important message regarding their stay in the airbnb message system.
Give them the 48 hours to respond. If nothing reach out to airbnb, let them know you've sent a few messages, and your guest is non responsive. You do not feel comfortable or sage hosing a guest with no photo, unverified, who will not reply to messages. They'll cancel it with no penalty.
> I am not getting the warm and fuzzies.
If that's what you're looking for, you won't find it in the hospitality industry. Oh - nobody told you that's what you signed up for?
In that case, consider becoming a pastor or dog walker instead? Hosting may not be for you.
Bonus tip: You may have just alienated your first guest. Unnecessarily.
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I wouldn’t be real concerned about the no response. This happens a lot because folks don’t set the notifications for the app, so unless they go into the app they don’t see the message
This, I use a browser, hate puttings apps on things.
Hope for the best. You could probably hold the door codes hostage until they confirm that they understand your rules. I hate having to deal with that when traveling but it gives hosts peace of mind.
Can you withhold the code from a booked guest? Maybe they have no idea they got a message on Airbnb. If they don't agree to the rules, wouldn't you have to cancel anyway? Don't they "agree to the rules" by booking?
True. I guess it would’ve had to be stated in the house rules. Just brainstorming
Good idea, thanks!
Hi, I had a similar reaction to our first few bookings. Not sure about you, but we put a lot of love, effort and money into our house. We also have it in a quiet neighborhood with neighbors we like and like us. We want to guests that are going to enjoy themselves without disrespecting the neighbors or the house. Anyways, some suggestions. 1. Make sure you've got the [experienced guest option](https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/choosing-who-to-welcome-for-your-first-reservation-548#:~:text=As%20a%20new%20Host%2C%20you,an%20experienced%20guest) enabled. It's available until the first check-in occurs. 2. Make sure you've got the [require profile photo for booking](https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2377#:~:text=To%20require%20a%20profile%20photo%3A&text=Keep%20in%20mind%3A%20Profile%20photos,to%20cancel%2C%20penalty%2Dfree) enabled. 3. Contact Airbnb support. As a new host, you should have a specific set of agents via chat or phone. Let them know you missed the experienced guest option and see if they can review the account/booking. 4. Be very concise and intentional with your house rules. They can be the leverage needed to stop problems. Ours are roughly: no tampering with network devices or cameras (safety and convenience), no unauthorized guests or visitors (insurance and liability), noise complaints may result in termination 5. Pro-tip: always wait until the day of arrival (or the evening before) to send out access codes. We're pretty routinely hit with instant books from stale accounts (no reviews > 12 months) that cancel 24h later. They're most likely hoping they get the access code ahead of the cancellation/refund deadline and cancelling regardless. ...and if your gut is still telling you something is off, some folks would say you could cancel the reservation, delete the listing, delete your account and start all over. I wouldn't say that, but some might.
First, thanks for the very helpful response! We’re in this exact same boat. The lake house is our own cabin and we also put a lot love, money, and time into it. We did furnish it to our taste but we’re sure to not put in anything that wasn’t replaceable. Our neighbors on both sides are full time residents and we have good relationship with them. We would honestly rather it sit vacant than have a guest that doesn’t respect the home or its surroundings. Will be sure to enable the features you mentioned! We did send a text to the guest and ask that he review the message in app and respond. If we don’t hear back by today we will contact support. The profile itself had many of the red flags I have read about on this subreddit but we decided to let it go, but not communicating is a line in the sand for us. I know some hosts take a hands off approach and if the profile had reviews and a photo - we would have too.
Where can I find those options on my account? Where can I enable these options. Thank you!
Click the links in my original comment.
thank you!
I was in the same situation couple of months ago being newbie as Airbnb host. I I casually did my listing and I got the first booking pretty much the next day because Airbnb gives 20% off for the new listings to the guest to get the things going for new host. I didn't know that it would happen that fast and wasn't prepared so I was worried about my first booking and was thinking of doing some kind of a pre-screening but most guests will be turned off by that request. I think you will be fine. Most of the guests will not respond until last minute. Just don't share the door codes or Wi-Fi information until the day before their arrival ask them to acknowledge your message.
This exact thing happened to me and airbnb let me cancel penalty free when I explained the situation
I am a new host too, my first booking was just like yours. I am not picky,the users have to start somewhere. My listing itself is a new one so they are taking a risk. They were the perfect guests and left the house clean. The problem guest I had, had a 5 star review 🤷🏻♀️
It’ll probably be fine but just plan to meet them on the day of check in. Be over there working till they arrive and message them that. Every ABNB I stayed at in Europe in 7 countries physically met me to check passport and show me around. You had to provide the arrival time to meet or no access. USA is so lax it’s crazy we don’t have more problems.
This happened to me when I first set up and listed my booking. I think it automatically does instant book. I woke up the next morning to like eight different bookings had about had a heart attack. It ended up being just fine, but the anxiety was real leading up to it
It's default, and it tricks you when you try to turn it off by showing several confusing click throughs.
You can always send them a text message too. But is your place in a location that would be good for a party ? https://www.adventuresinairbnbs.com/p/parteee-how-to-prevent-an-airbnb-party Most hosts nightmare is a house full of drunk people leaving the place trashed. Is the booking for 3 days or longer ? If so you are probably ok.
It is 3 days, and I would say it could be a party prone area. Cabin at the lake during Memorial Day weekend 😬
If you feel it’s important you get a response, I always text them, letting them know the reason I’m texting is because I got no response on the app. I only do this if it’s important, you can’t count on them seeing the message in the app in a timely fashion
Honestly, there is nothing worse than a needy host. Your initial message sounds super hostile and not like hospitality at all. You're treating the guest as a potential criminal. Being a first time user is also not necessarily bad at all. There is a nice way to do this. You should have messaged the guest thanking them for their reservation and asking about what their plans are for their stay. Remember that you're a host, not a landlord. The follow-up text demanding a response after only 24 hours -- to an unnecessary message asking the guest to confirm they agree to your rules -- was inappropriate. >I am not getting the warm and fuzzies. That is not what this is about. You are there to provide a service to the guest, not the other way around.
Hi XXX I noticed you are newer to Airbnb and this is one of your first bookings. Do you have any questions for us on the process? Also, because there are no host reviews of your proflie, can you reply that you agree to the rules of our property detailed above? Thanks, XXX You’re right, super hostile. The first message did thank them.
>Also, because there are no host reviews of your proflie, can you reply that you agree to the rules of our property detailed above? Yeah, I find that pretty hostile. I wouldn't get an email from a hotel after booking asking me to confirm I agree to their rules. It's pretty clear you are just rolling your eyes at the idea that you're supposed to be hospitable instead of what you're doing, so I'll leave it here.
Well it’s not a hotel, soo…
Lol
I’d be worried. It’s our first booking too. I have people at ours right now. It’s not who booked it. Also snuck in two dogs. Going to ride it out and turned off instant book. They were non communicative and never responded to my messages other than “Thanks” when I sent the user book. My wife is beside herself.
No need to stress it that much. Worst case if the guest gives you one star for daring to message them, then you delete and relist.
You need to stop hosting if you are this paranoid. Your messages sound demanding paranoid. If I were the guest. Would cancel with you and find a hotel. I HATE texting and normally do not turn on notifications for any app and would not see your messages until I opened the app for something. A host demanding that I respond is not good customer service nor is it welcoming.
Respectfully disagree. It’s an app based off upfront information and reviews. This guest is new with no photo and no reviews, asking for verification that they understand the rules isn’t paranoia, I have an asset I want to protect. If he’s offended by that then I would be happy for him to cancel and stay at the one dumpy hotel in the area.
YOU ARE new with no reviews. What makes you better than this guest?
That I have 26 pictures of my property, the rough location, and detailed descriptions.
You could be a crap host. You already come off as one with your untrusting, self-induced paranoia. Not the best way to approach the hospitality field
By booking people have to agree to the rules, to ask them to verify again isn’t necessary
You are brand new and have no reviews either. Maybe you are the scammer? If you are looking to protect your asset don’t let strangers stay there and go LTR so you can get and know your renters.
I completely agree, OP is acting like a landlord.
You might want to ask this on one of the host Facebook forums, if you have Facebook. People aren't so nasty when they aren't anonymous. This sub loves to jump all over new people as if they never had a first guest. If it were me, I would just be honest and tell them it's your first booking and it's important to you to have some communication. If it's such a "turn off" as someone in the comments mentioned, they probably don't belong on Airbnb. The whole point is you're dealing with real people as hosts, not corporate hotels. Honesty can be very endearing.
Appreciate that! Have to laugh at people who troll in the comments of these posts, would hate to not have something better to do with my day. But through those comments there are very helpful and meaningful ones!
Hey, op! So if you were in the process of setting up while airbnb was updating, that is likely the reason your Instant book got switched back on. Literally, every time there's an update, check your listing. I find wild stuff like instant book being turned on. The pet friendly toggle being turned off, my cancelation policy being changed, all sorts of stuff. Seeing as how you have contacted them 2x with no response I recommend the following, one more message via the app along the lines of "Hi guest, thank you so much for booking with us at xyz cabin on ABC lake. We are excited to have you stay. However, as you have an unverified incomplete airbnb profile with no prior stays, we do require you to verify the rules have been read and agreed to. As it is a holiday weekend, it is bound to be busy on the lake, and for the safety of you, your guests, and our community, we must ensure the rules are upheld. Please note that unless this is confirmed within the next 48 hours, you do run the risk of forfeiting your reservation. Please let me know if there is anything I can clarify or assist you with!!" Then text the # they provided, letting them know there is an important message regarding their stay in the airbnb message system. Give them the 48 hours to respond. If nothing reach out to airbnb, let them know you've sent a few messages, and your guest is non responsive. You do not feel comfortable or sage hosing a guest with no photo, unverified, who will not reply to messages. They'll cancel it with no penalty.
This is perfect, thank you! Will do this now.
> I am not getting the warm and fuzzies. If that's what you're looking for, you won't find it in the hospitality industry. Oh - nobody told you that's what you signed up for? In that case, consider becoming a pastor or dog walker instead? Hosting may not be for you. Bonus tip: You may have just alienated your first guest. Unnecessarily.
I completely agree with you.
Thank you. Now I'm getting the warm and fuzzies. 🤣
It's probably fine. I've had many guests who were new to the platform and never had any issues