Does VRBO Do Background Checks on Guests?

If you’re a vacation rental host or diving into rental arbitrage, one question looms large: Does Vrbo do background checks on guests?

Security is the backbone of any successful short-term rental business, and understanding Vrbo’s guest screening process is critical to protecting your property and ensuring peace of mind. Background checks are essential to protect yourself from bad guests who can damage your property, reputation, investment, and relationship with the local community.

At 10XBNB, we empower hosts to maximize profits while minimizing risks, and that starts with knowing exactly what platforms like Vrbo do—and don’t do—when it comes to guest verification.

This Airbnb Business page breaks down Vrbo’s background check process, its limitations, and how you can take control to safeguard your vacation rental.

What Are Vrbo Background Checks?

Vrbo conducts limited background checks on guests, primarily focusing on identity verification. When a guest books a property, Vrbo’s verification process collects basic personal information, such as their name, email address, phone number, and sometimes a physical address.

This is designed to confirm that the guest is a real person, but it’s far from a comprehensive guest screening system. Unlike what many hosts hope for, Vrbo’s background checks don’t dig into criminal history, financial stability, or other critical factors that could indicate a guest’s reliability.

Background checks on Guests

The process is optional for guests in many cases, meaning some can book without even verifying their identity.

This leaves hosts vulnerable to potential risks, like property damage or fraudulent bookings. If you’re wondering, “Does Vrbo do background checks like Airbnb?” the answer is no—Vrbo’s approach is less stringent, and it places more responsibility on hosts to screen guests effectively.

How Does Vrbo Verify Guest Identity?

Vrbo’s identity verification process is straightforward but limited. Guests are typically asked to provide their name, and in some cases, additional details like a date of birth or physical address.

However, guests need only provide their name for verification, and other details are optional, resulting in incomplete checks.

The ID Verification

Vrbo does not require guests to submit a photo ID for booking, which weakens the system’s ability to detect fake IDs or confirm a guest’s legal identity.

Some guests may earn a verified identity badge if they complete the process, but this badge only confirms basic details—not a clean criminal record or trustworthy behavior.

The lack of mandatory ID verification means guests can bypass Vrbo’s checks entirely. For example, a guest could book a property using minimal personal information, leaving hosts with little to no assurance about who’s staying in their vacation rental.

This gap in Vrbo’s background checks is a critical issue for property managers aiming to minimize risk.

Does Vrbo Check for Criminal History?

One of the biggest concerns for hosts is whether Vrbo does background checks to uncover a guest’s criminal history.

The answer is clear: Vrbo does not check for criminal records, sex offender status, or any other red flags that could indicate a risky guest.

This is a significant limitation, as even guests with a verified identity could have a problematic past that goes undetected.

Red Flags

For hosts, this means relying solely on Vrbo’s background checks is a gamble. Without access to criminal history, you’re left in the dark about potential threats to your property or other guests.

This is where platforms like 10XBNB shine—our program teaches hosts how to implement robust guest screening processes that go beyond Vrbo’s basic verification, ensuring you have the tools to protect your short-term rental business.

Can Felons Rent on Vrbo?

Since Vrbo does background checks that don’t include criminal history, felons can indeed rent on Vrbo. The platform’s verification process doesn’t screen for criminal records, so guests with a felony conviction can book properties without issue, as long as they provide the required personal information.

This lack of scrutiny underscores the importance of hosts taking additional steps to screen guests, especially for high-value vacation rentals where property damage or security risks are a concern.

Pro Tip: Always require guests to agree to your house rules and a detailed rental agreement before confirming a booking. This can help set clear expectations and provide legal recourse if issues arise. Learn more about crafting airtight rental agreements in our blog post on How to Protect Your Vacation Rental from Problematic Guests.

Does Vrbo Check Financial Stability?

Another key question is whether Vrbo’s background checks assess a guest’s financial stability. The answer is no—Vrbo does not inquire into a guest’s credit history, income, or ability to cover potential damages. This is a critical oversight, as financial instability could lead to issues like unpaid bookings or intentional property damage.

For hosts, this means you can’t rely on Vrbo to ensure guests are financially responsible. Instead, consider using third-party screening tools to evaluate a guest’s background. Many guest screening tools use algorithms to analyze potential guests’ information and credit card history to identify risky guests.

These tools can provide insights into a guest’s financial history, giving you greater peace of mind when accepting bookings.

How Does Vrbo Compare to Airbnb’s Background Checks?

If you’re asking, “Does Vrbo do background checks like Airbnb?” you’re not alone. While both platforms prioritize guest verification, Airbnb’s process is slightly more robust.

Airbnb conducts background checks on certain U.S. hosts and guests, which may include criminal history searches in some cases. However, like Vrbo, Airbnb’s checks are not foolproof and don’t cover all guests or regions.

Vrbo’s background checks are less comprehensive, focusing solely on identity verification without delving into criminal or financial backgrounds. This makes Vrbo riskier for hosts who don’t implement their own screening processes. For a deeper comparison, check out our blog post on Airbnb vs. Vrbo: Which Platform Is Better for Hosts?.

Does Airbnb Do Background Checks on Hosts?

While this article focuses on Vrbo’s background checks for guests, it’s worth addressing a related question: Does Airbnb do background checks on hosts? Yes, Airbnb runs background checks on some hosts, particularly in the U.S., which may include criminal history and sex offender registry checks.

However, these checks are not universal and don’t apply to all hosts or regions. Vrbo, on the other hand, does not conduct background checks on hosts, leaving it up to property managers to ensure their own credibility.

Limitations of Vrbo’s Background Checks

The biggest issue with Vrbo’s background checks is their lack of depth. Here are the key limitations every host should know:

• No Criminal History Checks: Vrbo doesn’t screen for criminal records or sex offender status, leaving hosts exposed to potential risks.
• Optional Verification: Guests can book without completing the verification process, meaning some bookings have minimal vetting.
• No Financial Screening: Vrbo doesn’t assess a guest’s ability to cover damages, increasing the risk of financial loss.
• Limited ID Verification: Without mandatory photo ID, Vrbo’s system can’t reliably detect fake IDs or confirm legal identities.
• No Protection Against Damage: Even verified guests can cause property damage, as Vrbo’s checks don’t predict behavior.

These gaps make it clear that Vrbo’s background checks are not enough to provide full protection. Hosts must take proactive steps to screen guests and secure their properties.

Why Vrbo’s Background Checks Don’t Prevent Property Damage

One of the most frustrating realities for hosts is that Vrbo’s background checks don’t prevent property damage.

Even guests with a verified identity badge can violate house rules, throw unauthorized parties, or cause costly damage. Since Vrbo doesn’t screen for behavioral red flags or financial stability, there’s no guarantee that a verified guest is trustworthy.

This is where hosts need to step up. By implementing your own guest screening process, you can identify potential risks before they become problems. Property managers can use guest screening services to automate thorough checks without significant manual effort.

For example, requiring a signed rental agreement or using third-party screening tools can help you verify guest backgrounds more thoroughly.

Automated guest screening tools can provide comprehensive data-driven services that exceed basic ID verification, offering a more reliable way to assess potential guests.

How Hosts Can Enhance Guest Screening

Since Vrbo does background checks that fall short, hosts must take control of their own screening processes.

Here are actionable steps to protect your vacation rental:

1. Require Detailed Personal Information: Ask guests to provide their full name, date of birth, physical address, and phone number before confirming a booking.
2. Use Third-Party Screening Tools: Platforms like Superhog or Autohost offer comprehensive guest screening, including criminal history and financial checks.
3. Check Social Media Profiles: A quick search of a guest’s social media can reveal red flags, like a history of party behavior.
4. Enforce House Rules: Clearly outline your house rules in the rental agreement and ensure guests agree to them before booking.
5. Communicate Directly: Speak with guests via phone or video call to gauge their intentions and verify their identity.

By combining these strategies, you can create a robust screening process that goes beyond Vrbo’s background checks. For tips on how to add a co-host on VRBO, read our blog post on Top 5 Guest Screening Tools for Vacation Rental Hosts.

Screen Guests Pro Tip:

Always verify a guest’s phone number and email address through direct communication. This simple step can help detect fake IDs and ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate guest. Communicating directly with guests to confirm their identity and trip details is a recommended practice for effective guest screening.

The Role of Local Laws and Privacy Regulations

When implementing your own guest screening process, be mindful of local laws and privacy regulations.

Some regions have strict privacy laws that limit how much personal information you can collect or how you can use third-party screening tools.

For example, asking for a guest’s date of birth or running a criminal background check may require their explicit consent.

To stay compliant, research the local laws in your area and include a clause in your rental agreement that outlines your screening process.

This ensures guests understand and agree to your verification methods, reducing legal risks.

Why Rental Arbitrage Hosts Need Strong Screening

If you’re running a rental arbitrage business—leasing properties to list as short-term rentals—guest screening is even more critical.

Since you don’t own the property, any damage or violation of house rules could jeopardize your lease agreement with the landlord. Listing properties on major booking channels increases your risk of being scammed or suffering costly property damage. Relying on Vrbo’s background checks is simply not an option for arbitrage hosts who want to scale their business safely.

At 10XBNB, we teach rental arbitrage hosts how to implement ironclad screening processes that protect both their properties and their profits.

Our program shows you how to use advanced tools, negotiate with landlords, and build a thriving vacation rental business without the headaches of problematic guests. Ready to 10X your rental income?

Join the 10XBNB program today at 10xbnb.com.

How to Handle Risky Bookings

Even with a strong screening process, some bookings may still raise red flags.

If a guest refuses to provide personal information, has an incomplete profile, or requests a last-minute booking for a large party, proceed with caution. Identifying booking red flags, such as last-minute bookings or mismatched credit card information, can help screen guests effectively.

Here’s how to handle risky bookings:

• Decline Suspicious Requests: If a guest’s behavior seems off, politely decline the booking and report it to Vrbo.
• Require a Security Deposit: Ask for a refundable deposit to cover potential damages, which can deter problematic guests.
• Monitor Guest Behavior: Use smart home devices like noise monitors to detect unauthorized parties and ensure compliance with house rules. Outdoor cameras are great for monitoring who’s coming and going at your property. Using outdoor cameras and noise monitors can help hosts monitor guest activity without violating privacy laws.

By staying proactive, you can minimize the risks associated with Vrbo’s limited background checks.

The Bottom Line on Vrbo Background Checks

So, does Vrbo do background checks? Yes, but they’re bare-bones at best. Vrbo’s verification process focuses on basic identity checks, leaving out critical details like criminal history, financial stability, or behavioral red flags. Vrbo background checks include verifying email and payment details but are not comprehensive.

For hosts, this means you can’t rely on Vrbo to keep your vacation rental safe.

Instead, take charge by implementing your own guest screening process, using third-party tools, and enforcing strict house rules.

At 10XBNB, we’re all about empowering hosts to build wealth through short-term rentals without the stress.

Our proven strategies help you screen guests like a pro, protect your properties, and scale your business to new heights.

Don’t leave your vacation rental’s security to chance—join the 10XBNB program today and start dominating the rental market. Visit 10xbnb.com to learn how to 10X your success!