How to Properly Vet Airbnb Guests 🚩

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One of our top priorities as Airbnb host are ensuring the safety and security of our properties and the comfort of our guests. While most guests are respectful and responsible, it’s essential to have a vetting process in place to minimize the risk of problematic stays. Properly vetting our Airbnb guests can help us avoid issues like property damage, disturbances, or conflicts, leading to a smoother experience (for both)

Review Guest Profiles and Reviews

One of the most straightforward ways to vet potential guests is by carefully reviewing their Airbnb profile and reading reviews from other hosts. This can give you valuable insight into their behavior, communication style, and overall reliability.

What to Look For:

• Complete Profiles: A well-detailed profile with a clear photo (of their face - not their pet bunny), bio, and verified ID shows that the guest is usually serious about using Airbnb responsibly.

• Positive Reviews: Check the reviews left by other hosts. Pay attention to consistent positive feedback, particularly regarding cleanliness, communication, and adherence to house rules.

• Red Flags: Be cautious of guests with incomplete profiles, multiple negative reviews, or those who are new to the platform without any reviews. While everyone has to start somewhere, it’s worth proceeding with caution or asking additional questions in these cases.

Let’s breakdown This Guest Profile Together👇

1. Profile Picture (not shown for privacy) was a clear selfie of the guest ✅

2. 5 star rating with multiple reviews ✅

3. Identity verified by Airbnb ✅

4. Has been on Airbnb for 6 years ✅ (a red flag would be if they just joined in 2024)

5. Lives out of state ✅ (any same city bookings are usually no good)

6. This is a booking request that I would accept ✅

Communicate Directly with Guests

Direct communication with potential guests is key to understanding their intentions and setting expectations.

Steps to Take:

• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the purpose of their stay, who they’ll be traveling with, and any special requests they might have.

• Clarify House Rules: Use the opportunity to reiterate key house rules and see how they respond. Guests who are respectful and responsive are more likely to follow your rules during their stay.

• Red Flags: Be wary of guests who are vague, reluctant to answer questions, or seem dismissive of your house rules. Poor communication early on can be a sign of potential issues during the stay.

Set Clear Expectations in Your Listing

This is a proactive way to vet guests by making sure only those who are comfortable with your rules and guidelines proceed with booking. The more transparent you are about what you expect from your guests, the more likely you are to attract responsible visitors.

How to Do It:

• Detail Your House Rules: Include comprehensive house rules in your listing, covering topics like smoking, pets, noise levels, and check-in/check-out procedures.

• Be Honest About the Space: Clearly describe your property’s layout, amenities, and any quirks or limitations. Guests who have accurate expectations are less likely to be dissatisfied or cause issues.

• Mention Your Vetting Process: Let potential guests know that you take the vetting process seriously. This can deter those who might not be respectful of your property from making a booking.

Use Airbnb’s Security Features

Airbnb offers several features designed to help hosts vet guests and protect their property. Familiarizing yourself with these tools can give you additional peace of mind when accepting bookings.

Security Features to Use:

• Verified ID: Require guests to provide verified identification before booking. This adds an extra layer of security by confirming their identity.

• Pre-Booking Questions: Utilize Airbnb’s pre-booking questions feature to ask guests specific questions before they can confirm a booking.

• Security Deposits: Consider setting a security deposit for your property. This can deter potential troublemakers and provide a financial cushion in case of damages.

Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, despite all the tools and processes in place, your instincts can be your best guide when vetting potential guests. If something feels off or if a guest’s responses raise concerns, it’s okay to decline the booking.

Tips:

• Don’t Feel Pressured: You’re not obligated to accept every booking request. If a guest’s communication style or profile raises red flags, trust your gut and decline the booking.

• Maintain a Professional Tone: When declining a booking, do so politely and professionally. You can simply state that your property may not be the best fit for their needs.

Monitor Last-Minute Bookings Carefully

Last-minute bookings can be more difficult to vet due to the shorter timeframe. However, they can also be legitimate and lead to great guest experiences if handled carefully.

How to Approach Last-Minute Bookings:

• Ask the Right Questions: Even with a short lead time, make sure to ask key questions about the guest’s stay, purpose, and expectations.

• Evaluate the Urgency: Understand why the guest is booking last-minute. Common reasons include sudden travel changes or unexpected work assignments, which can be valid.

Vetting your Airbnb guests is an essential part of hosting that helps protect your property and ensures a positive experience for everyone involved. Remember, it’s your space, and it’s important to feel confident about the guests you welcome into it.

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Hailie ❤️