A VRBO background check does not usually include the criminal or credit screening most people picture. VRBO generally checks a guest's email, phone number, and payment method. It does not run criminal checks or credit checks, or require a photo ID before a guest can book.
This article covers what VRBO checks compared with Airbnb, whether a criminal record can affect a booking, and the limits of platform screening.
A VRBO background check covers less than many hosts and guests expect.
VRBO generally checks that a guest has a valid email, a confirmed phone number, and a working payment method. But it does not run criminal or credit checks before guests book.
ID checks on VRBO are also generally optional. Guests don’t have to confirm who they are or send a photo ID just to book.
This can make it harder to confirm that the guest booking really matches their VRBO account.
This type of check generally covers:
Airbnb’s guest screening goes further than VRBO’s in some ways.
It screens guests against some criminal databases, sex offender registries, and global watchlists in supported markets. Right now, these are the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Even so, Airbnb’s process has real limits. Hosts generally don’t get a copy of the report.
The check also doesn’t confirm that the guest’s government ID matches the profile making the booking.
Unlike VRBO, Airbnb’s screening usually includes checks against:
Neither platform runs the kind of full background check a landlord or employer might use. So in most cases, a criminal record doesn’t stop someone from booking an Airbnb or VRBO.
Whether a past conviction would show up in Airbnb’s screening generally depends on the market and the database or watchlist involved.
If you want stronger ID checks than either platform gives by default, add your own check during booking or check-in. This is generally the more reliable option.
You can launch your online check-in at chargeautomation.com to see how ID collection and identity verification add a layer of screening that platform checks don’t.
Hosts who want stronger guest screening than the platform default usually add:
VRBO checks limited details like email, phone, and payment method, with no criminal screening. Airbnb runs a fuller check against some criminal databases and watchlists in supported markets.
In most cases, yes. Neither platform runs the kind of full background check that would block a booking on its own. But Airbnb's screening in supported markets may flag some criminal history.
Airbnb screens guests against some criminal databases, sex offender registries, and watchlists in supported markets. VRBO's check is generally limited to contact details and payment method.
No. VRBO generally doesn't require guests to send a photo ID to book. ID checks on the platform are usually optional.
No. Hosts generally don't get a copy of Airbnb's background check report. The process also doesn't confirm that a guest's government ID matches their profile.
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