Guest Verification.... why trustworthy guests are pushing back..... I will show you mine if you show me yours !

Thousands of guests who class themselves as professional trustworthy people hit back at guest verification, and are asking property managers to verify themselves as legitimate property managers... Which actually seems a fair trade when building trust.

Below we investigate both sides and why it's important for property managers to verify guests, but also why it's important for property managers to show they are also verified and trustworthy.

MARK JACKSON a businessman from the UK outlined, It feels a little one sided, I am a trustworthy person and travel and stay in Hotels and Short Term Rentals a lot, and last month when I stayed in a Short Term Rental, I was asked to complete a verification process, which I did, however I did ask the property manager, what guarantees do you provide me ? How do I know you are a legitimate property manager ? Which they couldn't so I cancelled the booking....

It is fair for guests to ask property managers to verify themselves as legitimate. Just as hosts have the right to verify the identity of their guests, guests also have the right to verify the legitimacy of the property and the property manager.

Verification can help to protect guests from scams or fraudulent listings, and it can also help to build trust between guests and property managers. By providing verification information, property managers can demonstrate that they are legitimate and that they take their responsibility to their guests seriously.

Some examples of verification that property managers might provide include:

• Business registration documents
• Professional certifications or licenses
• References from other guests or clients
• Online reviews or ratings

Of course, property managers may have their own privacy concerns, and they may not be willing or able to provide all types of verification information. However, in general, guests should feel comfortable asking property managers to provide some form of verification to ensure that they are dealing with a legitimate and trustworthy business. Many Short Term Rental Managers are I-PRAC CERTIFIED this is the industry trust accreditation, which allows property managers to showcase a logo, profile and certificate to guests to show how they are also legitimate and trustworthy.

It's true that some people may feel uncomfortable about providing verification information. However, it's important to understand that guest verification is not about questioning someone's trustworthiness. Rather, it's a standard practice in the hospitality industry designed to help ensure the safety and security of both guests and hosts.

Verification can also help to build trust between guests and hosts by providing both parties with the peace of mind that they are dealing with legitimate individuals. For example, verified guests can be assured that the property they are renting is legitimate and not a scam, while hosts can be confident that they are welcoming responsible and reliable guests into their property.

It's also worth noting that many verification systems are designed to protect guests' privacy and personal information. For example, most platforms use encryption and other security measures to protect guests' sensitive information.

Overall, while some people may feel hesitant about providing verification information, it's an important practice that helps ensure the safety and security of everyone involved in short-term rentals.

Guest verification is important for several reasons, including:

1. Security: Verifying the identity of guests helps to ensure the safety and security of the property and other guests. By verifying the identity of guests, property owners and hosts can reduce the risk of fraudulent activity and prevent unauthorized access to the property.
2. Trust: Guest verification builds trust between hosts and guests. When guests are verified, hosts can be confident that they are welcoming responsible and reliable guests into their property. This can lead to better communication and more positive reviews, which can in turn attract more guests.
3. Compliance: In some jurisdictions, hosts may be required by law to verify the identity of their guests. By implementing a verification system, hosts can ensure that they are in compliance with local regulations.
4. Liability: Verifying the identity of guests can also protect hosts from liability in the event of any damages or other issues that may arise during a guest's stay. By confirming the identity of guests, hosts can have a better understanding of who is responsible for any damages or incidents that may occur.

Overall, guest verification is an important step in ensuring the safety, security, and success of short-term rental properties.

Guests may have mixed feelings about verification platforms for a variety of reasons. Some possible reasons include:

1. Privacy concerns: Some guests may be uncomfortable with providing personal information to a third-party verification platform, especially if they are not familiar with the company or do not trust them.
2. Complexity: Verification platforms can sometimes be confusing or difficult to navigate, especially for guests who are not tech-savvy.
3. Additional steps: Guests may find the verification process to be an additional, time-consuming step that they would rather avoid.
4. Inconvenience: Verification platforms may require guests to provide additional documentation, such as a government-issued ID or a selfie, which can be seen as inconvenient or intrusive.
5. Lack of understanding: Some guests may not fully understand the purpose of verification platforms and why they are necessary for certain types of bookings or transactions.

It's important for both guests and hosts to trust each other in the context of short-term rentals for several reasons:

1. Communication: When both parties trust each other, it can lead to more open and effective communication. This can be especially important in the case of any issues or concerns that arise during a guest's stay. When guests and hosts trust each other, they are more likely to work together to find a solution to any problems that may arise.
2. Safety: Trust is also important for safety reasons. When guests trust their hosts, they are more likely to feel comfortable and secure in the property. This can help to prevent accidents or other incidents that could result in injury or property damage.
3. Reputation: Both guests and hosts have a reputation to uphold in the short-term rental market. If guests have a negative experience with a host, they are likely to leave a negative review. Similarly, if hosts have a negative experience with a guest, they may be less likely to host that guest or other guests in the future. Building trust between guests and hosts can help to maintain positive reputations for both parties.
4. Success: Finally, trust is important for the success of short-term rentals. When guests and hosts trust each other, it can lead to more bookings, positive reviews, and repeat business. This can be especially important for hosts who rely on short-term rentals for their income.

Overall, trust is a crucial component of short-term rentals. When both parties trust each other, it can lead to better communication, increased safety, positive reputations, and greater success for everyone involved.

How important is I-PRAC for the short term rental sector ?

I-PRAC, which stands for the International Property Rental Approval Certification, is a verification and certification service for the short-term rental sector. I-PRAC is designed to help guests and property owners verify the legitimacy of short-term rental properties and protect against fraud and scams.

I-PRAC is an important service for the short-term rental sector because it helps to build trust between guests and property owners. By providing a third-party verification and certification, I-PRAC helps guests feel more confident in their booking decisions and provides property owners with an additional level of credibility and legitimacy.

In addition to its verification and certification services, I-PRAC also offers a secure payment system that helps protect against fraud and provides financial protection for guests. This can be especially important for guests who are booking properties in a foreign country or with a new host.

Overall, I-PRAC is an important service for the short-term rental sector because it helps to protect against fraud and build trust between guests and property owners. By providing a third-party verification and certification, I-PRAC helps to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved in short-term rentals.

Which ever guest verification platform you use as a property manager, you should be also showing your guests your verification credentials via I-PRAC

I will show you mine if you show me yours !