Vrbo is one of the most popular vacation rental platforms, where thousands of hosts and property owners rent out their properties. This gives guests the opportunity to book and stay in these homes. With the growing demand in the short‑term rental industry, safety concerns are also rising for hosts. Many different types of guests visit properties, which raise a common question: “Does Vrbo do background checks on guests?”
Yes, Vrbo does have a background check process, but it is limited to verifying guests through Vrbo’s verification badge. If a guest chooses not to complete the verification or uses a fake ID, they may still get through.
So, how does Vrbo make sure a guest is trustworthy? In this article, we’ll talk in detail about what Vrbo’s background check is, how it works, and whether hosts should rely on it. We’ll also show you how you can manually screen guests yourself.
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What is a Vrbo Background Check?
A Vrbo background check is when Vrbo reviews a guest or host’s identity to see if they have a criminal record.
This helps property owners on Vrbo feel safer when welcoming guests into their homes. Vrbo needs the guest’s real and verified identity to run this kind of check accurately.
Vrbo also checks for fake accounts to help keep the platform safe. Their system looks for unusual activity or mismatched information to spot and block suspicious users.
Proper guest screening and background checks help Vrbo hosts avoid vulgar or criminal record guests. These guests may damage the property, disturb neighbors, or cause safety issues. And with Vrbo guest background check, hosts can avoid any unwanted situations.
But background checks can be expensive, especially when guests come from different countries. Because of this, Vrbo doesn’t always perform detailed checks on international guests. That means some international guests may not be thoroughly screened.
Does Vrbo Do Background Checks on Guests?
The short answer is: Not completely.
Vrbo conducts only basic checks on most guests. This makes hosts vulnerable to costly damages or fraud. Unlike their screening of hosts which includes a sex offender registry check, Vrbo does not perform detailed criminal background checks on guests.
This means that as a host, you need to step in for the guests screening.
Because Vrbo doesn’t conduct extensive background checks on guests, it offers insurance to protect hosts if things go wrong. Vrbo provides two types of insurance policies specifically designed to support and protect hosts: Vrbo Property Damage Protection, and Vrbo Liability Insurance.
Since Vrbo’s background checks on guests are limited, there’s always some risk when renting your property. These insurance policies won’t let hosts facing large bills alone if something goes wrong.
How Vrbo Verifies Guest Identities?
Vrbo background check uses a few simple steps to check guest identities and prevent fraud. But these checks don’t include extensive background screening. Here’s what Vrbo actually does:
Request for Identity Verification: Vrbo may ask a guest to verify their identity:
- During account creation
- Before booking a property
- At the host’s request for added security
Submit Government-Issued ID: Guests can voluntarily complete a Vrbo ID Verification process that may include:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- National ID card
With the documents, Vrbo get informations such as,
- First and last name
- Email address
- Mobile phone number
- Payment details
- Physical address
- Date of birth
Facial Recognition / Selfie Check: Vrbo may ask for a real-time selfie to match the photo on the ID to confirm that the ID belongs to the person making the booking.
Verify Phone Number & Email: Vrbo ensures the phone number and email address are valid by sending a verification code to both.
Review Trust & Profile Information: Vrbo also looks at:
- Guest’s previous booking history
- Reviews from hosts
- Completion of profile info (like a profile photo and bio)
Host Sees “Identity Verified” Badge: Once a guest passes verification, Vrbo displays a badge on their profile saying “Identity Verified.”
What are the Limitations of Vrbo Background Checks?
Vrbo’s background checks have several limitations, such as guest Vrbo do not check for criminal record checks. Also, verification is optional. Here are some of the limitations Vrbo has.
No detailed criminal checks: Vrbo doesn’t check a guest’s criminal record or history.
No sex offender checks: Guests aren’t screened against sex offender registries.
Cannot detect fake IDs: Vrbo doesn’t fully protect against guests using false or stolen identities.
No credit checks: Vrbo doesn’t review credit history, credit scores, or chargeback histories, leaving hosts exposed to financial risk.
Verification is optional: Guests can skip ID verification entirely and still book instantly, limiting your control.
Limited international guest screening: Vrbo has very limited data on international guests. Most checks are basic ID verifications, without deep background details.
Potential for fraud: Since checks aren’t thorough, guests might use false or stolen identities without detection.
Local law limitations: Privacy laws vary by location, restricting what information Vrbo can verify about guests. For instance, regulations differ significantly between cities like Chicago and Miami.
Instant booking risks: If you enable instant booking, you lose control over screening guests beforehand. You might need to cancel reservations if you suspect issues later.
Hosts cannot require verification: Currently, Vrbo does not allow hosts to mandate guest verification prior to booking.
Should Hosts Fully Rely on Vrbo’s Guest Verification?
Vrbo offers some identity verification steps, but they don’t run full background checks on guests. This means prior criminal activity, especially minor offenses or unreported cases may go unnoticed. There’s also no ongoing monitoring to catch recent issues.
Identity fraud is another concern. There’s no strong system in place to catch fake IDs. So someone using a false identity could still get through.
Only the person who books is verified, while additional guests aren’t screened at all. And since identity checks aren’t repeated before every booking, a lot can change between stays.
While Vrbo’s checks may stop obvious scammers or suspicious accounts, they’re not enough to block more serious criminals. People doing things like drug dealing or trafficking often use fake identities, making it harder for Vrbo’s system to detect them.
That’s why you shouldn’t rely solely on Vrbo’s system for vetting your guests.
How Much Can You Trust Airbnb’s Background Checks?
Vrbo, Airbnb, and Booking.com differ in how they verify guests. Vrbo has relaxed checks, no criminal screening, attracts families, and offers longer stays. Airbnb has stronger security with ID checks, some background screening. Booking.com does no guest verification,and there are instant bookings, with less control.
Feature | Vrbo | Airbnb | Booking.com |
Government ID Verification | Optional | Often required (varies by country) | Not required for guests |
Background Checks | Limited, no criminal checks | Criminal background checks (U.S. only) | No background checks |
Additional Guest Screening | Not screened | Not screened | Not screened |
Fake ID Detection | No detection system | No strong detection for fake IDs | Not applicable |
Ongoing Monitoring | No | No ongoing checks | No |
Booking Without Profile Verification | Possible | Possible (for some listings) | Yes |
Host Safety Features | Basic (ID & fraud flagging system) | Stronger (ID, reviews, optional screening tools) | Minimal |
Vrbo’s process is more relaxed. Guests can book without strict background checks or even submitting a photo ID. Their “verified” badge doesn’t include checks for criminal records or credit history. Also, Vrbo attracts older guests and families who often book longer stays. This means less turnover and more stable income for hosts.
On the other hand, Airbnb has a stronger screening process. They run criminal background checks in the US and India. They use smart systems to block risky bookings (like parties). They also check the criminal backgrounds from the public record.
Booking.com has minimal guest screening compared to Airbnb and Vrbo. There’s no ID verification or background check. Anyone can book instantly. Though it gives you a wider reach and more international guests, it also means a higher risk. Because you do not know who are coming.
How to Manually Screen Virbo Guests Before Accepting a Booking?
To manually screen Vrbo guests, review their profile, communicate with them through Vrbo messaging, verify their details, and look for any red flags before confirming the booking.
Vrbo lets hosts do additional verification, such as guest screening. This is a safer way to make sure you get the right guests. You can create your own screening process to improve security thus welcome guests you can trust.
Here is how you can do guest screening.
1. Opt Out of Instant Booking
Instant Booking lets guests book your place right away without your approval. This indeed can boost bookings, but it also means you do not get the chance to check guests first. Opting out gives you time to review each request. You can ask questions, and make sure you approve the right booking.
By doing so you can,
- Get more control over who stays in your property.
- Time to review guest profiles and messages.
- Reduce the risk of damage, parties, or rule violations.
- Rest assured knowing you approved every booking.
How to do this:
- Log in to your Vrbo account.
- Go to your Property Dashboard.
- Click Booking Settings.
- Find Instant Booking and turn it off.
- Save your changes.
2. Read the Guest’s Profile Carefully
By looking carefully into your guests’ Vrbo profiles, you can get a lot of ideas before accepting a booking.
Take a close look at guests’ profile photos. Is it clear and genuine? Check if the information in the profile is complete and consistent. Also, check the verification badges. Have they added their email, phone number, and ID?
If something feels off, like missing details, no reviews, or vague answers, you can ask polite follow‑up questions through Vrbo messaging to know more or get documents.
3. Reviewing a Guest’s Airbnb Profile
Check the guest reviews from other hosts. If there is any bad or negative review, try to find out the reasons. Some guests may have no review, which does not mean they are bad. In such a situation, you need to communicate with the guest openly.
Read the past review about them, how the guest gave a review if they were respectful, and clean. Pay attention to any negative comments or cancellations.
4. Communicate with Guests Before Accepting
Once you receive a booking request, use Vrbo’s messaging system and start a conversation with the guest. This is the perfect time to know more about their trip. You can try to find out who will be staying.
You can also explain your house rules in more detail. If you need any document, politely ask for it, and let them know this is for safety.
6. Ask Pre-Booking Questions
Here are some pre-booking questions you can ask your guests,
- What brings you to the area?
- How many people will be staying?
- Have you stayed in a vacation rental before?
- Have you read and agreed to the house rules?
- What time do you expect to arrive?
- Will you be bringing any pets?
- Do you have any special requests or needs?
6. Check Their Online Presence
One quick way to screen guests manually is to look them up on social media. A quick peek at Facebook or Instagram you can know if they’re a real person. Check their posts, about info, and pictures.
If you’ve got some basic details, you can even use online services to run a simple background check.
7. Watch for Red Flags
You can watch for the red flags, meaning there can be a single guest but renting a big property, or not answering your questions properly. This is a good step for guest screening.
One or two people renting a big house: Could be fine, but often means they plan to host a party.
One‑night bookings: Common with guests looking for a quick party spot.
Last‑minute bookings: Sometimes okay, but can be a way to avoid guest checks.
Local guests: Could be harmless, but often a sign they want to throw a party.
Mismatched credit card: If the card name doesn’t match the booking name, it could mean fraud.
Guests avoid answering questions: Vague replies are a warning sign.
Unrealistic promises: Saying “we’ll take great care of your place” without answering anything else can be suspicious.
Too many guests for the property size: This can mean extra people will show up without permission.
Guest refuses to book through Vrbo: A push to pay outside the platform is a major red flag for scams.
8. Evaluate Guest Information Provided by Vrbo
When you get a booking request, Vrbo gives you some basic guest details. Take a moment to look at them carefully. Check that the name, location, and number of guests match what they’ve told you in messages. Look for a verified email, phone number, and ID badge.
If something doesn’t match up or feels off, ask polite follow‑up questions before you approve the booking.
9. Use Third-Party Screening Tools
Besides Vrbo’s built-in verification, you can use third‑party tools. There are tools like Autohost, Safely, and Superhog that can check guest identities and even screen for criminal history or fraud.
These tools often pull data from multiple sources. It can be public records and global watchlists. Though the tools are paid but you can still get an extra safety.
Are There Legal Limits to Guest Screening?
Yes, there are some legal limits to guest screening according to Vrbo terms and conditions.
- Vrbo wants hosts and guests to talk through its secure messaging system. They may check some host details if the law says they must.
- But Vrbo does not promise that every guest or host profile is 100% real or correct.
- As a host, you can check who you’re renting to, but you must follow the law. This means you cannot break privacy rules, discriminate against people, or ignore local data protection rules.
- You also cannot use a guest’s personal details for the wrong reasons, like sending them ads, using their info for other purposes, or giving it to some
What Laws Apply to International Vrbo Guests?
Vrbo says guests and hosts are responsible for following the laws in:
- Where the property is located
- Where the guest lives
- Any other relevant country (e.g., transit countries)
International travel may need passport, visa, and vaccination rules from relevant governments. Vrbo isn’t responsible if a guest is denied entry to a country for not meeting these requirements.
Some countries require Vrbo (or the host) to collect local occupancy taxes from international guests.
When disputes arise, Vrbo’s Terms are governed by U.S. law (State of Washington), unless local laws override that in certain jurisdictions.
Does Vrbo Check Criminal Records?
Vrbo does not run criminal background checks on guests. Their main job is to connect travelers with hosts and help manage bookings. They do some identity checks in certain cases. But they don’t look into someone’s criminal history.
This means it’s up to you as the host to decide if you want to do extra screening. You need to remember any checks you do must follow the law in your area, especially privacy and anti-discrimination rules.
Can Vrbo Detect Fake IDs?
Vrbo has an identity check process that helps spot fake IDs. They may confirm details like Vrbo guests name, email, phone number, address, and date of birth.
But Vrbo doesn’t promise they can catch every fake ID. Their checks aren’t foolproof.
Does Vrbo Rent to Felons?
Yes, people with felony convictions can book stays on Vrbo. Vrbo’s checks focus on basic details like name, address, and date of birth. They do not run criminal background checks.
This means someone with a past felony can still rent a property if they give the required information. If you want to screen for criminal history, you’ll need to do it yourself.
Does Vrbo Restrict Parties as Part of Its Guest Screening Process?
Vrbo has a no‑party policy for all rentals. According to Vrbo party policy, a “party” means more guests than allowed, loud noise, disruptive behavior, or breaking local laws. Small, quiet get‑togethers may be okay if the host agrees and all house rules are followed.
Hosts are encouraged to report violations. But rules don’t stop every guest from trying. Screening guests can help prevent problems.
How to Screen Guests Without Violating Privacy?
You can screen guests, still respecting their privacy. You have to be polite, so it does not hurt the guest’s sentiment andyou need to focus on safe, legal steps. Here is how you can do it,
- Use Vrbo’s messaging system to ask polite questions about their trip (reason for visit, number of guests, arrival time).
- Check their Vrbo profile for reviews from other hosts.
Confirm ID using Vrbo’s verification tools instead of collecting copies yourself. - Go over your house rules before confirming the booking so there are no surprises.
- Watch for red flags like vague answers, refusal to share basic info, or wanting to pay outside Vrbo.
- Check guests’ social media profiles, if possible.
How Can Short-Term Rental Assistant Help for Guest Screening
Since Vrbo does not offer a strong background check on guests, it is safe for hosts to do it themselves. This may take time, but it helps avoid unwanted guests who could cause damage or commit violations. We understand you may have a tight schedule, and extra screening can feel like a hassle—that is why hiring a short-term rental virtual assistant can be the solution.
Why?
These remote assistants are experienced in supporting hosts, property owners, and managers. With their expertise, they make hosting easier, and guest screening is one of their key responsibilities. At STR Assistance, we have a team of skilled short-term rental virtual assistants who are trained in handling background checks and screening processes.
Not only do we provide Vrbo guest screening, but we also have Airbnb background check experts and Booking.com guest verification specialists. Our team knows exactly how to evaluate guest profiles, verify IDs, and identify potential red flags across multiple platforms. This ensures you receive trustworthy guests and can protect your property with confidence.
Here’s how we help with guest screening:
- Verify contact info – Make sure the guest’s phone number and email are real and working.
- Scan linked profiles – Look at connected social or online accounts for consistency.
- Check IP address – Spot if someone is using a VPN or masking their location.
- Search public records – See if the guest’s email shows up in known data breaches.
- Sex offender registry search – In the U.S., they can check the public database.
- Internal guest database – Flag guests with past fraud, chargebacks, or bad behavior.
- Review history – Read what other hosts have said about the guest.
- Booking patterns – Spots too many cancellations or disputes.
Bottom Line
Vrbo’s guest background checks are simple; they confirm things like name, email, phone number, and sometimes an ID. They don’t do full criminal background checks or look deeply into a guest’s past. This means someone with bad intentions could still book your place.
As a host, it’s best to also check guests yourself. You can do this by asking a few questions before booking, reading reviews from other hosts, confirming the details they give you, and using outside tools if needed.
Taking a few extra minutes to check can save you trouble later.
