Instant booking

[Natalie937]

What are the pros and cons to requiring a government ID? Right now I have it set that I require renters to have a government ID - is this what most hosts do? I’ve already lost two bookings because the people didn’t have a govt ID. I’m wondering if I should remove this requirement, thoughts?

[Brian2036]

@Natalie937 

It’s strange that someone would have a credit card but no ID.

Unless maybe the credit card doesn’t actually belong to them….

Your listing is going to be very attractive to the party crowd and some of them may be too young to have a driver’s license.

 I doubt that you want guests like that.

 If somehow someone without an ID wants to rent they don’t have to use IB, they can send a request.

After carefully cross examining them and finding out why they don’t have an ID, what they are planning to do, and how many people will be there, you can decide whether or not you want to trust them in your house.

[Yan5527]

Really don’t know how to turn off the instant booking on my iPhone 12! Tried on Mac also can’t find any page to do that. Called AirBnB customer service, totally was a disaster. 🤣 

[Laura2592]

@Natalie937 wow, I second what @Brian2036 said. Not only do you need to require IDs, you need to read this:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/New-to-Hosting/Is-your-listing-a-quot-party-target-quot/m-p/1487...

You are well rid of anyone who won't provide and ID. That is sketchy. Never once in over 170 stays now have I had a real guest who refused. I have had a couple of kids looking to throw a rager that went elsewhere....

[Gregory87]

@Natalie937:

Yes, always require an ID.  It is one of the few lines of defense when screening. 

As @Brian2036 shared, if a renter has a credit card, s/he should have some form of ID.  We tell potential renters that they should have a State ID (for those who don't drive), Driver's License, or passport (domestic or foreign visitors).

If we are still suspect of a person, we require that they present it in person to be photographed and kept on file prior to permitting entry to rental.  Guests with nefarious intentions won't want to provide a paper trail which can lead back to them.  This policy has allowed us to avoid some potential party bookings.

ALWAYS be proactive in protecting yourself and your property!

[Mark116]

@Natalie937   There are no cons to having IB set to include a government ID.  If someone can't or won't provide an ID then you probably don't want to rent to them.  Same for mandating that IB requests come with a positive review.  If a guest doesn't have a positive review they can still request to book, so any loss of business would be miniscule.  We also have in our listing description than if guests don't have a photo of themselves on their profile  that we will check their ID upon arrival....we've only had to do this once since Airbnb started hiding guest photos but it is another small layer of protection to keep out the straight up scammers.