Owning a vacation rental property can be a rewarding investment, but the success of your rental depends on finding the right guests. The wrong booking can lead to damage, noise complaints, and lost revenue—while the right guests help maintain your property and boost your reviews.
If you’re a homeowner struggling with guest screening or tired of dealing with last-minute party bookings, working with a professional vacation rental management company can help. In the meantime, here’s how to spot red and green flags when screening potential guests.
🚩Red Flags: Warning Signs to Watch For
1. Incomplete or Suspicious Booking Information
If a guest is hesitant to provide basic details—such as a full name, ID, or verification information—it’s a major red flag. Legitimate travelers have no issue confirming their identity, while scammers or problematic guests may avoid it. Top vacation rental management companies require identity verification to prevent fraud and unauthorized bookings.
2. Same-Day, One-Night Bookings with Suspiciously Small Reservations
If someone books a last-minute stay for a small number of guests in a home that accommodates many more, ask about their reason for traveling. This is often a tactic to bypass occupancy limits, with additional guests arriving unannounced. Unless your property is designed for events, this can lead to noise complaints, damages, or worse. Experienced vacation rental managers flag these reservations early to protect their properties and ensure a positive guest experience.
3. Requests to Pay Outside the Platform
If a guest asks for extra time to pay, wants to send money via an alternative method, or insists on communicating through apps like WhatsApp instead of the booking platform, it’s likely a scam. Always keep payments and messages within the official platform to ensure security. A professional short-term rental manager ensures all transactions stay secure and compliant with platform policies.
4. Vague or Evasive Answers About Their Stay
A guest who avoids answering simple questions—like the reason for their trip, the number of guests, or their expected arrival time—could be hiding something. Clear and upfront communication is a sign of a responsible traveler. Vacation rental management companies ask the right questions to filter out high-risk guests before they arrive.
5. Excessive Demands or Aggressive Behavior
If a potential guest bombards you with excessive demands, pressures you for discounts, or gets defensive when asked basic screening questions, proceed with caution. Difficult behavior before check-in often leads to bigger issues during the stay; setting clear boundaries can help avoid these issues.
✅ Green Flags: Signs of a Great Guest
1. Verified Identity and Positive Reviews
A guest with verified profiles and strong reviews from previous hosts is always a good sign. Even if they’re new to booking, guests who willingly provide information and communicate clearly show responsibility.
2. Clear Communication and Respectful Tone
Guests who respond promptly, ask reasonable questions, and respect your rules are usually great to host. If they acknowledge house guidelines and seem genuinely excited about their trip, that’s a green flag.
3. Staying for a Purpose
Travelers who mention they’re visiting for work, family events, or leisure (without suspicious vagueness) tend to be reliable. Business travelers and families, in particular, often make great guests because they’re less likely to cause disruptions.
4. Accurate Guest Count and Plans
Honest guests won’t try to sneak in extra people or throw surprise parties. If they’re upfront about the number of guests and how they’ll use the space, they’re more likely to respect your home.
5. No Issues with House Rules or Security Deposits
Guests who acknowledge and agree to your house rules, security deposits, or quiet hours without hesitation usually have nothing to hide. If they see your policies as fair, they likely plan to follow them.
The Golden Rule: Trust Your Instincts
Even with the best screening tools, your gut feeling matters. If something feels off about a booking, don’t be afraid to decline. At the same time, don’t overlook great guests just because they’re new—everyone has to start somewhere. By staying mindful of red flags and prioritizing green ones, you’ll create a safer, smoother experience for both you and your guests.
That said, guest screening can be time-consuming and stressful for property owners. That’s why many homeowners turn to vacation rental management companies to handle guest verification, security deposits, and house rule enforcement—so they can focus on the rewards of their investment, not the risks.
At GoodNight Stay, we specialize in maximizing rental income while protecting your home. Our expert guest screening process ensures only the best guests stay at your property, reducing risks and increasing five-star reviews.
Ready to take the stress out of guest screening? Let GoodNight Stay handle it all and create a smoother, more profitable experience for you. Contact us today to learn how we can help you earn more while doing less!
