Should You Accept a Long-Term Airbnb Stay from a Guest with No Reviews?

One of the more nerve-wracking situations for an Airbnb host is deciding whether to accept a long-term stay from a guest with no reviews. Is it worth the risk? Long-term bookings can be highly profitable, but when the guest lacks reviews, uncertainty creeps in. Can you trust the guest? Will they take care of your property? What if they cancel at the last minute?

While this situation requires careful consideration, there are strategies to minimize risks and protect your property. And to make hosting even easier, check out my Airbnb Hosting Checklist and The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint. Both tools are designed to help you set clear expectations and handle bookings smoothly, even with long-term guests.

Get my Airbnb Hosting Checklist here!
Explore The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint here!

Now, let’s explore the pros and cons of accepting long-term stays from guests with no reviews and the best ways to protect yourself.

Pros of Accepting a Long-Term Stay

1. Consistent Income
   Long-term bookings guarantee income for an extended period, providing financial stability. You won’t have to worry about frequent bookings or constant guest turnover.

2. Less Turnover Work
   With fewer guests coming and going, you’ll reduce cleaning and maintenance tasks. This saves time and energy that you can invest in growing your Airbnb business or improving your guest experience.

3. Potential for Positive Relationship
   Long-term guests who respect your property and follow the rules can become repeat renters, leaving positive reviews. This could boost your reputation as a host and attract even more long-term bookings.

Cons of Accepting a Long-Term Stay from a Guest with No Reviews

1. Risk of Uncertainty
   Guests with no reviews introduce a higher level of risk. With no prior feedback, it’s hard to gauge their reliability or behavior. For long-term stays, this lack of information can be particularly concerning.

2. Property Damage or Misuse
   With a long-term guest, there’s a higher potential for property wear and tear. If the guest isn’t careful, damages can accumulate over weeks or months. While Airbnb offers some protections, dealing with claims can be time-consuming.

3. Difficulty Ending the Stay
   If things go wrong, terminating a long-term stay can be more challenging. With short-term bookings, issues are limited to a few days, but long-term guests could cause ongoing problems if they fail to respect house rules.

How to Protect Yourself Before Accepting a Long-Term Stay

If you’re leaning toward accepting the booking, especially from a guest with no reviews, there are steps you can take to minimize risks:

1. Thorough Communication
   Ask the guest detailed questions before accepting the booking. What brings them to the area? Why are they staying long-term? How do they plan to use the space? These questions can offer insight into their intentions.

2. Set Clear Expectations
   Make sure your house rules, especially for long-term stays, are crystal clear. Include information about cleaning, guest limits, and any additional rules related to extended stays. And don’t forget to send them my Airbnb Hosting Checklist for the best experience possible!

3. Require a Security Deposit
   For long-term bookings, requesting a security deposit can help mitigate any potential property damage. Clearly communicate this requirement upfront, and ensure that it’s reflected in your booking policy.

4. Use Airbnb’s Screening Tools
   Airbnb offers various guest verification tools, such as ID verification and requiring guests to agree to your house rules. Enabling these settings can offer added peace of mind.

5. Consider a Rental Agreement
   For longer stays (over 28 days), having a formal rental agreement outside of Airbnb can protect you. This agreement should outline clear expectations, including payment terms, house rules, and guest behavior. It adds an extra layer of protection, especially when dealing with new or unknown guests.

Should You Accept the Booking?

After screening and evaluating the guest, if you still have doubts but don’t want to miss out on a potentially lucrative booking, here are a few strategies:

1. Start with a Trial Period
   Instead of locking into a long-term stay right away, you could suggest an initial short-term stay as a trial period. This allows you to evaluate the guest’s behavior before committing to a longer booking.

2. Emphasize Flexibility in Cancellation
   Having a flexible cancellation policy ensures you can cancel if things don’t go as expected. Airbnb’s long-term stay policy allows for specific conditions to terminate a booking, which can help in case of trouble.

3. Monitor with Smart Locks and Cameras
   Consider adding smart locks and security cameras (for exterior areas) to monitor the property. This can provide peace of mind and allow you to address any issues quickly.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to accept a long-term Airbnb stay from a guest with no reviews can be daunting. While the guaranteed income and reduced turnover make long-term stays attractive, they come with risks. By asking the right questions, setting clear expectations, and using Airbnb’s tools, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with guests who don’t have reviews.

To further ensure your Airbnb success, don’t forget to use my Airbnb Hosting Checklist and dive into The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint. These resources will guide you through hosting successfully, protecting your property, and maximizing your earnings, whether you're dealing with short-term or long-term guests.

Get the Airbnb Hosting Checklist here!
Check out The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint here!

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I turned a challenging situation into a thriving million dollar short-term rental business. My mission is to prove that anyone can replicate my success with effort and dedication. I am committed to teaching and guiding others to achieve their financial goals.