STR booking for others??

Question

Hi everybody,

Long time landlord, but new to STR.

I've been getting a few requests lately of Airbnb members wanting to book for their "parents" or for their "kids" who are coming to town visiting. I turn them all down and suggest their interested party  sign up for an account and book themselves. I also require  ID's before check in. Do you get these requests often? How do you handle them?  Thank you.

Michael Baum · Answer

Gotta go with your gut. So often it speaks the loudest and clearest regardless of what the brain says.

Henry T. · Answer

Latest one same situ here. no review history either.  I realize people gotta start somewhere but going with my gut and declined this one. She already re-applied and said its NOW for herself. Gut says no. Declined again. I could call and talk to her, maybe I'd feel better, but I decided to go bowling today instead. I don't need the money. And don't need any doubts. There's many other STR's she can choose. Thanks Michael and others for your input.

Michael Baum · Answer

We have only had one booking and it was the other way around. Their kid booked for the parents and the family. The parents were not tech savvy. The kid was 21 and in college.

I just talked with them on the phone. Spoke with the kid and then the parents and all was good. They were great guests.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Hey Henry - Long time STR PM in FL here.  We get these requests often and like you deny them.  It is also against Airbnb rules, if you are using them as an OTA platform.  However, we do make exceptions for corporate travel where someone from the company books all corporate travel.  We just make sure to have a direct number to the traveler.  Also, sometimes insurance companies will book for their clients who have work being done to their home.  You would be wise to take these lucrative bookings, but the rest you are right on cue.

Kathleen McDowell · Answer

You're wise Henry. It's best to turn them down and have the people set up their own account. They could be underage, have previous bad reviews, or a number of other things that would put you at risk. I handle them by informing them that its the platform's rules that as a host, you need to abide by.

Brett Deas · Answer

In my experience, people booking for others never ends well for the host. People love to bring extras, and don't have alot of accountability because they arent the ones paying.

Brooklyn McCarty · Answer

Yes! No third party booking!

Leslie Anne Morris · Answer

We’ve had problems in the past with parents booking for kids. Not a fan. The credit card, guest and rental agreement should all match.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

I have allowed husbands and wives to book for each other, but that's as far as I would go and still feel comfortable. You're doing the right thing.....if it feels wrong to a seasoned investor like yourself, then it probably is...

Jason Regan · Answer

Hey @Henry T. I also book in Fl.  I have no problem if an adult books for their kids. I do reach out to the adult to let them know they are FINANCIALLY responsible for their kids there. That usually gives them a little kick to tell their kids to behave

STR booking for others??

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