As an Airbnb host, ensuring that your property is rented to reliable and trustworthy guests is paramount. One way to increase the likelihood of having a positive hosting experience is by blocking guests who don’t have any reviews. This can help mitigate risks and ensure that your guests have a proven track record of good behavior. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to block guests without reviews on Airbnb.
Why Block Guests Without Reviews?
Before diving into the how, it’s essential to understand the why. Guests with no reviews are often new to Airbnb, and while many are respectful and responsible, some may not yet understand the community standards or the importance of adhering to house rules. Blocking guests without reviews can:
- Minimize Risks: Reduce the chances of dealing with problematic guests.
- Protect Your Property: Ensure your property is respected and well-maintained.
- Enhance Peace of Mind: Give you confidence in knowing that your guests have been vetted by other hosts.
Steps to Block Guests Without Reviews
1. Set Strict Booking Requirements
Airbnb allows hosts to set booking requirements that guests must meet before they can book a property. Here’s how to set these requirements:
- Login to Your Airbnb Account: Go to your Airbnb dashboard.
- Navigate to Listings: Click on “Listings” and select the property you want to adjust.
- Booking Settings: Go to “Booking settings” and click on “Edit.”
- Guest Requirements: Here, you can specify the criteria guests must meet. Check the option for “Recommended by other hosts” to ensure that only guests with positive reviews can book.
2. Use Instant Book Filters
If you use Airbnb’s Instant Book feature, you can filter guests based on their profile reviews. Here’s how to do it:
- Enable Instant Book: Go to your listing and enable the Instant Book feature.
- Set Guest Requirements: When setting up Instant Book, you can filter guests by requiring that they have received positive reviews from other hosts. This way, only guests with previous positive reviews can instantly book your property.
3. Communicate with Potential Guests
While blocking guests without reviews can be effective, it’s also important to communicate with potential guests who may reach out directly. Here’s how:
- Pre-Booking Questions: Before accepting a booking request from a guest without reviews, send them a message asking about their trip, their Airbnb experience, and any references they might have.
- Trust Your Instincts: Use your judgment based on their responses. If you feel comfortable, you can proceed with the booking; if not, you can decline the request.
4. Use Third-Party Screening Tools
Some third-party tools and services provide additional screening for potential guests. These tools can offer background checks and other verifications to give you more confidence in your guests’ reliability.
Clearly state your preference for guests with reviews in your house rules and listing description. Here’s an example:
“We welcome guests who have positive reviews from other hosts. If you’re new to Airbnb, please send us a message before booking to introduce yourself and share a bit about your travel plans.”
Conclusion
Blocking guests without reviews on Airbnb can significantly enhance your hosting experience by ensuring your property is rented to reliable individuals. By setting strict booking requirements, using Instant Book filters, communicating effectively with potential guests, utilizing third-party screening tools, and updating your house rules, you can create a safer and more enjoyable environment for you and your guests.
Remember, while protecting your property is important, being open to new guests with good communication can also lead to positive experiences and long-term relationships.
