Airbnb does run background checks on guests, but only in certain situations and only in some countries
Airbnb does not automatically check every guest's background before they book. Instead, the company uses a system called Identity Verification that requires guests to confirm their identity through a government-issued ID, but this is not the same as a criminal background check. In the United States, Airbnb runs actual background checks on guests only when a host has requested it through Airbnb's Host Protection program, and even then only in limited circumstances. Outside the US, background check availability varies by country and local law.
The distinction matters: confirming a guest's name and ID photo is not the same as searching criminal records. A guest can pass identity verification and still have a criminal history. Hosts who want deeper screening have to request it separately, and even then the scope is limited.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb requires all guests to verify their identity with a government ID, but this only confirms who they say they are, not whether they have a criminal record.
- Hosts in the United States can request that Airbnb run a background check through the Host Protection program, but this is optional and not automatic.
- Background checks through Airbnb cover criminal records and sex offender registries in the US, but the scope and availability depend on state law.
- A guest who passes identity verification may still have a criminal history if no background check was requested.
- Hosts outside the United States have different background check options depending on their country and local regulations.
How Airbnb's identity verification works
Every guest on Airbnb must complete identity verification before they can book. This process requires uploading a photo of a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or national ID card — and taking a selfie that Airbnb compares to the ID photo. Airbnb uses third-party verification services to confirm the ID is real and that the person in the selfie matches the ID.
This step confirms the guest's identity but does not search criminal records. It is designed to prevent fake accounts and reduce fraud, not to screen for criminal history. A guest with a valid ID and a matching photo will pass, regardless of what is in their background.
When Airbnb runs criminal background checks on guests
In the United States, Airbnb offers hosts the option to request a background check on guests through its Host Protection program. Hosts can turn on this feature in their listing settings, and when they do, Airbnb will run a check on any guest who books. The check searches for felony convictions and sex offender registry matches in the US.
The background check is not mandatory for hosts to use. Many hosts do not request it, which means their guests are never screened for criminal history. Hosts have to actively enable the feature for it to explore to their listings.
The scope of the background check varies by state. Some states allow Airbnb to access more detailed records than others, and some states have laws that limit what information can be reported. Airbnb's system is designed to comply with state law, so the results a host sees may differ depending on where the property is located.
What information shows up in an Airbnb background check
When a host requests a background check, Airbnb searches for felony convictions and matches against sex offender registries. The check does not typically include misdemeanors, traffic violations, or civil judgments. It is a limited search focused on serious criminal history.
If a match is found, Airbnb notifies the host. The host can then decide whether to accept or decline the booking. Airbnb does not automatically block guests with criminal records; the decision is left to the host.
The background check is run by a third-party screening company, not by Airbnb directly. The company pulls records from public databases and sex offender registries. The accuracy and completeness of these records depend on whether the conviction or registry entry was properly recorded and reported to the databases Airbnb uses.
Background checks for hosts in other countries
Outside the United States, background check policies vary widely. In some countries, Airbnb offers background checks similar to the US system. In others, local law restricts what information can be collected or shared, so background checks are not available at all.
Hosts in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have access to background check features, though the details and scope differ by country. Hosts in the European Union face stricter data protection rules under GDPR, which limits what screening Airbnb can offer. In many other countries, background checks are not available through Airbnb at all.
Hosts outside the US should check their local Airbnb settings to see whether background checks are offered in their country. If they are not available, hosts have no way to request them through Airbnb.
What hosts and guests should know about background checks
Hosts who want background checks should understand that the absence of a match does not mean a guest has no criminal history. Records may be incomplete, old convictions may not appear, or a guest may have been arrested but not convicted. A clean background check is not a may provide of safety.
Guests should know that if a host has enabled background checks, their information will be screened. Guests have no way to know in advance whether a particular listing has background checks turned on. If a guest is declined after booking, Airbnb does not tell them the reason, though hosts may choose to explain.
Airbnb's background check feature is one tool hosts can use, but it is not the only way hosts assess guests. Many hosts also read guest reviews, check how long a guest has been on the platform, and look at the guest's profile information before accepting a booking.
How to request or enable background checks as a host
Hosts in the United States can enable background checks by going to their listing settings, selecting "Host Protection," and turning on the background check feature. Once enabled, the check will run on every guest who books that listing. Hosts can enable or disable the feature at any time.
Hosts in other countries should check their account settings to see whether background checks are available in their region. If the option appears, the process is similar: find the Host Protection or safety settings and enable the feature.
Enabling background checks does not cost extra, but it is part of Airbnb's Host Protection program, which may have other requirements or features depending on the country and the host's account status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a guest see if a host ran a background check on them?
No. Guests are not told whether a background check was run or what the results were. If a guest is declined after booking, Airbnb does not provide the reason. The host may choose to explain, but they are not required to.
What happens if a background check finds a match?
Airbnb notifies the host of the match. The host can then accept or decline the booking. If the host declines, the guest's reservation is canceled and they are refunded. Airbnb does not automatically block guests with criminal records.
Does identity verification include a background check?
No. Identity verification only confirms the guest's name and that they match their ID photo. It does not search criminal records. A guest can pass identity verification without ever being screened for criminal history.
Can guests request a background check to prove they are safe?
Airbnb does not offer guests the option to request a background check on themselves. Guests cannot initiate screening to show hosts they are trustworthy. Only hosts can request background checks on guests.
Are background checks available in all states?
Background checks are available to hosts in the United States, but the scope and information returned may vary by state due to differences in state law and record availability. Hosts should assume the check is available in their state unless Airbnb indicates otherwise in their settings.