Guests

[Jammal/-Adrianna0]

It is safe to host people you don't know from Airbnb?

[Elisa]

Hi @Jammal/-Adrianna0 😊, 

Thank you for asking this question here!

Have you received any reservations from guests yet?

I’m tagging a few experienced hosts to see what they can share with you about this: @Guy991, @Dave-and-Deb0, @Patricia2526 and @Lorina14.

Thank you in advance!

Warm regards 🌻,

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Jammal/-Adrianna0  and @Elisa 

Yes, hosting on Airbnb can be safe as long as you take the right precautions and make full use of the safety tools the Airbnb platform offers. I’ve been hosting for over six years and have never experienced any serious issues with guests. In fact, some of them have become good friends and frequent return visitors.

Airbnb verifies guest identities (to some extent) using ID submission and account verification before guest can book their stay.

Set your house rules clearly and be specific about expectations around parties, noise, smoking, etc., and reiterate these at check-in or in your welcome message.

Keep all communication on the Airbnb platform. This protects you in case of any disputes and ensures there’s a clear record of what was agreed upon.

Most guests are respectful and kind especially those with good reviews. With the right approach, hosting can be both safe and incredibly rewarding. 

[Jammal3]

@Patricia2526 Very kind of you. Thanks 🙏 

[Lorina14]

@Jammal/-Adrianna0 

Yes, all of our guests we didn’t know. Some have become regulars, others friends and others just great company when we chat and interact via text or in person. We do have separate private entrances for our suites.

If you are home sharing and a single female, some women may limit guests to only females. You will need to make sure each room has a lock and key for privacy. I personally wouldn’t home share (share rooms in a home) if I had a kid though as you can’t guarantee the safety for your child at all times.

If you have a request for booking (not instant book) you can interact with potential guests and ask them some questions to get a feel for them and trust your gut when pre approving them to book. 

[Guy991 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Jammal/-Adrianna0 ,

In addition to what other hosts have mentioned, I’d like to add a few more points to the list. There are plenty more answers to this great question, but here are a few from my experience:

1. Keep it short
   If you accept only short stays, there is less risk of guests overstaying. And if they do, you still have time to resolve the situation. Longer stays — usually over 28 days — can turn into tenancy, which puts your property at risk if the guest has bad intentions.
2. Keep it real
   The host plays a big part in the experience. If your listing is honest and reflects the reality of the place, you’re more likely to attract respectful guests and avoid problems. Misleading listings often lead to frustration on both sides.
3. Keep it safe — for everyone. 
   In my opinion, one of the most important Airbnb rules is anti-discrimination. As humans, we tend to categorize people, which sometimes leads to misconceptions, prejudice, and even hatred. As a host, you must accept everyone. Your space should feel safe not just for you, but also for your guests.
   Avoid asking or commenting about age, gender, profession, nationality, place of birth, religion, or disabilities. For me, the only things that matter are: are they kind, honest, and do they communicate openly?

1. If they want to leave, let them. 
   If a guest wants to check out early or doesn’t feel comfortable staying, offer a quick refund and wish them well. A happy guest will move on. An unhappy one might take revenge — not just in a review, but sometimes by damaging the property.

[Elisa]

Thank you everyone @Patricia2526, @Guy991 and @Lorina14 for helping this host with your thoughtful comments. 😊

@Jammal3 Have the comments helped you better understand your concern?
What do you see as your next steps, would you like to start hosting?

Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need any more help.

Warm regards 🌻,