How to safeguard when hosting a guest with no reviews?

[Matthew191]

Hi,

After a renter caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to our home a few years back, we had a policy to only rent renters with at least one review.  I recently received a request that we would like to accept for monetary reasons - the rub is that none of the guests have a review, and they are all 25-27 years old.  I am of course concerned about damage, as most of you have seen either first hand or on these forums, the 'secuirty deposit' is not really yours to use, and it is a nightmare to get anything reimbursed.

Any advise from my fellow hosts on how feel comforatble for this type of renter?  Even if the secuirty depoist worked, I dont think there is a way to increase it for just one reservation.  Any other thoughts or comments would really be appreciated!

Thanks so much.

Matt

[Alice595]

@Matthew191If it is a long-term (>one week), you may not want to do that. Otherwise, just accept the request and re-iterate your house rules before your acceptance. I have accepted a few requests from first-time Airbnb guests. Just a small portion of them were not good.

[Ange2]

@Matthew191    I would make sure they know there will be oversight either by local caretaker or yourself. It tends to deter those who are looking to party and trash a listing.  I have taken many first time, no review guests and all have been fine (but, I do live here and I do meet them in person).  I also make sure I go over all the rules and expectations with them.