10 Red Flags to Screen Airbnb Guests

Alright, let’s talk about the one thing that can save your Airbnb business from a complete disaster: guest screening.

Get this wrong, and you’re one bad booking away from a wrecked property, noise complaints, or a nasty Airbnb dispute. Get it right, and you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free business with repeat guests and 5-star reviews.

No method is perfect, but if you follow these best practices, you’ll filter out the bad apples before they ever step foot in your place.

The Mistake Most Hosts Make

Bad Airbnb experiences don’t just happen—they’re usually a result of rushed approvals and poor screening. Here’s what most hosts do wrong:

• Accepting bookings without verifying guest intent.

• Ignoring red flags because they “need the booking.”

• Not asking the key questions that could reveal a problem guest.

• Blindly accepting last-minute reservations without context.

If you’re not screening properly, you’re basically rolling the dice on your biggest asset.

So what should you do instead?

Start by asking these key questions:

• “What brings you to this area?”

• “Who are you traveling with?”

• “Have you been here before?”

• “Where are you coming from?”

• “Have you stayed in an Airbnb before?”

Their answers should make sense. If a guest is vague, hesitant, or dodges questions, take note. If they say they’re visiting family but book a place in the same city they live in? Red flag.

10 Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all bad guests announce themselves upfront, but here are some telltale signs you should watch out for:

1. Local Guests – Locals booking an Airbnb often have a reason (and it’s usually not good). Many hosts have horror stories of locals throwing parties or misusing the space.

2. Inconsistency in Guest Count – If a guest says we but only books for one, or if you have only 1 guest booking a large home - that’s a sign of undisclosed guests. Always clarify before confirming.

3. Guests Asking for Discounts – Negotiating pricing is fine at a flea market, not on Airbnb. Discount seekers often push boundaries, demand special treatment, and leave bad reviews when expectations aren’t met.

4. One-Night Stays – Some hosts avoid these due to higher risks and turnover costs. Not always a dealbreaker, but worth evaluating case by case.

5. Guests Trying to Book Off-Platform – If they want to pay via Venmo or take the convo to WhatsApp, they’re likely trying to skirt the system. Hard pass.

6. Mentions of a “Celebration” – If the words birthday party or wedding come up, be cautious. 

7. Excessive Questions About Refunds – If a guest asks about the refund policy three different ways, it signals price sensitivity and a higher chance of cancellation (or a dispute).

8. Refusal to Pay Security Deposit – A guest unwilling to put down a security deposit (hosts can charge a security deposit if you use a PMS with API access) might not respect your property.

9. Bad Reviews from Previous Stays – Airbnb reviews are a history book. If a guest has a pattern of negative reviews, they won’t magically behave better at your place.

10. Same-Day Bookings – While some legitimate guests book last-minute, these reservations often attract problem guests. Proceed with caution.

Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, trust that instinct. Declining one bad booking is always better than dealing with a nightmare guest. Your peace of mind is worth more than a single night’s revenue.

The best Airbnb hosts aren’t just running a business—they’re running a smart business. And smart hosts don’t just accept guests; they vet them.

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