I have hosted a lot of people since 2010. Most of my guests are great. A few I would not invite back.
There is a fine line between good judgment and discrimination. Even as a long time host I feel I have been discriminated against when traveling. I usually make it my first business to say I am a host.
60 Minutes aired a segment on airbnb today (6/5/2016) and the subject of racial discrimination came up. Some were saying their booking requests are always rejected. I myself have declined quite a few inquiries but from all types of people not just one group. And I have my reasons which are totally justified (in my opinion).
I have a lovely house. But the rest of the neighborhood is sometimes as a past guest put it, sketchy. Some potential guests have written that they have friends and relatives in my neighborhood and are coming for a visit and need a place to stay. That raises a flag for me. Yes I make the assumption that if they are friends or relatives of any of my neighbors then I certainly don't want them in my house. That's my right.
I also steer clear of people whose profiles show they already live in my town. They are obviously not on vacation so why are they trying to book a room? One person told me right out that he was between apartments and needed a place to stay until he finds a new place. Sorry but no thank you. You can run the risk of being stuck with a squatter who will never leave.
Others have been rather obvious about their agenda:
-young kids looking for a place with their boyfriend or girlfriend - NO
-"film makers" looking for a place to shoot a movie scene - NO
-someone looking to have a party and invite lots of people - NO, NO, and NO again
If we were running hotels it could be flat out discrimination. But as your own home, you certainly have every right to use your own judgment before allowing a STRANGER to have a key to your house.
I prefer to accept all requests. But some people are just shady. They either don't want to fulfill the verification process, or they post a picture that is not them, or some other thing that makes you suspicious.
I also have been berated, insulted, cursed at through the message inbox by someone that I would not accept at the last minute. My profile is clear that I can't do same-day requests but many don't read. They just search their dates and request. I believe airbnb jumped in and restricted that person from using the site ever again.
I know it's a lot but this is apparently a serious subject. Chime in.