Why This Matters
This SOP outlines how to review new Airbnb booking inquiries, identify potential red flags, and respond with the appropriate vetting questions. Proper screening helps ensure we host respectful, responsible guests who follow our house rules and protect the property.
What You Need
Access to Airbnb messaging platform
Ability to view guest profiles
Understanding of our house rules
Step 1: Review Guest Profile + Identify Red Flags
Examine the guest’s message and profile carefully. Watch for potential concerns such as:
Profile & Communication Red Flags
No reviews or very few reviews
Vague, inconsistent, or missing reason for visit
Poor grammar or disorganized communication
Rude, unenthusiastic, or evasive tone
Avoids answering direct questions
Asks for discounts
Booking Pattern Red Flags
1-night booking request
Local guest from the same city as the property
Last-minute booking
Guest count seems unclear or suspicious
Profile Check Tips
When viewing the guest’s profile:
Check whether reviews are recent and detailed
Look for patterns in comments, positive or negative
If hosts mention the guest’s full name, you may do a light social media verification (FB, IG, LinkedIn)
If their rating is not a perfect 5.0, read the negative reviews closely to understand concerns
🔍 Tip: Click on the guest’s profile and check:
Are the reviews recent?
Are reviews detailed or just one-liners?
Do any hosts mention their full name? If yes, you can do a quick social media check (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
If they don’t have a perfect 5.0 rating, see what the negative reviews say
Step 2: Send Standard Vetting Questions ( Request to Book Inquiry)
If no immediate deal-breaker appears, send the following message:
Vetting Message Template ( Request to Book Inquiry)
Hi (GUEST NAME),
Thanks so much for your interest in staying at our place! Before we finalize the booking, I just have a few quick questions to make sure everything is a good fit:
What’s the brief purpose of your visit? (Skip if already explained)
Are any guests smokers? (Smoking is not allowed inside the home)
Will you be bringing any pets?
Can you confirm the total number of guests?
What’s your relationship to the other guests in the group? (Skip if already clear)
Have you and your group read and agreed to our house rules?
Once accepted, are you willing and able to provide a photo ID that matches your Airbnb profile?
Looking forward to hearing back!
Vetting Message Template ( Instant Booking)
Hi (Guest Name),
Thanks so much for booking our place, we’re excited to host you! Before your stay, I just need to confirm a few quick details to make sure everything goes smoothly:
What’s the purpose of your trip?
Can you confirm the total number of guests who will be staying?
Are any guests smokers? (Smoking of any kind is not allowed inside the home.)
Will you be bringing any pets?
Have you and your group read and agreed to our house rules?
For security purposes, we ask that the guest who booked the reservation provide a photo ID that matches the Airbnb profile. Are you comfortable with that?
Thanks so much for helping us keep the home safe and enjoyable for all guests.
Looking forward to hosting you!
Step 3: Evaluate Responses
Use the guest’s answers to determine whether to proceed. Consider:
Did they answer all questions clearly?
Do their explanations make sense?
Are they respectful and cooperative?
Do they align with our rules (smoking, guest count, pets, quiet hours, etc.)?
If concerns remain, you may ask follow-up questions or decline the request.
Quick Response Templates (FAQs)
Early Check-In
Hi (Guest Name),
We’ll try our best! Early check-in depends on whether another guest is checking out the same morning. The earliest we can usually confirm is the day before arrival. Standard check-in time is 3 PM so the home can be fully cleaned and prepared for you.
Late Check-Out
Hi (Guest Name),
What time were you hoping for? The latest we can typically offer at no extra charge is 11 AM. If we’re able to extend, we’d greatly appreciate a 5-star review in return.
Crib Request
Hi (Guest Name),
We don’t provide cribs, but the home is spacious and you’re more than welcome to bring your own!
Guest Asking to Bring a Pet
If no pet is allowed:
Hi (Guest Name),
Thanks for checking! At the moment, we do not allow pets at the property to keep the home allergy-friendly for future guests.
I hope you understand, let me know if you have any other questions!
If pet is allowed:
Hi (Guest Name),
Thanks for checking! Yes, pets are welcome at our place. We just ask a pet fee of $___ per stay to cover the additional cleaning required.
A few quick guidelines to keep the home comfortable for everyone:
Please keep pets off furniture and beds
Clean up after them indoors and outdoors
Do not leave pets unattended inside the home
Ensure they are well-behaved and house-trained
If you’re bringing more than one pet, just let me know so I can note it on the reservation.
We’re happy to host you and your furry companion!
Parking Request
With no additional fees:
Hi (Guest Name),
Yes, parking is available! We offer (describe your setup: driveway / garage / street parking / 1 assigned space).
If you have more than one vehicle, please let me know so I can confirm availability and share instructions.
With extra fees:
Hi (Guest Name),
Yes, parking is available! We do charge a parking fee of $___ per vehicle, per stay. This helps cover maintenance and reserved access.
If you’ll be bringing a vehicle, just let me know how many so I can add the fee and send over the parking instructions.
Happy to help with anything else you need!
Request for Extra Guests
Hi (Guest Name),
Thanks for reaching out! Our listing is set up for (X) guests maximum.
If you'd like to add an additional guest, please update the reservation on Airbnb so the correct pricing and details apply.
Once that’s done, I’ll be happy to confirm everything for you!