How can we require ID verification and guest details before accepting requests?

[Laura8260]

As a host security is a high priority. Knowing some details about a guest helps me determine if they will treat the property well and are reliable. Are we able to require verification before inquiring?

[Marie8425]

@Laura8260 

A Guest's profile has a check if an ID was reviewed by Airbnb.  To protect themselves also all Hosts and Guests that have submitted their legal ID do so agreeing Airbnb is going to search for any recent illegal activity, not n their best interest if Guests are known criminals.  I do because Airbnb has no way to identify if the real ID submitted is the person submitting, I just ask o view a current legal ID that matches the Guest name on the reservation.  Takes a few seconds no big deal and no complaints.

[Guy991]

Hello @Laura8260 

Not only is it not allowed to request ID before a reservation but it is also pointless. I have had both good and bad guests from the same country, the same age group, and even with the same profession or background. There is nothing in a guest’s place of birth, gender, profession, age, or religion that truly tells me anything about who they are.

What matters to me is whether they are honest, kind, and communicative.

My advice is to turn off Instant Booking and ask your guests questions. Who they are coming with, the purpose of their stay, what they are looking for, and so on. Some will share so much that you will feel completely comfortable hitting the approve button right away. And some will not.

[Laura8260]

Thanks! I do have instant book turned off, but I'm trying to prioritize already verified renters (preferably with review history).

I'm not asking them directly for ID, but I'd like to know that AirBnB already verified their identity before I chat with them. It's an extra level of safety, and prevents wasted back and forth with renters that may not meet AirBnB's security standards.

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Laura8260 

As an Airbnb host, you cannot require guest verification or ID during inquiry, but you can require it before they book.

Under “Booking Settings”, go to “Guest requirements”.

Use Instant Book settings wisely. You can restrict Instant Book to only verified guests with positive reviews.

[Laura8260]

Thanks! I do have that set, and never use instant book.

But recently I've been getting requests from guests that are not yet verified. They can't book with me until they are verified, but that's after I've already spent time chatting with them.

I'd rather spend that effort with someone verified, because it prevents me from receiving other prospects. Rentals in my area move quickly, so prioritizing verified renters with a history on the platform is a big advantage.

[Helen3]

I would never provide ID to a host before booking @Laura8260 it's such a security risk. 

you can certainly build on vetting questions to determine whether you want to accept a booking . 

[Laura8260]

I'm not personally asking for their ID - I'm asking for AirBnB to verify their ID before I spend effort chatting with potential guests.

It blocks my other opportunities while I chat with a potential renter that isn't even verified yet with the platform. Why not require it before they can start a request?