Worried about who’s booking your property? You’re not alone.
Screening guests is smart — but Airbnb has strict rules about how you can (and can’t) do it.

Done wrong, you could risk penalties, removal from the platform, or even discrimination claims.
Done right, you can protect your property and still comply with Airbnb’s 2025 policies.

Here’s everything you need to know about screening guests — the right way.

First: What Airbnb Doesn’t Allow

According to Airbnb’s latest policies (updated 2025), hosts cannot:

• Request copies of IDs directly from guests (unless Airbnb provides them through the platform)
• Ask for criminal background checks outside of Airbnb’s system
• Discriminate based on race, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age
• Require additional screening steps (like personal interviews or application forms) unless it’s done pre-booking and voluntarily

⚡ Quick Rule: If it sounds like something a long-term landlord would do, you probably can’t do it on Airbnb.

How You Can Safely Screen Guests

There are still completely legal, TOS-compliant ways to protect yourself:

1. Require Airbnb Verified ID

You can require that all guests have Airbnb’s built-in Verified ID before they can book.

✅ Safe and compliant
✅ Adds an extra layer of protection

2. Set Strict Booking Requirements

Set filters like:

• Minimum guest star rating
• Prior positive reviews from other hosts
• Agreement to detailed house rules

✅ Filters risky guests automatically

3. Write a Detailed House Rules Section

Be specific. Guests must agree to house rules when booking.
This gives you protection without needing extra screening.

✅ Example Rules:

• No parties/events
• Quiet hours enforced
• No third-party bookings

✅ Fully compliant and legally binding within Airbnb’s system

4. Evaluate Guest Profiles Carefully

Look at:

• Guest’s reviews from other hosts
• Whether they completed their profile (photo, bio, verified phone/email)

✅ You can legally decline based on incomplete profiles or lack of information (but not protected classes).

5. Communicate Before Approval (for Requests)

For booking requests (not Instant Book), you’re allowed to:

• Ask if they’ve read and agree to house rules
• Confirm guest numbers and purpose of trip (vacation, family visit, etc.)

✅ Tip: Stay friendly and neutral. It’s about confirming details, not interrogating.

Special Note for API-Integrated Hosts (Lodgify, Hostfully, OwnerRez, and Others)

If you’re using a Property Management System (PMS) that’s API-connected to Airbnb (like Lodgify, Hostfully, OwnerRez, Guesty, etc.), you have a few extra screening options, because you’re treated more like a professional lodging operator.

API-Integrated Hosts Can:

• Use third-party guest screening services (like Superhog, Safely, or Autohost) outside of Airbnb’s system as long as:
  • It’s disclosed in your house rules or booking terms before booking is finalized
  • Guests agree to it voluntarily at time of booking
• Require security deposits or damage waivers outside of Airbnb (with clear terms)
• Set up ID verification through third-party platforms as a condition of booking continuation (only if clearly disclosed)

✅ Example setup:

• Guest books via Airbnb
• Automatic email from your PMS explains they must complete ID verification or damage waiver through Superhog/Safely within 24 hours
• Non-compliance = booking canceled under guest violation of house rules

🚨 Important:
You cannot force additional steps after the guest has fully booked without disclosing it ahead of time. It must be part of the pre-booking terms.

Final Thoughts

Screening guests today isn’t about running background checks manually — it’s about smart filters, clear expectations, and legal pre-disclosures.

At JaxBNB, we combine professional screening systems, strict booking filters, and lightning-fast communication to protect every property we manage —
while staying 100% compliant with Airbnb’s latest rules.

👉 Contact JaxBNB today at info@jaxbnb.com or 904-242-6988 to learn how we keep your property safe while maximizing your bookings.