Anonymous wrote:OP here. Got an automated email about details for stay and it says contact host for check in details. I asked that we communicate through the app as recommended and he only said OK, after initial notes that said he wanted a call. I’m definitely getting bad vibes at this point. I worry about flagging him - is that going to get me a bad review? He hasn’t done anything wrong, except insist on this phone call. I also have 12 5 star reviews so if he wants to see that “I’m not a total jackass who will trash the house” then use the system he participates in. People saying “but it’s his house” - yes that’s exactly how Airbnb or any rental works. So if you want to engage in something then platform recommends against, and insist on a call when all this could and should be done on platform where there’s a record and where I don’t have to take notes as it’s all conveniently there in the app, maybe being a host is not for you!? I’ve never once had any issues with Airbnb. I’ve used that and VRBO. this is a first.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just rented two properties and both hosts wanted a bit of contact with me - one sent a few messages on platfom asking questions and the other asked for a quick call. I think they just wanted to make sure I wasn't someone who would trash their place (and that isn't code for "black"). Honestly, I spent less than 5 minutes total time and it was no big deal.

Anonymous wrote:How many of you who have no problem and think he just wants to find "a normal person" or "someone who wouldn't trash their place" or "you're not a jackass" are minorities?

It's rather condescending and arrogant to assume that when you are a "normal" white person, that someone who is a "normal" minority was not being singled out or discriminated against just because you were not. The number of white people who will disparage minorities for trying to protect themselves from racial discrimination is just mind boggling.

Anonymous wrote:I've rented dozens of times through VRBO and AirBNB and occasionally - I'd say fewer than 10 times - the landlord has wanted to talk to me on the phone. And each time they've been either older and more used to phone calls and/or the place is more expensive/upscale and they're just trying to make sure I'm not a jackass.

I've never thought anything of it.

Anonymous wrote:I just rented two properties and both hosts wanted a bit of contact with me - one sent a few messages on platfom asking questions and the other asked for a quick call. I think they just wanted to make sure I wasn't someone who would trash their place (and that isn't code for "black"). Honestly, I spent less than 5 minutes total time and it was no big deal.

Anonymous wrote:I stayed at a place last summer and the host requested a phone call. It was totally just chit-chat and I'm positive he only wanted to make sure I was a normal person.

Anonymous wrote:New poster. Haven’t read all of the replies.

We rented an Airbnb in a small town last year for a weekend getaway.

The owner was older (generation gap) and lived in that same small town—everyone knows everyone and is super friendly.

After we booked he asked for a phone call. Seemed odd but I figured it was no big deal. We chatted and it was no big deal. He was just super friendly and outgoing and preferred to inform us of a couple of pieces of information by phone.

If the reviews are good and there are no other red flags, I’d chalk this up to any number of random factors and just have the call and not freak out about it.

I mean, you took the time to post on dcum, so, you’re not so impossibly pressed for time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like he’s screening by voice to make sure you’re not Black.



Signed, a Black Person.

Ugh. This wouldn't have occurred to me. Thanks for this bit of enlightenment.

--White Person

Anonymous wrote:It sounds super weird to me. There are two possibilities that come to mind:

1. He wants to cancel the booking and have you pay him directly so he doesn't have to pay fees to Airbnb

2. He is super weird and picky about how people use the Airbnb and will be a general nightmare to deal with.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Got an automated email about details for stay and it says contact host for check in details. I asked that we communicate through the app as recommended and he only said OK, after initial notes that said he wanted a call. I’m definitely getting bad vibes at this point. I worry about flagging him - is that going to get me a bad review? He hasn’t done anything wrong, except insist on this phone call. I also have 12 5 star reviews so if he wants to see that “I’m not a total jackass who will trash the house” then use the system he participates in. People saying “but it’s his house” - yes that’s exactly how Airbnb or any rental works. So if you want to engage in something then platform recommends against, and insist on a call when all this could and should be done on platform where there’s a record and where I don’t have to take notes as it’s all conveniently there in the app, maybe being a host is not for you!? I’ve never once had any issues with Airbnb. I’ve used that and VRBO. this is a first.

If you are this uncomfortable, just cancel your booking.

Anonymous wrote:It sounds super weird to me. There are two possibilities that come to mind:

1. He wants to cancel the booking and have you pay him directly so he doesn't have to pay fees to Airbnb

2. He is super weird and picky about how people use the Airbnb and will be a general nightmare to deal with.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Got an automated email about details for stay and it says contact host for check in details. I asked that we communicate through the app as recommended and he only said OK, after initial notes that said he wanted a call. I’m definitely getting bad vibes at this point. I worry about flagging him - is that going to get me a bad review? He hasn’t done anything wrong, except insist on this phone call. I also have 12 5 star reviews so if he wants to see that “I’m not a total jackass who will trash the house” then use the system he participates in. People saying “but it’s his house” - yes that’s exactly how Airbnb or any rental works. So if you want to engage in something then platform recommends against, and insist on a call when all this could and should be done on platform where there’s a record and where I don’t have to take notes as it’s all conveniently there in the app, maybe being a host is not for you!? I’ve never once had any issues with Airbnb. I’ve used that and VRBO. this is a first.

Anonymous wrote:You can’t have the space and price of a private rental and the impersonal nature of a hotel. Pick one.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Got an automated email about details for stay and it says contact host for check in details. I asked that we communicate through the app as recommended and he only said OK, after initial notes that said he wanted a call. I’m definitely getting bad vibes at this point. I worry about flagging him - is that going to get me a bad review? He hasn’t done anything wrong, except insist on this phone call. I also have 12 5 star reviews so if he wants to see that “I’m not a total jackass who will trash the house” then use the system he participates in. People saying “but it’s his house” - yes that’s exactly how Airbnb or any rental works. So if you want to engage in something then platform recommends against, and insist on a call when all this could and should be done on platform where there’s a record and where I don’t have to take notes as it’s all conveniently there in the app, maybe being a host is not for you!? I’ve never once had any issues with Airbnb. I’ve used that and VRBO. this is a first.