verification for my guests

[Pam29]

I am a new host to Airbnb, offering a private bedroom and bathroon in my  condo in FL and I live in the other bed/bath.  I have my first guest booked for 11 nights as he is waiting to get into his new apartment, moving rom NJ.  I am not at all sure of the "verification" process by Airbnb, what does that really mean?   Do other hosts do background checks on their guests?  If so, is there a cost?

Also, had a problem with the payment.... Airbnb calculated a different amount from the amount I posted.  He paid it but it is less than what it should be.  How do I correct?  I cant seem to find a phone number for Airbnb anywhere, could you provide?

thanks!!

Pam

[Helen3]

It depends on what verification you have set for your listing. For mine for example I have set that anyone who books needs photo ID - passport or driving licence, contact details and social media. There is no cost for doing this.

You can also look at any previous reviews someone has had on BnB and their profile to see if you feel they will be a fit.

I never take anyone on instant book and take my time to find out more about what they do, their interests and their plans for their trip to see if I think they will be a fit.

By the way be a little careful of taking bookings from people waiting to move into apartments/looking for somewhere to live...what happens if there is a delay in the apartment being ready/they can't find somewhere to live.

I'm not sure of the US number - probably quickest to Google it - BNB don't make it easy at all to contact them through their site.

Alternatively reach out to them through social media - they respond promptly on this 🙂

Good luck

Helen

[Pam29]

Got the US number and following Twitter and FB, thanks!

Was wondering.... do you do additional background checks or do you count on the verification from Airbnb?

thanks!

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

It is unusual to do background checks on guests as there is a cost associated with doing so. Also, you may not have enough information to do a background check, without asking the guest for additional info (eg their DOB, address, etc). Without that type of detail background checks are limited in their use. 

My personal view would be you go with your gut feeling and ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with guests. Only take those with previous positive reviews (although you will cut out approx 50% of your market by doing so). I think if I was asked for detailed infor for a background check I would decline and look elsewhere too. But you need to be happy with letting people into your home.

[Roy-And-Patti0]

415 800 5959

[Pam29]

Thank you!

[Gladys8]

The number I have for customer service is 415-800-5959 but expect to be on hold for a long time. I ask questions about my guests reasons for visiting if their profile is not filled out. When they don't provide such information then that's a red flag to me. But I had a professional woman who arrived, angry about the heat wanting to cancela nd stay with a girlfriend, but did not want to be charged for the reservation.  She became so hostile and rude, I contacted AirBnB to let her out of the reservation. I don't want to have to suffer a week in such an environment. And even when you cancel a reservation under such conditions, your calendar for the rest of that reservation may be blocked out.

[Pam29]

Great feedback, thanks!