Airbnb Age Requirements: What Hosts Need To Know

Becoming a host on Airbnb can become an extremely lucrative endeavor, however there are some requirements you need to meet first. Of course, you must have a property that is safe and set up for guests to stay in. But there is a lot more to it than that. One of the things you need to consider as a host is how old you have to be to rent an Airbnb.

Here's all you need to know about the Airbnb age requirement and what can happen if you try to break the rules.

What is Airbnb's age requirement?

Generally, you must be at least 18 years old to become an Airbnb host. The same age applies to Airbnb guests as well. This just means that if you are the main Airbnb account holder, you must verify that you meet this age limit. Of course, you can hire property managers or staff under this age, but they cannot be the host. 

This is the same for guests. Only the person making the booking needs to be 18 years old - they can bring kids and other family members under that age along with them. Airbnb may use various methods to verify a user's age, such as government ID verification, profile information, background checks, and secure payment methods.

Why are there age requirements on Airbnb?

Like most other platforms and organizations, an age restriction is in place to meet legal regulations around running your own business and bringing in income. It also holds Airbnb more accountable if a host were to go rogue when they are underage. 

On the flip side, it also protects hosts from a certain age group that might be more prone to throw unauthorized house parties, cause damage, or disrespect your rules when staying on your property.

Implications of Airbnb's age requirement for hosts

There are various implications for Airbnb hosts regarding the minimum age limit on the platform, some of them being the following:

• When you meet the minimum Airbnb age requirement and have guests who are old enough to stay on your property, you are legally compliant and reduce the risk of getting into trouble with the law.
• Your property is your business, so you want to ensure it is kept in tip-top shape. By only allowing guests over the age of 18, you have better peace of mind that they will be responsible and reduce the chance of any damage or disruption.
• By caring deeply about the age requirements, especially of your guests, you might want to put it into your property policies to ensure they know about them and to help cover your back.
• When you know what sort of age group will stay in your property, you can tailor your marketing and advertising efforts to a target audience, helping you attain more bookings.

What if Airbnb's age requirement is not met?

If Airbnb's age requirement is not met, there can be several potential consequences:

• If the Airbnb platform finds that you're uploading listings or trying to rent a property and you're under the minimum age requirement, you could have your account suspended or terminated.
• If either you or your guest is found to be under the age of 18 and a booking has been made, the platform can cancel it immediately. In some cases, they might help find the guest an alternative place to stay within their budget.
• Depending on the region, there are strict laws regarding younger guests and hosts on the Airbnb platform. Therefore, you could face legal repercussions if you aren't of the right age.
• Even if you are a host and have met all the age restrictions, you still need to be wary about who you rent your property out to. If you are found to know underage guests, you could be held liable for any damage or injury.

How to verify age on Airbnb

Verifying your age so you can start uploading Airbnb listings is extremely simple. You only need to provide your essential personal details and an accepted photo ID.

You can verify your age and identify by doing the following:

• Upload a photo of your ID from your phone or desktop, or take a new photo of your ID via your smartphone or webcam
• Enter essential details such as your first and last name, address, and banking details.

The type of ID you use to verify your age will depend on your personal preference and what is accepted in your region. You can usually choose from the following:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• National identity card.

FAQs about Airbnb's age requirement

Can someone under 18 book an Airbnb accommodation with parental consent?

Typically, no. Airbnb's age requirement states that users must be at least 18 years old, even with parental consent.

Can hosts set their own age requirements for guests?

Airbnb's age requirement is typically uniform across the platform, but hosts can set specific rules or policies for their property regarding age-related restrictions.

What happens if a guest misrepresents their age on Airbnb?

Misrepresenting age on Airbnb can lead to account suspension, booking cancellations, and potential legal and liability issues.

Do hosts need to verify their guests' ages?

Airbnb's age verification process is primarily the responsibility of the platform. However, hosts may choose to communicate with guests and confirm their age before accepting a booking.

Is there an age requirement for Airbnb Experiences?

Yes, the age requirement for Airbnb Experiences is typically the same as for accommodations – guests must be at least 18 years old.

Are there any exceptions to the age requirement?

Airbnb's age requirement is generally standard for all users, but certain locations might have specific legal considerations.