As a short-term rental host, understanding how Airbnb vets guests is crucial to ensuring a safe, secure, and enjoyable experience for both you and your visitors.
At 10XBNB, we’ve spent years mastering the art of rental arbitrage and optimizing Airbnb stays for hosts, and we’re here to break down Airbnb’s vetting process, share unique insights, and provide actionable tips to enhance your guest screening efforts.
Whether you’re a seasoned Airbnb host or just starting out, this Airbnb Tips guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently manage your property and vet guests effectively.
What Is Airbnb Guest Screening?
Airbnb guest screening is the process the platform uses to evaluate potential guests before they can book a property.
This screening process is designed to protect hosts from problem guests, minimize risks like property damage, and foster a trustworthy community of hosts and guests.
Airbnb takes this responsibility seriously, employing a mix of automated tools, manual reviews, and host input to ensure safety and reliability.
Guest screening isn’t just an Airbnb feature—it’s a mindset hosts should adopt too.
While Airbnb does the heavy lifting with background checks and identity verification, you, as an Airbnb host, play a pivotal role in deciding who stays at your property.
How Airbnb Vets Guests: The Core Process
So, how does Airbnb vet guests?
The platform uses a multi-layered approach to screen Airbnb guests before they can submit a booking request or secure an instant booking.
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:
1. Identity Verification
Airbnb requires guests to provide official identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to become verified guests.
This step ensures that the person booking is who they claim to be. A clear photo is often requested alongside this verified ID to match the guest’s profile.
2. Background Checks
Airbnb performs background checks on potential guests, pulling data from public records to identify criminal records or other red flags.
These thorough background checks typically occur within 10 days of a reservation—or sometimes later for last-minute bookings.
The process includes screening for felonies, sex offender status, and other serious offenses, though minor infractions may not necessarily disqualify a guest.
3. Payment Details and Contact Information
To book an Airbnb stay, guests must provide valid payment details and contact details, such as an email address and phone number.
This not only secures the reservation but also ties the booking to a traceable individual, adding an extra layer of accountability.
4. Reviews from Other Hosts
Airbnb leverages its review system to let hosts rate their experiences with guests. These reviews are visible on guest profiles, giving you insight into how previous hosts found their behavior.
Positive reviews can signal great guests, while a lack of reviews or negative feedback might raise red flags.
5. Social Media Integration
While not mandatory, Airbnb encourages guests to link their social media accounts (like Facebook or LinkedIn) to their profiles.
This optional step adds credibility and helps hosts gauge the authenticity of potential guests.
Does Airbnb Vet Their Hosts Too?
Yes, Airbnb vets hosts as well as guests. The platform requires hosts to submit official identification and undergo background checks similar to those for guests.
This dual vetting process ensures that both parties—hosts and guests—are held to a standard of accountability.
At 10XBNB, we recommend new hosts take advantage of this verification to build trust with potential guests right from the start. For more on optimizing your hosting game, check out our Airbnb Tips.
The Role of Instant Booking vs. Booking Requests
Airbnb offers two primary booking methods: instant booking and booking requests.
Each impacts how you vet guests.
- Instant Booking: Guests can book your property instantly if they meet Airbnb’s screening criteria. While this speeds up the booking process, it limits your ability to manually screen Airbnb guests before accepting bookings. Airbnb takes the lead here, relying on its vetting process to filter out bad guests.
- Booking Requests: With this option, potential guests submit a request, giving you time to review their profile, check reviews, and ask questions before approving. This hands-on approach is ideal for hosts who want more control over guest screening.
At 10XBNB, we often advise hosts to start with booking requests until they’re comfortable with their house rules and screening process.
It’s a time-consuming step but can save money and headaches by avoiding problem guests.
Can You Deny an Airbnb Guest for a Service Animal?
A common question we get at 10XBNB is whether you can deny an Airbnb guest with a service animal.
The short answer: No, you generally cannot. Airbnb’s nondiscrimination policy aligns with U.S. federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits denying guests based on service animals (not to be confused with emotional support animals).
Service animals are legally protected, and Airbnb expects hosts to accommodate them unless there’s a documented health or safety risk (e.g., severe allergies).
However, you can set clear house rules about pet-related expectations—like no animals on furniture—and communicate these upfront in your listing.
For a solid framework, download our Airbnb House Rules Template to keep hosts and guests on the same page.
What Are Red Flags for Airbnb Guests?
Spotting red flags is a critical part of the screening process.
Here are some warning signs to watch for when you vet guests:
- Incomplete Profiles: A guest with no photo, verified ID, or reviews from other hosts might be hiding something.
- Vague Communication: If a potential guest dodges questions about their trip purpose or number of guests, it could signal trouble—like lying about guest counts (see our post on Airbnb Guest Number Lying).
- Last-Minute Bookings: While not always a problem, rushed bookings can indicate impulsive or risky behavior.
- Discount Requests: Excessive haggling over price or security deposits might suggest a guest who won’t respect your property. Learn more in our guide on Discount Requests on Airbnb.
- Negative Reviews: Past feedback mentioning property damage, breaking house rules, or poor communication is a major red flag.
What Percentage of Airbnb Guests Travel with Pets?
While Airbnb doesn’t publish exact figures, industry estimates suggest that 10-20% of Airbnb guests travel with pets, including service animals and regular companions.
This varies by property type and location—urban listings might see fewer pets than rural ones.
At 10XBNB, we’ve found that hosts who clarify their pet policies in the listing (and require guests to disclose pets) have fewer surprises at check-in.
Enhancing Airbnb Guest Screening as a Host
While Airbnb’s vetting process is robust, it’s not foolproof. Here’s how you can take guest screening to the next level:
1. Set a Security Deposit
Requiring a security deposit discourages bad guests and provides a financial buffer against property damage. Airbnb allows you to set this in your listing settings—use it wisely.
2. Ask Screening Questions
For booking requests, message potential guests to learn more. Ask about their trip purpose, who’s traveling with them, and if they’ve read your house rules. This builds rapport and reveals their intentions.
3. Check Reviews Thoroughly
Dig into reviews from previous hosts. Look for patterns—did the guest respect check-in times? Were they clean? Did they follow house rules?
4. Use a Guest Agreement
A custom agreement can reinforce your expectations. Our Airbnb Guest Agreement Template at 10XBNB is a great starting point to outline rules and consequences.
5. Leverage Third-Party Tools
Services like Autohost or Superhog offer advanced screening, cross-referencing social media, criminal records, and more. They complement Airbnb’s background checks for added peace of mind.
The Airbnb Vetting Process: Behind the Scenes
Airbnb’s screening process isn’t just about background checks—it’s a dynamic system.
The platform uses machine learning to flag risky bookings based on factors like booking patterns, guest history, and even social media activity.
If a guest’s profile raises concerns, Airbnb may delay or deny their booking request, though the exact criteria remain proprietary.
For hosts, this means trusting Airbnb’s process while staying proactive.
If a guest slips through with a criminal record or history of property damage, you’re not defenseless—Airbnb’s Host Guarantee can cover damages, and our guide on Short-Term Rental Evictions offers steps to handle worst-case scenarios.
Pros and Cons of Airbnb’s Guest Screening
Pros
- Safety First: Background checks and verified IDs reduce risks for hosts and guests.
- Time-Saving: Automated screening handles the bulk of the vetting, freeing you to focus on hosting.
- Community Trust: Reviews and verification build a reliable ecosystem.
Cons
- Limited Control: Instant booking reduces your ability to vet guests manually.
- Not Perfect: Some bad guests still slip through, requiring host vigilance.
- Privacy Concerns: Guests may feel uncomfortable sharing social media or detailed contact details.
Unique Insights from 10XBNB
At 10XBNB, we’ve seen how Airbnb’s vetting process evolves with the short-term rental market. One underutilized tip? Use your listing description to subtly filter guests. Mentioning “ideal for quiet retreats” or “not suitable for parties” can deter problem guests before they book. Pair this with a thoughtful gift for great guests—check out our Gift Airbnb Hosts ideas—to encourage positive behavior.
Another insight: Airbnb doesn’t screen for sexual orientation, date of birth beyond ID verification, or minor quirks that might matter to you. That’s where your intuition as an Airbnb host comes in—trust your gut if something feels off.
External Resource
For a deeper dive into Airbnb’s safety measures, check out Airbnb’s Help Center on Background Checks. It’s a solid complement to this guide.
Final Thoughts
Airbnb’s vetting process is a powerful tool for hosts, blending background checks, reviews, and verification to screen Airbnb guests effectively. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution—your role in accepting bookings, setting house rules, and spotting red flags is just as vital.
At 10XBNB, we empower hosts to take control of their properties and maximize their business potential. By combining Airbnb’s screening with your own strategies, you’ll attract verified guests who respect your space and leave glowing reviews.
Ready to refine your hosting approach? Explore more expert advice at 10XBNB and elevate your Airbnb game today.
