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I’ve hosted thousands of nights so a friend asked me for advice:
Trying to book a monthly stay in Kent next year close to my relatives but being rejected by everyone. Excuses being, don’t want to rent a full month in case of cancellations, or we don’t accept pets (despite me putting a dog in ‘guests’), the last rejection said she won’t know availability until April!!
All very odd, I was under the impression if dates are available at point of booking and a price is quoted that’s that but it seems all at the discretion of the owner. I guess just a case of perseverance.
If you have any suggestions or know any reputable long let apps/sites that would be great or we may have to split the month into 2 different apartments.
He’s new to Airbnb, and he wants to book a peak month (July). As a host, how would you want to be approached to make this booking happen? Or do you think it’s impossible?
Since he is a new user he should consider writing an introduction email that evidences that he has read the listing, understands all the rules and his willingness to fully comply.
I don’t know if in your jurisdiction a month-long rental would give the renter tenancy rights as it would in the U.S. If that’s the issue, two split bookings might be the best alternative.
I don’t understand this. Is this guest trying to sneak in a pet but just willing to pay a guest fee for the pet when otherwise pets are disallowed? If the guest is as opaque/deceptive in his messages as he is here I understand why his reservation request might bot be accepted.
Your friend should make sure they have filled out their profile- said something about themselves, their work, their interests. Make sure they have uploaded verified ID. If they want to bring a dog, they need to filter for pet-friendly. They also need to pay attention to the listing’s maximum stay length. If there’s a 2 week maximum and they are asking for a month, they are going to be declined.
Then the message to the host to accompany their inquiry or request should be personable and informative. Along the lines of :
"Hi XX (host’s name). I found your listing and it looks very nice and suitable for my needs. I am coming to Kent to spend time with family who live there, but want my own place so I can be independent. (I am aware that I can’t invite unregistered guests over- we would visit at their homes).
I have one small adult dog who is calm and housebroken. She would be accompanying me whenever I go out, not left alone.
I have never rented an Airbnb before, so have no reviews yet, but I am 40 years old, neat and clean, quiet and respectful. I have read through all your listing info, including the house rules and provided amenities. Look forward to hearing back from you soon."
Of course they shouldn’t say anything that isn’t true, but the idea is to give a host info that will put them at ease, since your friend has no history as a guest.
I assume you’re talking about Kent, England (beach town, right?) and not Kent, Ohio (though July is also peak in Ohio).
I have a foot in both of these worlds. I do STR on Airbnb and also do furnished monthly rentals year round/peak season and all, but not on Airbnb. I only rent monthly directly, advertising on traditional rental/landlord sites.
I think it could be too early. I’m not very familiar with either of the Kents I’ve heard of but as you mentioned, July is peak. People who do STR generally want to maximize their profit in July and a monthly rental won’t do that for them (they’ll lose money). People who do monthly rentals only (and no STR) are probably a better bet for a July monthly.
However, people who do year-round monthly rentals may not know if they’ll have availability for July yet. I’ve had several people contact me this Fall wanting to rent various times in the future, April-Aug, May-Sep, June and July, etc. I tell them: it’s too soon to know. Feel free to contact me 1-2 months prior.
The nature of monthly rentals is that they’re often open-ended. My renters tend to renew monthly, eventually staying for 3-10 months avg. It’s easier and more profitable to keep the same renters than switching to new ones and I don’t want to push someone out that’s not ready to leave. So I’m not going to promise a unit to anyone before I have proper notice from the current renter that they’ll be leaving. I don’t know if July is available because I don’t know who will be here in June and whether or not they’re renewing for July. And I take no risk by waiting because it’s July and I could’ve rented it 5 times last month.
Airbnb may not even be the best bet for a peak month. Plenty of people will rent July as a monthly but they’re not necessarily on Airbnb, especially not with July dates already open on their calendar. They may be listed somewhere more traditional or more specialized because the reason they’ll do July as a monthly is because they don’t do STR. It’s worthwhile to have a look around at other options. You could do a google for “monthly rentals in Kent” and I’d also have a look at sublets. Just some ideas!
As a highly experienced host I’m sure you’ve already advised your friend to look for Instant Book listing . And to provide an introduction as to why he had chosen the listing and wants a one month booking.
And of course to use the search function to tick the option for pet friendly listings
Many hosts may not want a one month booking if it’s in peak season . @mattbee
The reasons that the hosts gave for not accepting seem legit to me.
I wouldn’t have one party of guests for a month. (For the reason given by @HostAirbnbVRBO above - they get tenancy rights).
I love dogs but wouldn’t accept them because it’s against our HOA rules.
My availability is anytime-I’m-not-booked but other hosts might not want to accept bookings more than a few months away in case things change in their personal lives.
There’s no sneaky way around it. They just need to find a place that’s a good fit.
