In recent years short-term rentals. through platforms have become a major source of income for many property owners. Along with the advantages, however, this business model also hides its risks. One of the most serious is related to unregulated parties - situations that can lead to damage to the property, conflicts with neighbors and even account blocking the host.
Airbnb officially implemented a global party ban back in 2020, following a series of incidents and a growing number of complaints. The restriction was adopted as a temporary measure, but later became a permanent rule. The effect is tangible: according to official data from the platform, the number of reported party incidents has decreased by about 44% globally in 2 years. This shows that the strict rules are working – but also highlights that the risk is far from gone.
What is “risk booking” and why is it a problem?
In the world of short-term rentals, there's nothing more important than knowing your guests well. But not every booking brings the same chance of a smooth check-in. The term "risk reservation" describes those cases where the likelihood of unwanted events is significantly higher – from unregulated parties and excessive noise, to property damage and complaints from neighbors.
Typical signs of a risky booking include:
- One-day or very short stays – especially on weekends. This is a classic scenario for organizing gatherings.
- Last minute reservations – often open the door to impulsive plans like parties.
- Guests without history or recommendations – new profiles without reviews hide more unknowns.
- Local reservations – when a person from the same city rents a place for one night, it is often a signal of an event, not a trip.
Underestimating these indicators can be costly. The consequences range from property damage and unforeseen repair costs, to serious conflicts with neighbors and even police intervention. The most dangerous thing, however, is that the reputation of the listing suffers - negative reviews remain forever and directly reduce the number of future reservations.
Platforms like Airbnb and Booking already use algorithms to limit such cases, but no system is perfect. That’s why hosts need to develop their own “radar” to recognize risky bookings – and take preventive action before problems happen.
Basic rules for prevention
The surest way to avoid problems is to not allow risky bookings at all. Rules play a key role here – they act as a first line of defense and set guests' expectations right from the listing.
- Clear “house rules” on the profile
Implementing specific rules – such as “no parties or events,” “no outside visitors,” or “no noise after 10 p.m.” – reduces the likelihood of unscrupulous guests choosing the property. The more clearly the rules are described on the platform, the stronger the effect. - Minimum length of stay
Short stays, especially overnight stays, are the riskiest. Airbnb statistics show that introducing a two- or three-night minimum drastically reduces the number of attempted parties. It’s a simple but extremely effective measure. - Deposit requirement
The financial commitment acts as a filter for people with bad intentions. Even a symbolic deposit creates a sense of responsibility and protects the owner from possible damage. - Contractual clauses and communication
Even for short-term rentals, it’s helpful to let guests know that breaking the rules will result in termination of the stay and forfeiture of the deposit. Additionally, prior communication—even with a few clarifying questions—is often enough to uncover potential problems.
Detection and control technologies
Rules are the first barrier against unwanted situations, but technology adds another layer of security. Today, hosts can rely on innovations that detect problems in real time and reduce the risk of a party or unwanted gathering.
Smart sound level meters
They measure noise levels in the property and send a notification if the decibels exceed a preset threshold. They do not record conversations, but only monitor the volume, so they preserve the privacy of guests while giving the owner control.
Smart locks and access counters
Modern electronic locks can display every time the door is unlocked, which helps to monitor whether the number of people entering the home matches the number stated. Some systems even record how many different devices (smartphones) have connected to the Wi-Fi network.
Centralized management systems
Property management software allows homeowners to integrate various technologies into a single system – from remote access to real-time monitoring.
Technology does not replace human judgment, but it is a powerful tool that gives peace of mind and protection to owners.
Red flags in communication
Even the most sophisticated technology can’t completely replace human intuition. It’s often the communication with guests before arrival that reveals whether a reservation is potentially problematic. Experienced hosts know that “small signals” aren’t always accidental.
Evasive answers
When a guest avoids questions about the number of people who will be staying, or answers vaguely ("we will be a few friends, but we don't know exactly how many"), this is a serious sign of attention.
Insistence on short stays or specific hours
Phrases like "just for one night, we promise to be quiet" or "we have to check in very late/leave very early" often disguise plans for a get-together.
Avoiding dialogue about rules
Conscientious guests have no problem confirming that they are familiar with "the rules of the house". If someone ignores the topic or tries to downplay it, the likelihood of a problem is higher.
Overconfidence
Sometimes overly insistent assurances of "good behavior" sound artificial and suggest that the guest already expects doubts from the host.
According to a study by Hostfully, owners who actively ask clarifying questions at the booking stage decrease by about 60% the likelihood of unwanted incidents.
Careful communication is a free but extremely effective tool. If used systematically, it can prevent problems before a guest even steps foot in your door.
Reactions to a risky reservation already made
Even with the strictest rules and technology, risky bookings can still slip through the system. At this point, it’s important for the host to act coolly and strategically – rather than waiting for problems to happen.
Risk assessment
Once the reservation is made, the host should assess how risky it really is. A few screening questions to the guest (“What is the purpose of the visit?”, “Will there be outside visitors?”) can provide a clear picture of the situation.
Requirement of a deposit or additional guarantees
When a booking seems questionable but there are not enough grounds to cancel, a deposit can act as a filter. It creates a sense of responsibility and reduces the likelihood of reckless behavior.
Change of conditions
Sometimes it makes sense to offer a change – for example, a minimum stay of two nights instead of one. This not only reduces risk, but also gives the host the option to cancel the reservation if the guest doesn’t agree.
Right of withdrawal
It’s important for hosts to know that most platforms offer a cancellation option for reasonable grounds. Airbnb, for example, allows a reservation to be cancelled without penalty if the host proves a real risk to the property or neighbors.
Fact: According to Airbnb, after the introduction of the global policy “No Party", hosts who proactively report suspicious reservations receive support from the platform in over 80% of the cases.
Flat manager takes over the entire process of evaluating and communicating with risky reservations – from asking control questions to refusing if necessary. This way, owners can sleep peacefully without having to get into uncomfortable conflicts with guests.
What to do in a real accident
Even the most prepared hosts can encounter a situation where guests break the rules and organize an unregulated party. At such a moment, it is important not to act impulsively, but to follow a clear plan. The first signal is usually noise - either the owner receives a notification from an installed noise meter, or neighbors file a complaint. In such cases, the most effective first step is direct contact with the guest. Often, a brief but firm reminder of the rules and possible consequences is enough to nip a gathering in the bud.
However, if the warning is ignored, the situation should not be left out of control.
In case the event escalates and there is a serious breach of public order or risk to the property, the only correct measure is the intervention of the law enforcement agencies. Reporting to the police shows that the owner has taken all possible measures for protection, and at the same time is a strong argument in future claims for compensation. The documentary side should not be overlooked - photos, videos or testimonies of neighbors are key evidence when filing a claim with the platform or seeking compensation.
Conclusion
Property owners who rely on short-term rentals know well that peace of mind and security are their most valuable assets. Every reservation carries potential for profit, but also risk, and a single risky situation can lead to damage, complaints from neighbors, and loss of rating on platforms. Therefore, true success in property management comes not from reacting after a problem, but from having a prevention plan in place and a clear anti-party plan.
Rules, technology, and timely communication are the foundation of this plan. They reduce the likelihood of problems and create a sense of security for guests. But long-term peace of mind requires more – professional management that monitors every booking, recognizes signals in time, and responds appropriately when necessary.
If you want to enjoy high occupancy, stable income and peace of mind, entrust the management to professionals. Flatmanager is your partner against risky bookings and a guarantee for a problem-free real estate business.
