As a property owner, the guests you allow into your rental can make or break your experience. A great guest means fewer problems, better property care, and smooth stays. On the other hand, a poorly screened guest can lead to damages, complaints, and lost income. That’s where a cohost comes in—to handle tenant screening and ensure your rental attracts responsible, high-quality guests. Here’s how the process works.

1. Pre-Screening Through Listings & Communication

It starts with the listing itself. A well-crafted property description sets expectations upfront, clearly outlining house rules, stay requirements, and guest responsibilities. Serious guests will read and respect these, while unreliable ones may self-filter out. Additionally, cohosts engage in direct communication, asking key questions to gauge suitability:

• What is the purpose of your stay?

• How many people will be staying?

• Have you rented before? If so, what was your experience?

This helps spot red flags, like vague responses or unwillingness to follow house rules.

2. Verifying Guest Identity and Reviews

A trusted cohost ensures that all guests provide valid identification and have a verifiable booking history on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. Guests with positive reviews from past hosts are prioritized, while those with limited history may require additional verification, such as a LinkedIn profile, work reference, or a refundable deposit.

3. Enforcing House Rules & Agreements

Clear, firm house rules protect both the property and neighbors. Cohosts set expectations for noise levels, occupancy limits, and prohibited activities. Some best practices include:

• Sending house rules before check-in and requiring guests to acknowledge them.

• Using smart locks or security cameras (for entrance monitoring) to ensure compliance.

• Setting quiet hours and guest limits to prevent unauthorized parties or disruptions.

4. Security Deposits & Payment Verification

A cohost ensures that payment methods are legitimate and enforces security deposits when necessary. This acts as a safeguard against potential damages or last-minute cancellations. High-risk bookings, such as same-day reservations from unverified profiles, may require additional vetting.

5. Ongoing Monitoring & Check-In Process

Cohosts stay proactive throughout the stay, ensuring smooth guest experiences while keeping the property secure. This includes:

• Conducting remote or in-person check-ins to verify guest identity.

• Checking in via message within the first 24 hours to confirm everything is in order.

• Having a local contact on standby for emergency situations.

6. Post-Stay Reviews & Feedback

A professional cohost always leaves honest reviews for guests, creating a feedback loop that benefits future hosts. They also encourage guests to leave reviews, building trust for future bookings and attracting high-quality renters.

The Bottom Line

Tenant screening isn’t just about preventing bad guests—it’s about ensuring stress-free, profitable rentals. A skilled cohost filters out unreliable guests, enforces house rules, and keeps your property secure, giving you peace of mind. With the right screening process, your rental stays in top shape while welcoming responsible, respectful guests who make hosting a breeze.