Approving a reservation request

[Pat103]

When I get a reservation request, how can I find out about the people who are asking to stay? Can I state that I will only accept people who have already got a review history?

[Hilary-And-Ed0]

Hello @Pat103,

The best way to get a feel for people is to communicate and ask several questions before pre-approving.  The one which for me is most helpful is "what brings you to this area?".  That way, I usually will get a good sense of what the person plans to do when they are here (and that they will not be just lolling around).  For my area, common answers would be tourism, visiting kids at college, professional conferences, etc).

I would not limit myself to only experienced Airbnbers.  First, we were all new once, and someone has to be willing so tha the people can then move on as people-with-reviews.  Also, it might cause you problems under the anti-discrimination rules.  

But definitely ask lots of questions - you can usually get a pretty good sense of the people through that.  And if something feels fishy, just do not pre-approve.