guests without reviews

[Katy144]

I am going to have to be gone during some popular weekends in my area. Normally I would be here when guests are here. Is it possible to only accept guests with good reviews at those times? Can I turn down a request from someone who has no reviews without penalty or affecting superhost status?

[Noel102]

Yes.  First, edit your settings to make sure guests who do not have reviews cannot instant book.  I normally will not accept a booking request from a guest with no reviews if they are a brand new account, lack profile information, and do not have at least a verified government ID.  When I decline a request from someone like that, I will generally list that I'm not comfortable with the guest and enter a comment to the effect that they lack sufficient booking and review history.  If they have multiple verified pieces of info, including a government ID, I will consider booking for short stays (1-3 nights) for no reason other than everyone has to make a first booking sometime.  Go with your instincts - If a request makes you uncomfortable, don't approve it.  Declining an occasional booking should not affect your superhost status, but it will if you decline a lot of requests.

[Helen3]

I don't believe so @Katy144  I think it's one of the other.

However regardless of whether they have reviews, surely you are going to have a co-host on hand while you aren't available.

You can ask all guests to have a profile photo, verified photo ID and have standard vetting questions as part of your house rules.