How to Spot a High-Risk Airbnb Guest Before They Book

Most guests are respectful. They check in, follow the rules, and leave your place spotless. But every now and then, there’s one that causes damage, throws a party, or makes your phone ring all night. The good news? Most bad stays can be avoided with proper screening. Here’s how to spot high-risk Airbnb guests before they ever check in—and protect your property, your time, and your reviews.

1. Watch for Same-Day Local Bookings (Especially on Weekends)
If someone who lives 15 minutes away is booking your place for one night on a Saturday… that’s a red flag.

• Often tied to parties, unauthorized guests, or last-minute drama
• Review their message carefully (or lack thereof)
  Tip: You can block same-day or one-night bookings in your settings—or screen them manually with stricter rules.

2. Check the Guest’s Profile and Reviews
Always click into their profile before accepting. Look for:

• Verified ID and clear profile photo
• Positive reviews from other hosts
• A bio that shows they’ve used Airbnb before
  🚩 Red flags include no photo, no reviews, vague info, or “Just joined.”
  New guests aren’t always bad—but be cautious and ask follow-up questions.

3. Pay Attention to Their First Message (or If They Don’t Send One)
An ideal message sounds something like:
“Hi! I’m traveling to Toronto for work and looking for a quiet place to stay.”
🚩 Red flags:

• No message at all
• “It’s just me and a couple friends”
• “Can I check in early and bring a few guests?”
  Vagueness is often a smokescreen for bad intentions. Ask clarifying questions immediately.

4. Use Pre-Booking Questions to Filter Guests
You can politely vet a guest before accepting with simple prompts:

• “What brings you to the city?”
• “How many people will be staying?”
• “Have you used Airbnb before?”
  Good guests don’t mind. Problem guests either ghost you or give inconsistent answers.

5. Watch for Excessive Demands Before Booking
If someone is already asking for:

• Early check-in
• Discounts
• Parties or events
  …they’re likely going to be high-maintenance (or rule-breaking). Set boundaries early. “Sorry, but we don’t allow gatherings of any kind. Let me know if that still works for you!”

6. Use Instant Book Filters (Or Turn It Off for High-Risk Nights)
Instant Book is great—but only with safety settings on. Enable:

• Verified ID
• Positive reviews from past hosts
• Agreement to your house rules
  For weekends or holidays, consider turning Instant Book off altogether so you can screen manually.

7. Listen to Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is. Airbnb allows you to decline any request that makes you uncomfortable—you don’t have to explain.
Hosting is about safety, consistency, and peace of mind. Don’t let a questionable booking ruin that.

8. Add a Security Deposit and Strict House Rules
If you want to deter risky guests:

• Add a cleaning fee + security deposit
• State clearly: no parties, no unregistered guests, quiet hours
• Use a noise monitor and disclose it in your listing
  The more structure you add, the less attractive your place is to guests looking to break rules.

9. Report Suspicious Activity to Airbnb
If you believe a booking is fraudulent or dangerous:

• Contact Airbnb support immediately
• Document all conversations through Airbnb’s inbox
  Airbnb is more likely to support you if the communication stays on-platform.

Safe Bookings = Happy Hosting
You don’t need to fear every request—but you do need a system. The right questions, filters, and instincts can protect your property and keep your hosting experience stress-free.

Need help setting up filters, creating screening templates, or managing bookings more securely? BookedHosts offers full-service and virtual co-hosting to keep your properties safe, booked, and hassle-free. Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down to submit your property today.

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