1. Set Clear House Rules
Clearly state the house rules in your property listing and make sure that guests agree to them before checking in. Rules might include no parties or events, no pets, no smoking, and clearly defined check-in and check-out times. Make sure your house rules align with your local community standards for quiet hours and any other local ordinances or regulations.
2. Check OTA Guest Verification
Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have built-in verification tools guests can use to confirm their identities. Although these are not foolproof, one of the easiest things you can do is check to see if potential guests have completed these verification steps.
3. Utilize Guest Screening Software
There are a number of guest screening companies that you can use to confirm your guest’s identity and weed out troublesome guests. These companies have various levels of authentication guests can be required to complete ranging from merely confirming their name and contact information to providing photo identification and matching it to a selfie.
4. Check Guest Reviews
Always read the reviews left by other hosts for prospective guests. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the behavior of guests. If they have negative reviews from past hosts, be cautious. Remember, you have the right to reject a booking request based on these reviews.
5. Put Limitations on Instant Book Reservations
Instant Book can be a great tool for hosts because it can increase your bookings, but it can also increase the risk of bad guests. To balance these two aspects, you can set requirements for guests who use Instant Book, like requiring guests to have positive reviews from other hosts or a verified ID.
6. Require a Security Deposit
Requiring a security deposit can discourage bad behavior since guests know they’ll lose money if they damage your property. Some property management software platforms can automate the collection and release of security deposits so it doesn’t have to be difficult or extra work for the host or property manager. Some guest screening companies can also handle the collection and release of security deposits as well.
7. Consider a Minimum Stay Requirement
You can filter out guests who are just looking for a place to party for a night or two by setting a minimum stay requirement. This will also have the spill-over benefit of reducing the cleaning and maintenance costs associated with frequent turnovers.
8. Build a Relationship
Finally, build a rapport with your guests. This begins with friendly communication before their arrival and continues with personal check-ins, if possible. When guests feel a personal connection, they’re more likely to treat your property with respect.
Conclusion
In summary, while it’s impossible to guarantee you’ll never encounter a bad guest, these proactive strategies can help significantly reduce the risk. Remember, your property is your investment, and it’s worth taking the extra steps to protect it. Happy hosting!
Looking for a guest screening solution? Check out the companies like Superhog, Safely, and more.