Safety

[Debbie245]

I have accepted a booking but am now having second thought as I'm new to Air B &B .. the other guests I've had ( only two ) had profile pictures verified email and verified phone numbers and references   . With this recent booking the person has not uploaded a photo and has no confirmed email and is totally new to Air B&B with no references  , I'm concerned whether I should have accepted this person or should I ask them for further details . 

Thank you 

debbie 

[Emiel1]

Hello @Debbie245 ,

You allready accepted, so there is no way back (unless you cancel, but then you face penalties from Airbnb).

Maybe next time only accept guests with verified ID, if it makes you feel more comfortable:  https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/272/can-i-require-guests-to-be-verified-before-booking

Best regards, Emiel

[Lucy-and-Loic0]

Hi Debbie, 

Be aware that if you don't have instant book you cannot require government i.d. anymore.  I just found that out when I turned instant book off, feeling more comfortable with some correspondence. Apparently they don't allow you to require i.d. for a booking anymore unless you have instant book turned on.  

[Steve143]

Hello @Lucy-and-Loic0,

It's still possible to require government ID when instant book is off.

When loged in, click on "Host" and then on "Hosting dashboard".

Then click on the "All reservations" link.

Then, clicking on "Reservation requirements" should show a page with a "Require guests to go through verification" box.

Steve.

[Pamela797]

thank you steve. 

very nervous ,first time,

do not know what to expect

BH

[Steve143 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Debbie245,

Whenever I receive a request where there is no profile photo I ask them to upload one.

I send a message saying "I personally welcome and give keys to the person who makes the reservation. So as I can recognise you and welcome you by name can you please upload a profile photo?".

So far this has always worked and each one has responded promptly and in a co-operative and friendly manner so I've accepted each one. If they did not upload the photo or the responses were defensive, quarrelsome or otherwise unpleasant I would decline the request.

With a confirmed reservation you can still message the guest asking them to upload a profile photo. You could also say that they will find it much easier to book in future if they also ass more verifications, especially government ID, to their profile. You can judge from their responses and actions if you feel more comfortable with them.

Should you still feel uncomfortable you could contact Airbnb support to enquire about having the reservation cancelled. Don't cancel unilatteraly as you will be penalised by having the dates permanently blocked and a possible fine, among other consequences.

Steve.

[Debbie245]

Hi Steve thank you for this , I have emailed them as you suggested , and will await outcome . 

Debbie