+- Airbnb Host and Investors Forum (https://thestrsite.com)
+-- Forum: General (https://thestrsite.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=17)
+--- Forum: Advice (https://thestrsite.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=13)
+--- Thread: Vetting guests with no reviews (/showthread.php?tid=305)
Vetting guests with no reviews - ViProud - 04-03-2026
Hosts who request that a potential guest confirm rules before accepting - What if they don’t confirm they’ve read and agree to house rules? Do you decline the booking request? Is it counted against you if you state the reason was they didn’t answer your message stating that they have read and agree to house rules?
Part of our vetting process for guests with no reviews is confirming the guest count and asking that they agree to the house rules. Generally the guests have always said yes, and then I accept the request to book. They usually answer within 30 minutes.
We had a request to book that hasn’t answered and it’s been a few hours. I don’t want to accept if I’m uncomfortable with the booking. I also don’t want to be penalized by Airbnb. Any advice from hosts?
RE: Vetting guests with no reviews - ChrisFromTheOC - 04-04-2026
Your process seems reasonable for new guests without reviews. I usually give them 24 hours to respond to my messages about house rules before declining (right before the expiry). Few hours might be bit short - some people don't check messages immediately after booking request.
RE: Vetting guests with no reviews - kss8888 - 04-04-2026
Curious how someone simply saying yes gives you assurance. A yes means nothing. It doesn’t guarantee they actually read your rules. A yes doesn’t help you down the line. Curious why you hang your hat on a yes. Sure if a response is all you are after then that is fine but you say here “The guest has always said yes, and then I accept the request to book”
RE: Vetting guests with no reviews - bisonrav - 04-04-2026
The "no reviews" people I've had have been great. They're just new to using airbnb. Some are super young "18-19". They're just starting out in the adult world and don't have any reviews. Others were families that just haven't had the chance to travel much.