As an Airbnb host, ensuring the safety and security of your property is paramount. Vicky Borman’s experience in the English village of St Neots last summer serves as a cautionary tale for all hosts. When a young woman with no reviews on her Airbnb profile requested to book Borman’s cottage for a party, it raised red flags. Borman’s decision to check the guest’s social media profiles led her to discover the true intentions behind the booking. This incident highlights the importance of vetting potential guests through social media to avoid troublesome situations.
Sebastien Long, CEO of Lodgeur, emphasizes the necessity of advanced vetting processes for Airbnb guests. Long’s company specializes in short-term, fully furnished apartment rentals and utilizes social media and online news searches to verify guest information. These measures help in identifying individuals who may pose a threat, such as those using stolen credit cards. By implementing stringent vetting procedures, Lodgeur has successfully prevented credit card fraud and even led to arrests in some cases.
Crystal Shell, an Airbnb superhost, shares her insight on guest vetting based on past experiences. Shell’s policy of only accepting bookings from guests with five-star reviews has proven effective in maintaining property standards. By setting clear expectations and requirements for guests, hosts can minimize the risk of potential issues during a guest’s stay. Shell’s emphasis on past behavior as a predictor for future conduct underscores the importance of thorough guest screening.
In light of these experiences, communication between hosts and guests is key to ensuring a positive stay. Airbnb encourages hosts and guests to engage with each other through profiles and reviews, fostering a sense of trust and transparency. Shell’s practice of requiring guests to send a message before booking allows her to assess the nature of the stay and make informed decisions. This proactive approach has helped her avoid problematic bookings and maintain high hosting standards.
Despite diligent vetting efforts, Borman encountered a challenging guest experience that caught her off guard. A last-minute booking from a seemingly reputable guest turned sour when the guest made unreasonable demands and left the property in disarray. This incident serves as a reminder that even with thorough screening, unforeseen issues may arise. Borman’s story highlights the unpredictable nature of hosting and the need to adapt and respond effectively to challenging situations.
Safeguarding your Airbnb property involves a combination of thorough guest screening, effective communication, and adaptability in handling unexpected circumstances. By learning from the experiences of seasoned hosts like Borman, Long, and Shell, hosts can better prepare themselves for a variety of guest interactions. While social media vetting and guest screening are essential tools, maintaining open communication and setting clear expectations are equally important in ensuring a safe and positive hosting experience.