Guest Screening for Growing STR Managers

If you have a small number of Airbnb listings, screening guests (and rejecting the bad ones) is not a problem once you know what to look for. But what if you want to grow your short-term rental business to 20, 50, or even 100 properties? What tools are available to STR rental managers to vet and monitor guests? How can you leverage effective screening to make more money AND acquire new listings?Anton Zilberberg is an STR Legend and property manager out of Toronto. He operates a portfolio of 100-plus properties through his luxury STR company, QuickStay, and serves as the Founder and CEO of Autohost, an AI screening tool for Airbnb guests. Today, Anton is back on the podcast to offer his advice on guest screening to STR managers who are looking to scale.Anton covers the risks property managers face, describing the scope of the fraud problem in the STR industry. He also weighs in on how effective screening increases STR revenue and gives property managers a competitive advantage. Listen in to understand Autohost’s multilayer verification process and learn how effective screening protects you, your business—and your neighbors!Topics CoveredThe fraud risks that property managers faceCredit card schemes + identity theft casesGun violence, escort services and drugsResell STR on dark webThe scope of the fraud problem in the hospitality industryAccounts for $150B annually1 in 20 bookings potentially fraudulentAutohost’s multilayer verification system for screening guestsDigital fingerprint determines geolocationChecks on ID, credit card and social channelsAnton’s insight on security solutions for STR managersInstall NoiseAware, security cameras, etc.Process in place for removing guestsEducate team on security and safetyHow to identify and deal with fake IDsUse ID verification systemCollect additional information (e.g.: social accounts, business email)Anton’s insight around complying with privacy lawsDo not store or share personal informationVerify accuracy, then dispose of infoHow effective screening increases STR revenueRemove booking restrictions, allow Instant BookRewarded with higher position in search resultsFewer gaps in calendar = less unsold inventoryAllows to accept locals (especially in off-season)How effective screening gives property managers a competitive advantageDemonstrate higher returns for ownersUse as selling tool to grow businessHow Airbnb screening compares to AutohostAirbnb verification at booking only9 vs. 2,000 verifications + testsAton’s advice for growing STR managersCreate systems to set expectations, monitor high-risk guestsVerify ID and phone number, charge security depositHow much it costs to use Autohost$1 to $10/screening based on services$5/screening for first 200 GPFYP listenersHow screening prevents problems for STR hostsHold people accountable (sue in court if necessary)Charge unverified guests with trespassingConnect with AntonAutohostQuickstayAnton on LinkedInResourcesAnton on GPFYP EP290Ernst & Young 2018 Global Fraud SurveyNoiseAwareSTR LegendsGet Paid for Your Pad on FacebookTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.