I’m new to HE and potentially have my first guest coming over. However, they have asked me if it would be okay if they stay for 2 nights, then stay with a friend for 3 days and come back to my place again for 2 nights. They only want to give me GPs for the days they will use my house. I’m not at home myself, so a friend is helping out with the keys. I cannot ask my friend to arrange a key exchange 4 times in one week. But I feel uncomfortable with the guests keeping my keys when they are staying with their friends. Because how do I know for sure they are actually staying with their friends and not use my house (and not give me any GPs for it)?
Many members go away for a few days when they are on an exchange. It’s even possible to have one main exchange and go to another exchange for a few days in between. However they give points to their main exchange for the whole period.
You can tell them that you don’t agree as you can’t arrange for another family to come whilst they’re away so you’d be losing days.
I’m spending 4 weeks in New York next September, but I’ve planned side trips to Washington, Philadelphia, and Boston. Of course, it would never occur to me to ask the host family in NYC to discount the days I won’t be staying at their place — it’s not their problem if I decide to take short trips elsewhere while I’m there.
If it suits you and you get along with the family, you could offer to host them for just one of the two periods, and they can find another place for the rest. That way, your home becomes available again as soon as they leave.
I would just say no. It is hard enough to get someone to say yes to one two day stay but saying yes to two two day stays is a lot. They are basically tying the house up for the entire time but not wanting to give you the points for that. Maybe just find someone willing to take a longer stay unless you are in a difficult place to find exchangers.
Welcome to the Forum, and thank you for reaching out for advice. I think you already have your answer from others, but personally I would not agree to this - unless I was very keen for points and found it hard to find guests. It is quite normal for guests to stay for say a week or two, but spend a few days elsewhere during their trip. Which if you have no pets would probably be ok. However the guest would usually give guest points for the entire period.
It’s totally reasonable to feel uneasy here. Many hosts, myself included, expect GuestPoints for the full period the home is booked—even if the guest steps away for a few days. It’s about fairness and making sure the home isn’t tied up without proper exchange.
If you’re uncomfortable with them holding the keys or managing multiple handovers, it’s okay to politely decline or ask for GPs to cover the full stay. Trust your instincts—if it doesn’t feel right, you’re under no obligation to agree.