Guests need profile pictures of themselves

[Sarah984]

Why does Air B&B not require guests to have a clear profile picture of themselves, rather than an inanimate object or a pet? I have had nothing but great experiences with my Air B&B guests until this last one. She had a photo of a dog as her profile picture. She turned out to be a horrible guest and has caused quite a bit of trouble for me. She actually made the reservation for another person, so I had no way of knowing who was staying at my house. This should be completely unacceptable by Air B&B! I will never again accept a reservation from someone who does not have a picture of themselves in their profile and I have stated that in my listing. How can we get Air B&B to change the rule on this matter?

I also recently had a reservation request from a lady who had an animal skull as her profile photo. I declined her offer because I got a bad feeling about it. She then sent me another reservation request from a different profile that she had just created. The profile photo on this account was of a very young couple kissing, but in her message she stated that she was in her 60's. I declined this request and reported both profiles. I'm just baffled as to why Air B&B allows this.

[Denise165]

I have also noticed a rise in requests from people with no photo, inanimate objects, or cartoonish pictures as their profile picture.  I agree that if we as hosts are required to post a picture and tell about ourselves, we should expect our guests to do so as well.  I also thought that it was required by AirBnB to post a clear headshot and to state the purpose of your travel (work, vacation, wedding, etc.).  Yes, how to enforce it?  I have decided with this past booking request who had no picture to remind them that it is required by AirBnB, to ask them to provide one, and state that I do not accept requests without a clear headshot of themselves.  I also ask a few questions and if not answered, I decline the booking.  Losing superhost status?  I AirBnB takes it away because of declining, I will challenge them to either enforce their rules or remove them and allow host to decline without penalty.  This is my home, my safety, and my ease of sharing my space.

[Andreas-and-Anna0]

That doesn't mean you can't enforce it: I require a profile picture and clearly state that in home description  and stipulate in House Rules. Among other things: Must have photo and No Third party bookings.

[Emily570]

Hi Sarah, 

I’ve had this before and I’ve just messaged the guest telling them It’s a requirement for them to have a profile picture of themselves. The only two time I’ve had to ask thankfully the guest has been fine about it!