Dear Tammy: What do you think of referring clients to, or helping them to book with, Airbnb?
Tammy: Oh, that's a loaded question, but you asked.
A few months ago, I answered an agent's question and I told them "don't sweat it." I wrote, "How is it possible for Airbnb to vet out and screen over four million properties that they sell or do a complete screening of the renter rather than the property owner?"
Just recently, I went on the air on ABC-TV's morning blend with Steve Lassman from Villas of Distinction and addressed the same thing. Airbnb is not vetted and therefore cannot be guaranteed as completely safe. Just Google them and you will find hundreds of stories of pedophiles, rapes and hidden cameras.
On September 29, 56-year-old Wayne Natt was arrested and accused of installing cameras and microphones in fire alarms, then recording at least one couple without their knowledge. I'm not surprised.
When you were a child, your parents used to tell you not to go to the homes of strangers. Don't talk to strangers. And yet, Airbnb has provided the opportunity for you to stay at the homes of strangers you know nothing about.
Your clients are at risk.
If you put your clients in an Airbnb, you are at risk.
Our job is to provide safe and secure accommodations for our clients. In many cases, we've vetted these accommodations ourselves by traveling to them and checking them out to the best of our ability. I personally would never resell an online product or Airbnb.
Instead, I would provide my clients with accommodations that keep them safe and secure and that provide assistance if something should go wrong. For me, I want to make sure that I have covered my agency from any potential liability as well.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Legitimate Bed & Breakfasts Versus Airbnb[/READMORE]
Would you want your client to be put in a situation where they are being watched or recorded without their knowledge?
This is wrong and, let me repeat, Airbnb does not vet the homes on their list. It's impossible. Don't put your clients, yourself or your business at risk.
Find other accommodations for them and ignore Airbnb.
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