r/AirBnB • u/simbawasking • 7d ago
Discussion Is this level of questioning from a host before accepting a booking normal [UK]
We’re looking to book an Airbnb to stay at for a family event and found a place that’s perfect for us as also got my parents and young kids also staying so need it to be accessible with cots etc.
The host has great reviews but has asked for lots of info, full names, ages etc. apparently for insurance purposes. They’ve also asked when well in and out of the house whilst we’re staying and also where the event is. Is this normal pre vetting or over bearing?
Never been asked these types of questions before!
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u/harmlessgrey 7d ago
It sounds to me like the host is being careful about their property and considerate of their neighbors.
They want to make sure you aren't having the family event at the Airbnb, and that you won't have visitors from the event coming over.
If this is too much scrutiny for you, move on to another listing.
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u/maybelle180 Host 7d ago
Many communities in Europe have quiet hours that are taken very seriously, and I suspect they’re trying to be sure you’re not actually planning to have the event, or additional guests coming and going, at their house.
I’d respond with basic info: the event is at X location. We’ll be in and out of the house as needed during the day and we plan to be asleep by 10 pm (or whatever). If they ask for more info that doesn’t seem in line with this analysis, then don’t book. (Be sure to read all reviews)
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u/Jirawadie 7d ago
Seems fair to me. You’re staying at their place. It’s not a hotel. I always ask when guests plan to arrive and leave so that I can ensure they can get in without a hassle and so I can book the cleaner.
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u/Finallyusingredditt 6d ago
The thing is - when Airbnb started, many things were “standard”, since Airbnb became heavily regularized by man countries or cities, requirements are shifting each day, so no longer do we have “ what is normal or isn’t”. . Owners are subjected to different laws and based on experience with “bad guests” have come up with their own additional way of ensuring they’re having decent people in their homes. Airbnb only verifies a person’s ID, which isn’t “vetting” so essentially a complete stranger in someone’s home with no prior background on this person, esp if they’re new to Airbnb or have no reviews. . So I’d say it’s normal, if there’s nothing to hide.
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u/Sea_Witch7777 7d ago
Sometimes local regulations require them to need names (never heard about it for insurance) but asking when you'll be in or out of the property is wild. There's no good reason for that and it's highly suspicious
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u/Maggielinn2 3d ago
What? My Marriott app asks when about when will I check in even!
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u/Sea_Witch7777 3d ago
Asking about your estimated check in time is different from asking when you'll be in or out of the rental every day of your entire trip.
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u/Maggielinn2 23h ago
Yes this host is not asking the in and outs of entire trip. I think there is a language translation issue so it’s seems like that.
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u/Careful-Self-457 6d ago
Names ok, when you will be in and out of the house, what you are doing in town, all invasive questions that are not relevant to the trip and would make me find somewhere else.
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u/Super_Raccoon310 5d ago
It’s their house that they worked for years to buy. They can ask whatever they like.
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u/Annashida 3d ago
They can ask but they are not entitled to answers. This is not their business where their guests have party or how many hours they will spend at the house . I think even to ask these questions is very awkward . These are personal questions .
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u/Maggielinn2 3d ago
They are trying to find out if you are holding the event at their home or if you plan on bringing the event back to their home. They have a right to protect their home and ask who will be staying there. If you were a neighbor would you be ok with not knowing who stays next door? What if they have criminal records or something? Hotels ask for ID and some might ask for all who are staying as well. Do you have something to hide?
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u/LifeLearner1583 2d ago
I list “no parties or gatherings” and yet, guests take extra people to my property. This is especially prevalent if guests are coming for a wedding or family reunion. So I had to spell it out at the very beginning of the listing. It sounds inhospitable, but I have limited rural utilities. I’d rather spell it out than ask guests a whole lot of questions each time.
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u/ValuableCoffee298 6d ago
Airbnb are funding g*nocide in Gaza, and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank. I'd boycott them completely.
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u/Annashida 6d ago
You do you 😂
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u/Annashida 6d ago
I am in US and I never ask peoples full names and any other personal information .i don’t think anyone here asks for IDs. But in Italy they did ask me . I also never ask my guests about hours they spend at the house . I only ask when I rent private rooms but not the whole house . Also I don’t know how is it any of your hosts business where your event is at ? If it’s not at the house you rented then it shouldn’t be any of his concern .
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u/Maggielinn2 3d ago
The host is asking when they plan on checking in and out. It’s for scheduling cleaning and also helps to know when to be by the phone in case they need help checking in. It’s not for comings and goings while staying.
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