Hi @George232!
Great question!
I agree with @Todd-and-Reese0, you should submit a request in the Community Forum to add this feature. In the meantime, although Airbnb does not currently have a feature to adjust the age limit, I would include a note in the description, and/or House Rules, that we do allow children ages 8 years and over.
The tricky part is what to categorize yourself in. Guests who are completing a search with specific Amenities specified, such as “Family/Kid Friendly” listings, may not find, actually, they won’t find you.
Show should you add it?
Then again, if a host adds Family/Kid Friendly as an amenity, this implies that infants, children, and families are welcome in their listing.
Personally, I would mark it as an amenity, so I am not limited to the potential searches by guests/families with children 8+ and include these extra steps:
- TURN OFF INSTANT BOOKING - I would want to verify with guests that their child is over the age of 8 before confirming the booking. I know this takes up extra time, but the safety of my asset (home) is more important than a few back and forth messages.
Here’s how to turn it off/on: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1510/how-do-i-turn-instant-book-on-or-off
- EDIT YOUR LISTING – Adjust your listing so guests will clearly see your age requirements before even submitting an inquiry, remember not all guests read this, unfortunately, so you may want to add an Instant Message for inquiries verify guests’ ages.
Here’s how to edit your listing: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/473/how-do-i-edit-my-listing
- CREATE A WELCOME MESSAGE – This message will be seen by guess BEFORE booking. Set up your message to include you biggest concern prior to booking, i.e. “Thank you for choosing our home. Please verify the number of children in your party and their age prior to confirming your reservation. Thank you.” Change it to your liking, but keep in mind you have limited characters allotted.
Here’s how to edit your listing: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/473/how-do-i-edit-my-listing Go into “Listings” then “Guest Requirements.” You will see “Your Welcome message before booking.”
- PREPARE ACCORDINGLY – Finally, wether or not you decide to mark the “Family/Kid Friendly” Amenity for your listing, you should prepare. Better safe than sorry, right?
Here’s what you need to know: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1348/if-i-specify-that-my-listing-is-safe-or-suitable-for-childr...
Hope this is helpful! Let me know if you have any more questions, happy to help!
Happy Hosting!
Izzie, Co-Host
LOV Puerto Rico