Trust is the cornerstone of every host-guest relationship. For hosts, opening their homes to strangers on Airbnb and Vrbo can be unnerving, while guests equally crave the assurance of a safe, reliable stay.
Both platforms perform basic guest screening to help build confidence, but these screenings often have gaps that can leave hosts vulnerable to damage and other risks. Understanding these holes and exploring third-party solutions will improve safety and peace of mind. This guide will explore how to fill gaps in guest identity verification, third-party solutions, and how Short Turns Airbnb Management can help.
What is Guest Screening?
Guest screening is a necessary process for hosts to provide a safe experience for both parties. It involves evaluating potential guests through various checks, such as identity verification, reviews from previous stays, and sometimes even background checks. By doing so, hosts can make informed decisions about who stays in their properties.
Why is Guest Screening Important?
First and foremost, screening ensures safety for both guests and hosts by helping identify individuals who may pose a risk. This process fosters trust, making guests feel comfortable and hosts more confident in allowing strangers into their properties.
Security is another key point, as screening can help prevent theft, property damage, and other dangerous behaviors. Additionally, screening can deter risky activities such as hosting unauthorized parties or involvement with drugs – which can lead to big problems and potential legal issues.
Does Airbnb Do Background Checks?
The short answer is: kind of. Airbnb requires identity verification of guests and hosts as part of its commitment to safety. However, they don’t always conduct a full background check.
According to their Help Center, Airbnb requests:
Legal first and last names
Address
Date of birth
A photo of a government-issued ID
A selfie
Limitations of Airbnb Background Checks
As stated above, the biggest limitation stemming from Airbnb is that they don’t always conduct a full background check. It’s important to understand that any background checks they do complete are not foolproof and may have limitations.
For example, they may not catch individuals with county criminal records outside the standard screenings. The process can only search for criminal record information within the last seven years, potentially missing severe criminal convictions from older offenses. Additionally, local laws and regulations may restrict certain information from being included when they run background checks.
Does Vrbo Do Background Checks?
Vrbo does not conduct background checks. All Vrbo really does is ask guests to submit a few pieces of basic information and then compare it against their database for fraud detection. In what Vrbo calls their “verified identity” program, it will ask guests for the following:
Correct legal names
Address
Date of birth
A photo of a government-issued ID
Limitations of Vrbo Background Checks
Vrbo only requires guests to submit their first and last names. Completing the previously mentioned “verified identity program” is entirely voluntary. This means that guests don’t have to submit their address, date of birth, nor a photo of their ID.
Unfortunately, this approach often falls short of conducting comprehensive criminal background checks or sex offender registry checks. This limited scope means that while Vrbo’s efforts add a layer of security, they may not fully prevent individuals with criminal activity in their backgrounds from using the platform. Therefore, both guests and hosts need to remain vigilant and conduct their own due diligence.
How to Manually Screen Airbnb or Vrbo Guests for Problems
When relying on Airbnb or Vrbo’s platforms alone doesn’t provide enough peace of mind, manually screening potential guests can offer an additional layer of security. Here are several effective methods for performing your own background check on guests.
Read Reviews from Other Hosts: Guests with positive feedback are generally more trustworthy. Look for detailed reviews that mention cleanliness, communication, and overall experience.
Gauge Their Interactions: Pay attention to how the potential guest communicates. Prompt, polite, and detailed responses often indicate a respectful and reliable individual. On the other hand, vague or delayed replies could be a red flag.
Search Their Social Media: A quick search of your potential guest’s internet and social media profiles can offer insights into their lifestyle and character. Look for inconsistencies in the information they provide on the booking platform.
Be Mindful of the Booking Window: Be cautious with last-minute bookings, as they often carry higher risks. These guests may be booking under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Enhanced Airbnb and Guest Background Checks
For hosts looking to elevate the safety and security of their listings, leveraging third-party guest screening specialists can provide more comprehensive background checks. These services delve deeper than the standard checks offered by Airbnb and Vrbo, covering a broader range of criteria such as identity verification, age, credit history, criminal history, national sex offender registries, etc. Here are some approved background check providers to consider:
Superhog
Superhog offers comprehensive guest background checks using advanced technology and data analytics.
It can screen guests in three seconds
Has the ability to screen foreign records
Includes ID verification and biometric screening technology
Autohost
Autohost provides several verification services, including ID verification, background checks, and fraud detection algorithms.
Ability to perform an in-depth credit check
Includes ID verification
Scans of sex offender databases
Safely
Safely offers a vetting process that helps hosts identify past criminal conduct and sex offender registrations before accepting bookings.
Verifies identity with name, date of birth, and address.
Does not require a government ID
Scans international watchlists
Benefits of Local Professional Airbnb Management
Short Turns Airbnb Management employs a robust combination of OTAs, manual, and automated solutions to foster a community of safety and security. This multi-tool approach allows Airbnb hosts to benefit from the efficiency of automation while maintaining a high level of scrutiny and personal attention.
Professional Airbnb Management companies like Short Turns are experienced in recognizing and mitigating common issues that affect short-term rentals. To ensure the safety and security of vacation rentals, management companies will use advanced home automation tools like smart locks. Plus, motion sensors and noise monitoring devices can be strategically placed to deter and prevent parties.
Lastly, companies like Short Turns understand the importance of being a good neighbor within the community. They implement policies that respect local laws and community standards. By encouraging responsible guest behavior and maintaining open lines of communication with neighbors, Short Turns fosters positive relationships with the community and upholds the positive reputation of the hosts and property managers.
Pro Tips
Follow these tried and true tips to ensure your rental remains secure and reputable:
Define the House Rules
Clearly outline expectations for potential guests, such as noise levels, occupancy limits, and check-in/out times.
Use Third-Party Solutions to Conduct Background Checks
Leverage platforms like the above, which provide identity verification, perform background checks, and scan international watchlists to screen guests effectively.
Collect Security Deposits
Require a security deposit to cover potential damages and encourage guests to take care of the property.
Require a Signed Rental Agreement
Have guests sign a rental agreement detailing the terms of the stay to protect both parties and clarify responsibilities.
Monitor the Stay
Use technology such as outdoor cameras, noise detectors, and smart locks to keep an eye on the property and quickly address issues.
Caution with Last Minute Bookings
Exercise extra due diligence with last-minute bookings to mitigate risks and ensure the legitimacy of the reservation.
FAQs
Does Vrbo do background checks?
Yes, but Vrbo background checks are not as thorough as Airbnbs or third-party solutions. For added security, hosts should implement third-party solutions like Superhog, Autohost, or Safely.
Does Airbnb do background checks?
Yes, Airbnb does background checks. However, there are gaps in its coverage that could be best used alongside a third-party solution like Superhog, Autohost, or Safely.
How old do you have to be to check into an Airbnb?
Guests must be at least 18 years old to check into an Airbnb. However, hosts can also set their own age requirements.
Does Airbnb do credit checks?
Airbnb does not do credit checks.
What does Airbnb check?
Airbnb checks a guest’s first and last names, their date of birth, and occasionally a photo of their government-issued ID.
Does Airbnb verify all guests?
Airbnb uses its internal systems and publicly available databases to verify guests, but its system may not be 100% effective in catching fraudulent activity.
Key Takeaways
While platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb provide some levels of security through verification processes, these measures aren’t always comprehensive. Property owners should take additional steps, such as requiring security deposits and signed rental agreements, and utilizing smart tech, to ensure the safety and well-being of their properties and guests.
For an extra layer of security and peace of mind, consider using Short Turns to manage your guest verification process better and minimize risks associated with last-minute bookings. By being diligent and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure a positive experience for yourself and your guests even before their check-in date.