5 Red Flags to Watch Out for on Airbnb

Airbnb guests Camille Smithwick and James Green from Manchester, UK got a great deal on this rental, but there are lemons masquerading as great deals on Airbnb.
Image: Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

Airbnb makes it easy to find affordable places to stay in cities around the world.

But like any marketplace that depends on trust built over the Internet, there's a risk the product you're purchasing — or the seller itself — might not be what you thought.

Here are five tip-offs to help you figure that out, before it's too late.

1. Awful or sparse reviews

This is the easiest way to make sure you get the most out of your Airbnb experience. Just as you wouldn't purchase an expensive item from an unreliable seller on eBay, don't rent from hosts who haven't received anything less-than-stellar reviews.

Sure, there might be a few upstarts who have good intentions but no experience, and renting from them could end up being perfect in practice. That said, you should still avoid hosts without a solid reputation and strong references.

How to spot it

Find the best hosts and scrap the worst.

2. Secretive hosts

Some hosts will put more thought into their listing's descriptions than others, and the host you're thinking of renting from might not be too eloquent or descriptive.

But if the listing seems more like a scam email than a safe place to stay, or the host has little or sketchy identification information on his profile, steer clear. While the host will want to vet you before handing over the keys, be concerned if he isn't willing to prove his own trustworthiness or clear up any ambiguities.

Trust is a two-way street, after all, and if your host isn't willing to meet you halfway, move on.

How to spot it

If you don't have a good sense of what to expect, don't go any further.

3. Requests for payment in advance


Image: Flickr, Images Money

Airbnb requires guests to pay through the website, and the host will receive the money from the company 24 hours after the check-in date. While hosts are allowed to charge whatever fees they want through the site, there is no reason for you to pay a host through any other medium besides Airbnb. If someone asks for a deposit in cash, a check or through PayPal before you pay through the website, do not agree. If he insists, don't rent from him.

How to spot it

If you have to pay more than once, find a new place.

4. Multiple location listings


Do a little researchto make sure your host is being honest.

Image: Flickr, Send me adrift.

If someone exaggerates how close his apartment on one side of a city is to a landmark on the opposite side, you don't need to rule it out right away. However, if a host lists his pad in multiple neighborhoods that don't even border each other, keep scrolling.

It's bad business, and if he's lying about that, who knows what else he's lying about? It might just seem like a cheap and shallow trick, but judging character is more important than walking time.

How to spot it

If you're interested in a place, go to the host's profile to see if he's listed it in any other neighborhoods. Also, if you see a place continuously popping up in different parts of the city, track it back to the host and do the same check. If all else fails, explore the area on Google Maps.

5. Questions about unnecessary personal information


Image: Flickr, Boom Yew Chew

Airbnb allows hosts to ask for a profile picture, trip description, verified phone number and other things that will help them determine whether or not the prospective tenant is trustworthy. However, if a host's requests veer from cautious to creepy, start looking elsewhere immediately.

Asking brief description of your background is understandable, but a brief description of your body type with pictures is the definition of a red flag.

How to spot it

If a question makes you feel uncomfortable, it probably isn't necessary.

Overall, trust your gut

If everything else checks out and you still have a funny feeling about going through with the rental, don't. Whether it's a red flag that you only subconsciously recognize, or something you just can't put your finger on, look for another nearby option.

There are more than 600,000 listings around the world, according to Airbnb, so odds are you'll find a place that gives you a good deal and some peace of mind.

BONUS: Pin this image to easily share on Pinterest.

Airbnb Red Flags


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