New host .. long term stay request

dhuey · 04-05-2025, 08:26 PM

Hi. New to hosting and this forum. Looking to get some advice. I went live with my listing last week and I've just received an inquiry for a 3 month stay. Naturally as a newbie, such a stay is both exciting and terrifying. The message received seems to be that they're relocating from another state due to a job change and need a place to stay for a few months. They've asked if they can visit the property and meet me first – new account, no picture.

Am I overthinking a good thing or was I naive to not set a max start limit when just starting out? I am in Arizona if that matters (we have decent laws against squatting)

Would love to hear the opinions of people who may have come across this.

giblet · 04-05-2025, 08:33 PM

Make sure you understand your state's tenancy laws. As a new host I suggest that you start with shorter term guests until you get experience hosting. Are you local and do you self manage? Or would it be a hassle if this person is there for three months and has an issue every other week? There is much to learn, you'll be changing your policies, rules, descriptions and so much more when you first start out.

Agence33 · 04-06-2025, 05:02 PM

I had a 10 week stay this past summer. It was a couple who were relocated for summer months only for work. I offer a 25% discount for month long stays. I’m not familiar with your laws in AZ but I highly recommend having them sign a rental agreement to avoid any squatters and tenancy laws as well as verify their ID yourself. It shouldn’t cost too much to have a lawyer look it over or create a template you can use. I would require weekly/biweekly cleanings so you can keep an eye on your property. Probably not a scam and a GREAT opportunity to make money. Just cover yourself!!

ajax777 · 04-10-2025, 01:49 PM

For any long term stays we also run our own background check and ask for a separate lease clause to be filled signed. Such things may not matter in the end if you are in a place that is not "favorable" to landlords and homeowners, but where we live our county can get a proper eviction completed in a week's time.