Should I have STR guests (via Airbnb) complete a rental application

[Kayla D.]

Hey y’all! 

Since listing my basement unit on Airbnb for stays 32+ days, I’ve gotten a few hits. Some of the leads have seemed very scammy - imagine someone willing to pay $22,000 for six months? Not me! But it’s happened - I ultimately deemed it not a good fit because the message exchange got weird. 

I have another request now from a mother/daughter duo that’s looking for a 3-6 month stay while they house hunt. So far, the only red flag is the cat they’d like to bring (and I don’t really allow pets), but it’s the mothers emotional support animal. They also have a move in date of 3/19 - this weekend, seems kind short notice for such an expensive stay ($15k) - so maybe another red flag. But, they want to bring furniture - and that’ll cut down my furniture rental costs. 

Saying all of that to ask… should I be putting these people through my regular application process? I know Airbnb does background checks and what not - but do they verify one’s ability to pay beyond entering a 16 digit card number?  This would also be my first time hosting my owned unit and I’m not even really sure how payments work. $15k is a lot to just charge at once to ones CC and I’d like some assurance knowing who they are beyond their relatively slim Airbnb profile. Member since 2013, but only 1 stay in DC last year that yielded a 5* review, and loves to rollerblade. 

Does Airbnb allow you to do that? You can’t even paste a link or phone number in the messaging. 

Thanks in advance!

[Nathan Gesner]

MTR is not a real thing and only serves to confuse people.

If you are renting for more than 30 days, it is legally considered a long-term rental and you should follow long-term rental practices. They should fill out an application and pass your screening. Collect a deposit. Use a written lease agreement. Treat it like you would a long-term lease because that is exactly what it is. Whether you include utilities and furnishings with the rent does not change anything and it certainly doesn't create a new situation that justifies a new term.