As a short-term rental host, one of the most important aspects of your business is ensuring that your guests are respectful and responsible. While most guests are well-behaved and treat your property with care, there may be some who cause damage or disruption. One way to minimise this risk is to screen guests before accepting a reservation. I’ll outline some strategies for how to screen guests coming into your short-term rental (STR).
1) Require Guest Verification
One of the easiest ways to screen guests is to require that they verify their identity through the platform you’re using (e.g. Airbnb, VRBO). This can include providing a government-issued ID or linking their social media accounts. This helps to ensure that the guest is who they say they are and can give you some peace of mind about their intentions.
2) Read Guest Reviews
Another effective strategy is to read the guest’s reviews from previous hosts. Look for patterns of behaviour, such as complaints about cleanliness or noise, or any red flags that might indicate they could be a difficult guest. If the guest doesn’t have any reviews yet, you may want to consider asking them some additional questions before accepting their reservation.
3) Request Additional Information
In addition to verifying their identity, you may want to request additional information from the guest before accepting their reservation. This can include things like their reason for travel, the number of guests in their party, and any special requests they may have. This can help you to determine if the guest is a good fit for your property and if their intentions align with your expectations.
4) Use a Guest Screening Service
There are also third-party services that can help you screen guests. These services typically charge a fee and use a variety of data sources to verify the guest’s identity and check for any red flags or criminal history. While this can be a more expensive option, it may be worth considering if you have a high-value property or are particularly concerned about the safety and security of your guests.
5) Use Security Deposits/Bonds
Requiring a security deposit is a common practice among short-term rental hosts. This deposit can be used to cover any damages or losses caused by the guest during their stay. By having this in place, you can discourage bad guests from renting your property in the first place, as they will be more likely to respect your property and follow the house rules if they know there are financial consequences.
6) Set Clear House Rules
Finally, it’s important to set clear house rules for your property and communicate them to guests before their arrival. This can include guidelines for noise levels, smoking, and the use of common areas. By setting clear expectations, you can help to prevent any misunderstandings or problems down the line.
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In conclusion, screening guests is an important part of running a short-term rental business. By taking these steps to verify their identity and gather additional information, you can help to ensure that your guests are respectful and responsible during their stay.
