Airbnb host safety, protect guests and yourself. Whenever you are sharing your home or space with someone you have never met before, it is a giant leap of faith. Safety issues and safety concerns come in to play when opening up your doors to strangers. The experience can go great!
On occasion you may end up making lifelong friends. As discussed in, “5 Favorite things about Hosting an Airbnb“, the people you meet while hosting is one of the greatest factors about being a host!
However, sometime there may be less fortunate circumstances. It is possible that a guest can end up providing a nightmare experience. In cases where less favorable situations occur; Airbnb offers protection to hosts through various measures and policies.
The Airbnb organization boasts a team of experts working to ensure security and safety features from different offices worldwide. All hosts must follow the Airbnb rules and regulations to ensure maximum protection for hosts. Airbnb host safety is a must. Learn how to protect your guests and yourself.
Airbnb Safety Measures in Place
Airbnb has become extremely popular throughout the world. Over 2 million guests use the platform per night reaching to over 100,000 cities worldwide. Airbnb is present in over 191 countries. This totals to 6 million listing for the guest to choose from.
As indicated earlier, Airbnb has put safety measures into place to minimize the risk to both you and to your guests. The categories below entail the methods to which every member of the Airbnb is screened before having access to the platform – guests and hosts alike.
Airbnb Guest Risk Scoring
The Airbnb platform conducts its own evaluation before a reservation is made to increase Airbnb host safety. Airbnb utilizes a predictive analysis for evaluating individuals that might flag suspicious activities before they take place.
This is especially useful for spotting new guests who may be looking to book Airbnb for parties.
Background Checks and Watch Lists
Guests and hosts are reviewed through a terrorist, regulation, and sanctions watch list in hopes of increasing Airbnb host safety. In the United States region, background checks are a must for both hosts and guests. The names of both guests and hosts, including first and last, along with the birthdates are checked against these various databases. Please note, this method is definitely not fool proof.
Airbnb Host Preparedness
Prior to COVID, the Airbnb platform stated that there are local experts running safety workshops. The goal was for hosts to take advantage of these free workshops to gain confidence when hosting guests in their own homes. At the time of this article, no signup links are provided on their page. Only time will tell if these Airbnb hosted workshops will come back. Until then, continue to check in with The Airbnb Ride to learn about the latest updates.
Secure Payments on the Airbnb Platform
Airbnb safety measures require all hosts and guests to pay through the Airbnb platform. ****This is vital to always utilize this platform when receiving any type of payment. Do not attempt to accept any form of payment using any other method.
Should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance where you need to file a claim, all correspondence, including payments, will need to have been conducted on the platform. Read, “How Does the Airbnb Claims Process Work” to understand how vital this piece of advice is in order to be a successful host.
Airbnb Account Protection
Multiple authentication procedures exist to ensure that all Airbnb accounts are secured. Your identification is kept safe as well as any banking information you may have included to receive payment.
Scam Prevention Against Airbnb Guests
Airbnb advises using their platform or app when transacting any booking, payment, or communication. This provides a multilayer of defense strategy to all their clients.
Again, it is vital that you utilize the platform for all forms of communication. Should you find yourself up against a scammer, if you have used the Airbnb site for any exchange of funding, the Airbnb platform will be held responsible. If you have tried to exchange payment off of the site, you will be on your own. Airbnb will not be able to support your claim in any way.
Airbnb Safety Tips
Keeping your guests and your assets safe is a primary goal for any host. The installation of alarm systems and outdoor cameras can help to prevent theft for both you and your guests. Also, securing entry and exit doors, providing curtains for privacy and security and communicating on safety measures are additional measures you may take to keep everyone secure.
Airbnb has come up with tips on how to maximize the extra earnings as an Airbnb host while maintaining and minimizing the theft and break-in incidents.
Below are some essential safety tips for hosts and guests.
Airbnb Host Insurance Policy
As spoken about in, “Does Airbnb provide Insurance for Hosts?”, Airbnb offers the Host Guarantee to help protect your home against unexpected damages. For those who wish to have additional protection, short-term rental insurance options exist. Each host has the opportunity to decide if additional protection is right for them.
Refer to this article to learn more about protecting your home against damage and theft when strangers are staying in your home.
Smart Security Systems for Host Safety
In the current internet world, there is more device connectivity. This has significantly advanced security options for the home owner. For top level security at your home, utilize a smart security system with the devices listed below.
For excellent hosting experience, ensure to add the following security features in your home.
Outdoor cameras
You may wish to consider adding security cameras on the outside of your property to make your guests feel safe. They could be used to survey the garage, the lawn area, the driveway or the porch and any other place on your property.
When cameras are in use anywhere on the property, you must have this notated within your listing. It is mandatory that guests know if the possibility of being filmed exists. If you do not disclose the use of cameras at your Airbnb, you can be banned from the platform.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are a smart choice for Airbnb hosts. This step serves a great deal in ensuring your guests feel secure and comfortable.
Additionally, this adds a high level of convenience that in many cases will help to increase the guest’s overall satisfaction with your home. Guests will be able to check-in at their convenience without you needing to be at the home. Additionally, guests will be able to come and go as they please. This extra level of convenience may be reflected in their review which is a huge plus to you as the host!
There are many options for smart locks on the market. Check out our article, “The Best Smart Lock for Airbnbs” to learn more about which smart lock works best for you!
The Right Airbnb Pricing
Different price points will attract different customers. As a host, you must decide upon your target market. There is no right or wrong answer here. It is all about personal choice and your personal brand. What types of guests do you want to host? Make sure your listing offers the comfort level for the types of guests you hope to attract.
You must also evaluate which local hotels and motels are your closest competition. Be honest with yourself about this. Hosts should take into account what type of guests they wish to attract as well as the condition of their property. If you wish to host a higher caliber of guests, you will need to provide an increased standard. If your accommodation is on par with the local motels that you would not want to stay at, do something about it! Remember, your Airbnb is a business.
To learn more about how to set your best price for your Airbnb listing, click here and check out our article, “Airbnb Pricing: How to Set your Best Price“.
Our aim is to help you make the most out of your listing – and that means charge the best price for you!
As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.
Relatable prices are sure to attract and retain potential guest customers, thus the importance of continually updating your prices.
Main Takeaways for Airbnb Host Safety
Airbnb regards safety as the upmost priority for both hosts and guests. Airbnb has put measures into place to protect hosts before guests ever book your listing. Databases are scanned in hopes of preventing those with dangerous criminal backgrounds or scamming histories.
Please note, these computer generated searches do not always pick up all potential problems. Airbnb hosts must be aware that even with the best screening methods, difficulties could still arise. For further insight on tips to protect yourself when accepting guest reservations, please read, “How to Screen Airbnb Guests“. For advanced methods of screening you may also wish to check out this article, “AirReview: Identify Bad Guests Before They Check-In“. This tool will blow you away with the insight it makes possible.
This article lists several Airbnb host safety tips to keep you and your guests safe. We hope that you follow these recommendations to have a successful and safe hosting journey.