What questions should I ask to potential guests??

[Sofia-and-Dan0]

Hi there we've just joined as hosts to Airbnb and have received an enquiry from a young-ish girl. I'm a bit wary of this as young people could mean parties (which I'm not comfortable with). She hasn't really said much on her enquiry other than asking whether the dates were available and that it'd be 3 of them. Her profile is quite bare and she has just joined Airbnb so there aren't any reviews of her as a guest!

I don't want to come across as snoopy but I'd like to find out more about the purpose of their stay so I'm more comfortable with this. Anyone has any tips or ideas ??

Also we've put some locks on wardrobes and main cupboards to not let people "handle" much of our personal items. Does anyone have any more ideas on what to be mindful/protective of? The community forum seems to have quite a few bad experiences highlighted and so I'm rather concerned now!!

[Dawn33]

Don't assume that young means irresponsible. My daughter is almost 22 and she is more responsible and caring than some 50 year olds.


Last weekend, I hosted a young couple and they were so incredible.
This past weekend was another story.

Keep an open mind.

Re: locks
I have my office locked and my part of the house locked. I would definitely put anything away that is private or special. It will help you have a better experience and give you some peace of mind.

[Andrea9]

@Sofia-and-Dan0

When somebody doesn't volunteer much about themselves I do variations of the following:

" Hi, thank you for contacting and  the dates are as of now still available.

I see you're new to Airbnb and Airbnb's aspect of creating trust & safety for both guest and host. That means having a recognizable profile photo and telling something about yourself to future hosts. In case you are seriously interested in booking with us, you would also have to complete your profile verification process first.

We would then also require the full names of your group for ID check upon arrival.

What brings you to our area, how old are you and the other 2 guests who would be coming with you? Are there any plans we could help you with?

Please make sure you are aware of our house rules re. unregistered, non-paying visitors of any kind on the premises or parties and their consequence for immediate cancellation of the reservation."

Make sure you have verified ID checked as booking requirement.

Also add the above points re. consequences to your house rules. 

The ID check or registering their ID #s is not that strange since hotels do it too and it's mandatory in most countries.

And it seems to have a psychologically deterent effect on  guests who don't have the best intentions!

Locking away your valuables is a good idea and doesn't lead anybody into temptation to snoop or try out. Sounds like you have prepared well.

If you rent out for longer periods than a week, you might want to think of installing a non-optional once weekly cleaning (mention in listing and remind upon booking) to keep an eye on the state of things.

Anyway, I think once guests realise you aren't a pushover and want to know who is going to use your accommodation, the bad apples tend to pull out. Besides, of all the inquiries of people just shopping around, many don't turn into bookings.

Good luck! and make sure you have Airbnb on speed dial for just in case! 

Usually, being prepared seems to be a good charm for the bad not happening. And I have had quite a few really lovely and responsible young guests like @Dawn33's daughter, and they were generally the ones who told me something about themselves upon inquiring or requesting to book.

[Sandra126]

@Sofia-and-Dan0, don't be put off by bad experiences on the forum, few hosts write to tell you what a wonderful time they are having with their hosting experience. Learn the tricks (great advice from @Andrea9), be aware, but the majority of your guests will be careful, respectful, adorable people you wish were your friends. I have had accommodation of some kind or other now for around 8 years and I have only had less than a handful of guests I would not welcome back. As for the countless rest, absolutely fantastic.

good luck!

[Katy60]

I've been renting with Airbnb from the beginning which is about 7 years. I've only had one bad experience which was a guy that smoked marijuana and left a strong odor.  I made adjustments to my listing saying that if any signs of smoke will result in me submitting a claim for profesional cleaning to have it removed.