Accepting guests into your property always involves some element of risk, but effective pre-screening of your Airbnb guests can help minimize that risk and create a truly enjoyable hosting experience. In this latest article, we thought we would take a look at our top five tips for effectively screening incoming inquiries…
What is pre-scanning Airbnb guests?
Before we look at how to start pre-screening your Airbnb guests, it’s important to understand what the process actually is. This is effectively a short background check on potential guests, exploring their previous stays and helping you to spot unwanted guests before checking in.
Taking the time to thoroughly screen your guests will minimize the risk of damage, scams, or noise violations. However, while vetting is vital, it’s important to remember that rejecting a large number of booking requests can have a negative impact on your listing.
Top tips for pre-screening your Airbnb guests
When pre-screening your Airbnb guests, there are a number of key factors to help highlight any red flags, including:
1. Check their guest profile
The first step to pre-screening your Airbnb guests is to check their guest profiles thoroughly. Look for profiles with a photo, detailed bio, and verified identification, as this can help you gauge their seriousness and commitment to using the platform responsibly. Guests who take the time to fill out their profiles are more likely to have good intentions and understand the importance of trust and safety.
2. Read previous reviews
Alongside checking their profile, another key step in pre-screening your Airbnb guests is to read previous reviews. This is an excellent way to understand previous host experiences, so look for patterns in both positive and negative feedback, as someone with consistently good reviews is likely to have good behaviour and be respectful when staying at your property.
Of course, everyone has to start somewhere, and someone with no reviews should not be an instant red flag. In this instance, judge how they come across during communication.
3. Communicate clearly
Communication is essential, and effective messaging can reveal a lot about your guests’ intentions and attitudes. Ask questions about their trip, their purpose for the stay, and who will be joining them, as these can help you assess their suitability.
You should also pay attention to how the respond, as prompt and clear communication and keen interest is often a good indication of a respectful and considerate guest.
4. Set clear house rules
When engaging with interested guests, be sure to clearly set out house rules and expectations, including things such as guest capacity, whether pets are allowed, and noise limits. Before booking, ask your guests to confirm they have read and agreed to these rules; someone who acknowledges this is more likely to respect your property. Any signs of hesitation or dismissiveness of the rules can be a red flag.
5. Trust your instincts
Above all, when it comes to pre-screening your Airbnb guests, trust your gut feeling. As a host, you’ll begin to develop a sense of which guests are going to be a good fit for your property. If something doesn’t quite feel right, don’t hesitate to ask more questions or decline the booking; it’s better to be safe and maintain peace of mind than risk a negative experience.
Need help with managing your Canmore Airbnb?
Do you need help with managing your Canmore Airbnb? Here at Canmore Co-Host, our mission is to help take the hassle away from you, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits without any of the stress! From helping to optimize your listing to guest screening, risk mitigation and housekeeping, we can take care of everything for you – so get in touch today to find out more about our extensive range of services.
