How to spot trashy guests on Airbnb

[Leon Lee]

Hi, BPers

Thank you all for the helpful advice on my first short rental in my previous posts! I finally finished the reno and decor and now it's up for renting. So far, I have 64% occupancy in 30 days. It is much more time consuming than I expected, but I am also excited as if operated properly, good cash flows from STR can complement my more stable long-term rentals.

Now, I am nervous with all these new guests: unlike my long term tenants who went through my strict screening process, I almost knew nothing about these short-term guests. Given that the percentage of trashy guests is increasing after the COVID, I wonder whether you experienced STR owners could give me some advice on how to sniff out trashy guests. As I try to go through their profiles, I noticed that there are quite a few factors:

1. Reviews on the guest from previous hosts

2. Whether identity is verified

3. Email address

4. Phone number

5. The days between the booking and their arrival

6. Age of the guest

7. Referral from other hosts (for instant book)

8. Profile pictures

9. The number of guests

I wonder based on your experience (good or bad), which one(s) are most important in sniffing out partiers/trashy guests? My current hunch on the level of risk is Reviews > Referral from previous hosts > Verified identity > Age of the guests > the number of guests, but I am curious to hear your thoughts on them!

Thanks in advance!

Lee