Guest Vetting Checklist: 8 Red Flags to Watch Out For

By Sara Alper

As tempting as it may be to take as many bookings as you can get, gatekeeping your property from problem guests is one of the best gifts you can give yourself as a host. By setting strict house rules and higher standards for your bookings – and then sticking to them – you’ll end up with better guests who are happier with and take good care of your property, better reviews, and more peace of mind.

Use this checklist to spot potential red flags in booking requests. If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, consider automatically denying the booking, or at least take a very close look to make sure it’s a booking you want to accept. Your future self will thank you for your diligence!

___ Are they missing a verified government ID?

“This one is so so important,” said John Hildebrand, AZRTR Community Captain and educator.  “I try to tell everyone never to accept a booking from a guest who is not fully verified.” 

___ Are they not recommended by other hosts?

My recommended rule: Only allow people with 5 star reviews and valid IDs to instant book. 

Tip: If you’re using Instant Book in your Airbnb listings, automatically filter out those who do not have government IDs or recommendations from other hosts in your listing settings.

Go to listings > Policies and Rules > Instant Book > Edit > Instant Book Guest Requirements > Government-issued ID required (on) > Host recommendation required (on)

Note: As the dashboard evolves, this setting may be hard to find. If you can’t find it, they have a lot of help articles and you can always call them at 415-800-5959.

___ Is this a last-minute booking request?

Particularly when this red flag comes along with another, such as subpar host reviews (see below), this is an automatic no.

___ Are they asking to bring more guests than my property can accommodate?

Occupancy limits are there for a reason. If a guest is asking to bring more than the stated number of guests that can be accommodated, this is a red flag for potential rule-skirting and additional exceptions requests. Try this response:

Hi {Name}, As much as we would love to host additional guests, we cannot exceed {X number of people} because of {regulated occupancy limits/zoning or building codes/insurance requirements/septic limitations}. {Alternative Property A} can host your additional guests or {Alternative Property B} nearby is available to accommodate your whole party together.

___ Are they requesting exceptions to your house rules or for amenities you do not offer?

Are they asking for anything special, such as to bring a pet to your non pet-friendly property, airbeds, or extended check-in or check-out times? Sometimes, if the request isn’t last-minute and they are bringing the appropriate number of people, I may make an exception. But, in most cases, these guests’ expectations would be better met at another property. Try these responses:

Hi {Name}, We don’t host dogs in this property, but check out {Pet-Friendly Accommodation} or {Pet Resort/Kennel} nearby.

Hi {Name}, We would love to be able to host your vacation a little longer, but our cleaners are on a tight schedule at {X time}, and cleanliness is of top importance to us for all of our guests. A great place nearby where you can store luggage and enjoy the area during your extra time is {cool local spot}.

Hi {Name}, Thank you for considering us as your hosts. We are unable to accommodate these requests and wouldn’t want you to have anything short of a wonderful stay here in [Location]. I recommend {Alternative Accommodation} instead. I am confident they will meet your needs!

___ Are they asking to have a party or gathering of guests who are not staying at the rental?

Because parties and other disruptive nuisances to neighbors can put STRs in the fast track to overregulation, this is an automatic no. Try this response:

Hi {Name}, That sounds like a fun trip. We don’t host parties or group events at our property, but take a look at {Event Venue} or {House That Welcomes Parties}. I think they could be a great fit for your gathering.

___ Do they have less than a 4.5 star rating?

Both Vrbo and Airbnb allow hosts to see guests’ review ratings prior to booking.

If someone has less than 5 stars or no stars because they are new, you will get an inquiry. If you get an inquiry from someone with 4.5 stars and it’s a last-minute booking, I decline the booking. If it’s not last minute, read their reviews. If anything in them is bad or concerning, decline the booking.

4 or less stars is ALWAYS a no. It doesn’t matter if the reviews are good, or if they sound nice, it is a no. This may sound harsh, but there is a reason the host left a bad star rating, even if they didn’t disclose the reason in the written part of the review. Often hosts are trying to be nice and don’t write what the guest did wrong – they just don’t give them 5 stars. 

If they have no ratings, as guests do when they are new to Airbnb or Vrbo, I usually do not accept the request. However, if they exhibit none of the other red flags, I may make an exception. You can also call the guest to get to know them and give them a heads up on how this works – that always helps. 

___ Are they rude?

This is broad, but you’ll know right away if something seems off.

What to do if you see a red flag after the booking has been made

If they have already booked and you think the guest may be hosting an unauthorized party, you can cancel penalty free by selecting “you think they may be planning a party” as your cancelation reason. Use this feature! The second guests start asking for the previously mentioned red flags – cancel. Also, if they are rude, discriminatory or make you uncomfortable at all, then cancel. 

I know there are a lot of no answers. However, I process hundreds of reservations each week and have learned the hard way multiple times. You’ll end up with better quality guests, better reviews, and fewer headaches by trusting your gut when it comes to these red flags.