Finding reliable tenants is crucial for a stress-free rental experience, especially for mid-term stays (1-3 months) on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. While many guests may seem great on paper, some warning signs can indicate potential problems down the road. Here are the key red flags to watch for and how to identify them early in the screening process.

1. Inconsistent or Unverifiable Income

How to Spot It:

• Guest cannot provide a valid payment method or attempts to negotiate payment outside the platform.

• Income sources are unclear or they insist on paying in cash only.

• Frequent cancellations or declined transactions in their booking history.

2. Poor Rental or Host Reviews

How to Spot It:

• Previous hosts report late payments, property damage, or rule violations.

• Guest refuses to provide any past stay references or has no previous stays.

• Reviews indicate frequent cancellations or last-minute booking changes.

3. Low Verification Status on Rental Platforms

How to Spot It:

• Guest has minimal profile information and no verified ID or payment details.

• No reviews or only negative feedback from past hosts.

• Avoids booking through official platforms and requests direct transactions.

4. Suspicious Background or Lack of Transparency

How to Spot It:

• Background check (if applicable) reveals past legal issues related to property damage or fraud.

• Guest provides vague or misleading personal details.

• Attempts to book under different names or provides incomplete contact information.

5. Frequent Moves or Short-Term Stays with No Clear Reason

How to Spot It:

• Guest books multiple short stays in different locations within a short period.

• No clear reason for extended stays beyond tourism or work assignments.

• Unexplained frequent last-minute changes to booking dates.

6. Unstable Employment or No Clear Travel Purpose

How to Spot It:

• Frequent job changes without a clear career progression.

• No verifiable work assignment or digital nomad profile.

• Guest struggles to provide a valid reason for their stay.

7. Previous Issues with Hosts or Platforms

How to Spot It:

• Guest has been flagged by other hosts for violations of house rules.

• Prior disputes with hosts over damages, refunds, or unauthorized guests.

• They avoid questions about their past experiences with short-term rentals.

8. Refusal to Follow Platform Policies or House Rules

How to Spot It:

• Guest pushes back against security deposits, verification, or ID requirements.

• Attempts to bring additional guests without approval.

• Becomes defensive or uncooperative when asked for additional information.

Final Thoughts

Tenant screening for mid-term Airbnb stays is different from long-term rentals but just as crucial. By carefully vetting guests, checking reviews, and verifying payment details, you can avoid potential issues and ensure a smooth rental experience. A structured screening process helps protect your property, minimize risk, and attract responsible guests who respect your space.