Still receiving inquiries from guests who do not meet my requirements....

[Medora0]

This is something I'm finding very frustrating as a host on Airbnb. I've spoken on the phone with customer service and we were not able to come to a solution. It basically was an answer of it is what it is. 

So I have my guest requirements set to accept guests who have a Goverment Issued ID. However, I receive several inquiries (and I think bookings some times too...) who DO NOT have this on their profile.

Therefore, I have to decline (risking my host status) AND myself have to explain why and there is NOT an option for this as the customer service told me. They said, you can decline without any penalties and there is an option to say it is because the guest did not meet requirements (this is not true). There is not an option for that.

Any tips? I feel like Airbnb's system should be advanced enough to be able to not follow what I have set as my Guests Requirements...

[Clare0 · Accepted solution]

@Medora0. This is a common misunderstanding. The requirements you have set for Instant Book guests will only apply to those guests who want to book instantly.  Guests who are new or otherwise don't meet your Instant Book requirements can still send you Inquiries or Reservation Requests.  In these cases, you will have the opportunity to accept or decline the request or inquiry.

I have Instant Book too and have set both requirements for Government ID and positive reviews from hosts.  I just received a Reservation Request from a guest who not only was bringing a child under 12 (against my house rules) but who was new and had no reviews.  Airbnb allows this so I can evaluate whether to accept the reservation or not.  In the end I declined and stated as a reason that the child was against my house rules. 

So there you have it.  From time to time you will get Inquiries and Reservation Requests from guests who do not meet your Instant Book settings.  

[Medora0]

Claire! Thanks so much!!! 

[Clare0]

@Medora0 You're welcome!