How to screen guests who book directly instead of Airbnb, VRBO, etc

Question

Looking for guidance about setting up direct bookings for guests outside of platforms like Airbnb, VRBO for both guests and myself as the host to avoid the fees.

How do you go about vetting inquiries to ensure it’s the kind of guest you’d want/allow? I realize that direct bookings don’t have the protection or support (should something come up) that these platforms provide.

What’s the best way to set up payment for direct bookings?

Thank you!

Shannon Strickland · Answer

Even though I only have 1 STR, I use OwnerRez which allows me to require a signed rental agreement and place a hold on a valid credit card.

Patricia Andriolo-Bull · Answer

I don't.  I don't have a large place and my fees are pretty high so I generally get good guests.  I do require a rental agreement and damage insurance (and for direct bookings I also take a $500 security deposit hold).  This generally keeps people in check.  The damage insurance is mandatory (I pay for it but it is bundled into my fees).

Collin Hays · Answer

There is really no way to "vet" guests without the whole deal getting really cumbersome. Neither VRBO nor Airbnb are vetting guests, either.

The best you can do is have some internal controls, such as minimum number of nights. A property allowing one-night stays may be more prone to fraternity parties and similar. You could also charge a damage deposit, though there are pros and cons to this. Most guests are suspicious of these deposits and fear they won't get them back, so it can dampen your bookings.

For most vacation rental areas, irresponsible people are not renting homes. In fact, I would estimate that it is mostly upper middle-class folks that have the money and wherewithal to go through the vacation rental process - prepayment of substantial monies, etc.

If you only have one property, I would just stick with Venmo, CashApp, or Paypal. Maybe a couple of them to allow for some guest flexibility.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

We have a site through our PMS (Streamline/BizCor) that facilitates the bookings through a site.  Once booked we have a rental agreement that is simple and must be signed and outlines the house rules.  One of which outlines there is no parties, noise complaints, etc.  Most people self exclude themselves.  For example we take a booking, they read our zero tolerance policy on partying and noise complaints and then ask us to cancel because they are a bachelorette party and do not want any issues as they do plan to drink.  They are likely not bad people but they do not want to spend $3,000 and be kicked out first night on a noise complaint.  This tactic works for 99% of the time.

What is more prevalent an issue for us is CC fraud.  I highly recommend requiring ID, selfie, and pics of CC front and back.  Look out for AI as well.

Trent Reeve · Answer

i use Ownerrez to manage my rentals. it handles payments and i can do security deposits. I also use damage protection insurance. Waivo is an example of such company.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Thanh Lu, we don't do much direct bookings but we do have a $500 security deposit. No one has really balked at that but we do have higher end guests.

I will say that @Collin Hays is right. You can't do a ton of vetting otherwise people will just to elsewhere.

I don't do instant booking and chat with each and every guest. I ask a few questions which I think is fine. I ask have they been to the area before? Are you celebrating any special occasions? Bringing any pets?

I find that usually weeds out any problem guests.

Mohammed Rahman · Answer

Setting up direct bookings is a great way to save on fees, but you’re right—it requires extra effort to ensure everything runs smoothly.

For vetting guests, start by asking a few questions when they inquire, like the purpose of their stay, how many people will be there, and if they’ve stayed in short-term rentals before. You’ll also want to have them sign a rental agreement that lays out your rules, payment terms, and any liability. Requiring a copy of a government-issued ID is a good extra layer of security. If you want to go further, you can use a service like Safely or AutoHost to run background checks.

For payments, I’d recommend using a platform like Stripe or Square—they’re secure and easy to set up. If you’re taking deposits, you can collect them through the same platform or even through PayPal. Some hosts also accept bank transfers, but you’ll want to ensure payments clear well in advance of their stay. Collecting a refundable security deposit upfront is a good way to protect yourself from damages, too.

If you haven’t already, setting up a website for your property is a good idea. Tools like Lodgify or Hostaway make it simple to integrate booking and payment options. And don’t forget about short-term rental insurance—it’s a must for direct bookings since you won’t have the platform’s protections.

Lastly, make sure your house rules are super clear and easy to find. It’ll save you a lot of headaches later on! Let me know if you need help with specific tools or anything else.

Andrew Street · Answer

Hey Thanh! Setting up direct bookings is a great way to avoid platform fees! To vet guests, you can use a pre-booking form, ask about their plans, and require an ID and signed agreement. For payments, tools like Stripe, PayPal, or booking software like OwnerRez work well.

Happy to connect if you’d like to chat more or need additional tips!

Lauren Kormylo · Answer

I do direct booking through the Houfy website, taking credit card payment by Square.  It was easy to sign up with Square.  So far, I have only had direct bookings with previous guests that booked with me before on Vrbo and Airbnb, and they were good then so I didn't require a deposit.  Houfy now has a damage protection plan that costs the guests $5 a night and does light identity screening through SuperHog.  If I get a direct booking by a new guest, I would use that. Houfy is very inexpensive to list on, and syncs with the other platforms, making it a very quick and cheap way to do direct bookings.  https://www.houfy.com/houfy-protect

Thanh Lu · Answer

Thank you! Truly appreciate all the great tips here.

How to screen guests who book directly instead of Airbnb, VRBO, etc

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