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.

[Lorna170]

@Andrea8411   I believe that anyone over the age of 18 can register for an AirBnB account.

In North Carolina, where my rental property is located, the minimum age is 25 years old and renting is governed by the NC Vacation Rental Act.  Perhaps your state, county or municipality has an age limit that you can put into your house rules.

[Andrea8411]

Now that makes sense. Mom and I need to get more information from the city  of Akron about renting. Twenty-five years old minimum in NC. Wow! But I agree with that because it sounds more ethical to me. I expect Ohio to say 18 years old which we will abide by whatever the State or city tells us. What is still disturbing to me is if or not Airbnb is then approving people under the age of 18 to register an account. If people are getting by with registering under fake names then what else is passing as acceptable?

[Joan2709]

@Andrea8411 

As @Helen3 mentioned, the minimum age is 18yrs to establish a profile on Airbnb:

Age Requirements

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2876

Some hosts do put minimum age restrictions in the addl House Rules of more than 18yrs old. I have seen 21-25yrs depending on the reason. Larger properties in particular want to avoid parties of large groups under 21yrs old; especially around May/June for graduation parties or during spring break.

Yes, sadly the ID verification is not the most robust on Airbnb, but it's about the same on other platforms. Some Hosts require photo ID at booking or upon arrival at property, but that opens up alot of addl privacy issues. Some just want to see a photo ID at check-in, but don't make a copy. Some countries require a copy of the guest passport.