An experienced host will develop a "sixth sense" to trace guests which are probably going to make trouble.
I am happy to share my "acceptance" rules:
- The guest has no reviews and no ID verified
Ask the guest to verify ID
Ask the guest if he/she is using Airbnb first time
No satisfying answer? --> decline
- The guest sends an extremely friendly ("raving") introduction message:
Be alerted, something is going on behind the scene.
- The guest sends a one line introduction: "i will be there at 15 PM"
He/she is a student or very young. Ask for more information
- The guest clearly did not read your listing at all :
Ask the guest to read the listing and houserules.
If no good match, ask guest to retract the booking request.
- For "long term stays" (28 nights and longer) :
Do not accept guests without verified ID, preferable also with good reviews.
- For booking requests from local people: Ask for reason of stay.
Be aware of scamming
There is much more to say (feel free to add in this thread) , but never ignore your "gut feeling" or "sixth sense" when accepting a guest !