Guest checks with no reviews

[Nicholas1097]

Hi All,

Our hosting business is continuing to go really well, but we are learning whilst earning 😒.

I have had my first booking via another platform, the guest, due this week, has no booking history, so I can’t read any previous reviews/history, so I feel a bit blind on this one.

I am not local to my property either.

What additional checks do other hosts ask for in order to minimise any potential issues in this situation, drivers licence, passport etc?

Feedback greatly appreciated.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Nicholas1097 As a guest I would object to supplying more info (except where it is required in law). As a host we took many guests who were on their first Airbnb trip and hence had no history. There were no more issues with these than there were with people with good reviews.

[Greystone0]

Hi @Nicholas1097  - 

agree with good advice given. Here's some additional thoughts on how we handle:

- our house rules state that we require an ID and a signed lease within 24 hours of reservation, if instant book enabled or on other platforms, to finalize reservation.

-On this platform we require that they confirm in writing that the house rules work for their group and that their reserved occupancy is correct (in other words, no additional guests allowed past the "x" booked in their reservation). We also ask them to acknowledge our parking plan and the 'no smoking premises'.  

- on this platform, these are already in the house rules, but these are our pain points (occupancy, parking, smoking) and thus we get in writing.  

- in all cases, guests rarely READ these important things and so finding a way to confirm or emphasize or repeat and so on, is highly recommended.

- in your case, if you aren't already, you can add a lease & ID to your process and then that will allow you to follow up.

- and just as a total aside. Guests with no review versus guest with lots of good intel = either can be a problem! lack of reviews, guest could be great! previous 5 star reviews could be a total nightmare.

Good luck!

[Wendy-May0 · Accepted solution]

That's a very common scenario when cross-listing, and you're right to feel cautious when you can't rely on a review history. The good news is that many hosts successfully manage this by having a consistent screening process that you apply to every guest who books without a solid history.

Heres some advice of what other non-local hosts typically do, focusing on actionable steps and essential checks:

1. Pre-Arrival ID and Verification
Asking for ID is the most common and effective step. Since you are in the UK,  (mindful of data protection (GDPR)), but as we know requiring ID for verification is standard practice for guest screening.

* Requesting Documents: Politely request a clear photo of a government-issued ID for the lead guest. This is usually a Driving Licence or a Passport.

* Actionable Tip: State that this is a standard requirement for all bookings made outside of Airbnb to verify the identity of the person responsible for the stay, and that the ID name must match the booking name.

* The 'Selfie' Check: Some hosts ask the guest to take a quick photo of themselves holding the ID next to their face. This confirms the photo on the document matches the person currently booking, which is a strong anti-fraud measure.

* Data Security: Be ready to state that you will store the ID securely (not just in your email inbox) and delete it after the stay, in line with UK data best practice - or you could apply with the ICO to safely store their information 

2. Communication and Basic Screening Questions

This is your best chance to get a "feel" for the guest, especially since you are not local.

* The Purpose of Stay: Send a quick, polite message asking: "What brings you to the area?" or "Can you tell me a little about your visit?" Vague or evasive answers can sometimes be a red flag. Most legitimate guests are happy to share their reason (e.g., visiting family, local contract work, attending an event).

* Guest Count: Confirm the exact number of people staying and ensure they have all read and agree to your key house rules (e.g., no parties, quiet hours, parking).

you can perhaps ask them to acknowledge the rules in their reply.

3. Utilising Third-Party Tools (For high-volume hosts)

If you plan to use this other platform frequently, some hosts invest in third-party screening services that automate this process:

* Screening Platforms: Companies like Superhog or Know Your Guest (powered by InsuraGuest) are specifically designed for short-term rentals. They handle the ID verification, background checks, and often come with a guarantee against malicious damage, which can give you more peace of mind when accepting bookings with no history or you could use google workspace 

Focusing on politely requesting a government ID for verification, coupled with a simple communication about the purpose of the stay, is the most effective and least intrusive strategy.

Feel free to ask me any questions about ID process or what to do if a guest refuses to provide ID. What is the cancellation policy on the other platform, and how much time do you have to decide before this guest checks in?

@Nicholas1097

[Nicholas1097]

Thanks for all your advice.

I must say i was very uncomfortable allowing access to someone who had no reviews or history on the platform, but i guess someone has to be the first right.

Anyway i asked her for a copy of her official id and she sent it over immediately and without hesitation, so i feel less hesitant now.

Thanks again all.

Nick.

[Wendy-May0]

That’s good news, Nick. I’m really glad the verification process worked out for you.

That immediate, hassle-free compliance is the best confirmation you can get. You definitely set yourself up for a less stressful stay.

And any time, feel free to reach out

@Nicholas1097 

[Joan2709]

@Nicholas1097 

For properties that are as large as yours, I generally do not advise my clients to use Instant Book. Too much risk; especially for new Hosts. I also don't generally advise 1 night stays (invitation for partiers to book a Friday night and party using Instant Book). It is also generally advisable to set your Advance Notice to 5-7 days and avoid last minute bookings to avoid the party crowd.

Using Request to Book allows you to ask questions and depending on the response, determine if you want to accept the booking or not. If the guest is evasive, rude/curt, or doesn't respond quickly, that is a your indication not to accept the booking. These days, Airbnb is not removing retaliatory reviews when they should when a guest breaks a House Rule or is charged for damages and then responds with a negative review. IMHO, it is not advisable for a listing this size to use Instant Book.

Instant Book Loopholes

There are some serious loopholes that have not been addressed by Airbnb with Instant Book; even if you use the "Good Track Record" optional setting:

1. Guests with trips but no reviews (red flag) can still Instant Book

2. Guests with a 3.5 overall rating is still considered "good" by Airbnb and can still Instant Book

We do not accept reservations (in general) from any guest with less than a 4.5 overall rating.

Here is a great thread about how to vette guests and ask questions before accepting a booking:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-circle/Instant-Book-s-Good-Track-Record-Any-updates/m-p/212...