Is there a minimum age on Airbnb?

[Andrea8411]

We had a very young man wanting to book with us. He said that the hotels would not let him book because of his age. I think he told us that he was 19 but his picture looked like 14. He wanted to bring his girlfriend with him. We asked him several questions before we said “No.” We ended up telling him that it would be unlawful for us to accept his request to stay plus it would be going against his parents to participate in allowing him and his girlfriend to stay in our home. He gave us some excuse about not being able to meet with is girlfriend at home. I do not know what was going but this question somewhat relates to other posts in this group. Does Airbnb have a minimum age of who is allowed to register an account?

As another host posted that they had a guest who managed to be verified by Airbnb with a fake name I believe that mom and I have encountered the same thing. If Airbnb is not checking out vital information about people then hosts could be in great danger. Who wants to wind up in trouble with the law when they did not even know they were hosting minors? Or who wants to be surprised by a sicko, or serial killer, or terrorist coming into their home? I find this extremely disturbing.

[Helen3]

Of course its lawful for anyone over 18 to book why would you think otherwise @Andrea8411 

And it's absolutely nothing to do with you whether his parents approve of his relationship with his girlfriend or not. We are accommodation providers not the moral police !!!

At 18 you can get married, fight for your country, buy a house, sign a contract. And of course sign up to book accommodation on the Airbnb platform.

of course we should vet guests to ensure they are a good fit for our listing but I don't discriminate based on age.

a few weeks ago I had a lovely couple who were 19 they were one of my nicest guests. Lovely manners , looked after my home well and a delight to chat to . 

[Andrea8411]

Of course Helen if 19 years old. But 19 years old is not my question. I am asking does Airbnb have a minimum age to be allowed to register an account?

Regarding the young man who requested to stay in our home I do believe that something is missing from the equation. If he really was 19 years old then the hotels would have allowed him to book as well.