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Requesting an ID from guests is actually quite easy, and one of the many benefits of booking travelers directly. Remember, this is 

business and you have every right to know who is renting your vacation rental property. 

First, let's clear up a common misconception hosts have in regards to verifying IDs.

This is a marketing tactic (an ingenious one at that) used by short term rental listing sites as a means for you to pay them commissions. Until recent years, travelers and hosts transacted directly 

 of the time, without seeking a 3rd party's protection. 

Keep some of the below best practices in mind when booking guests directly: 

Personally, I have never had an issue of a guest refusing to send me a copy of their ID. Remember, social security numbers no longer appear on driver's licenses. 

One of the best ways to prevent scammers and the use of stolen credit cards, is to ask for ID of the credit card holder. It's especially important for new hosts to do this, as scammers often view them as easy prey.  

Hosts with little to no reviews, and properties priced below market, are common targets for scammers. It's assumed new hosts are inexperienced and more likely to accept a booking with no questions asked. Fraudsters realize new hosts are 

 to get those initial reviews under their belt.  

Another scenario to be alert of is last minute bookings, and especially those from the same city as your rental. People using a stolen credit card tend to book very last minute, as the real card holder may not immediately notice the fraudulent activity. By the time the card is reported stolen, the scammer has already fulfilled their stay and left the property.  

Do not assume all last minute bookings are a red flag

, as I often receive bookings just one day before arrival. This is 

:  you need to match the agreement signature against the one on the ID.   

 and don't assume it is the person who made the reservation.  In my case, it's usually the same person anyway. The 

 you want to ask for the credit card holder's ID, is in case of a 

. The credit card company is going to ask you to produce a signed rental agreement with the 

I've attached the rental agreement, departure checklist, and house notes.  Please read through all docs and print, manually sign, and scan back the rental agreement.  

- On the 2nd page be sure to sign both the cancellation policy, and the bottom right side of the agreement.  Please fill out only the right side of the agreement. 

- Along with the agreement, I will need a scanned govt ID of the credit card holder 

Let me know if you have any questions.  I am sending you all the local information and house details from Houfy shortly.

You don't have to of course. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Maybe you are an onsite host who accepts mostly one night bookings. You're more than welcome to never request an ID from anyone.   

If you currently rely on Airbnb for verification, they don't share the guest's ID with you anyway.  Even if you need to press charges with the police, Airbnb 

 provide you with "real" ID information. In essence, by not asking for ID–it's the same as accepting an Airbnb reservation and not really knowing who your guest is anyway.  

If a chargeback on a one night stay, or stolen credit cards is not a concern, then by all means don't feel guilty if you don't ask for ID. 

 it's not required in your area. In some areas, hosts are required to keep guest IDs on file for a certain period of time.

Keep in mind "friendly fraud" has been on the rise. This is where someone in the group makes the reservation but uses another group member's credit card. After the stay, the card holder claims to not "recognize" or have "authorized" the transaction. Technically, this group just received a free stay at your property. As long as you understand the pros and cons of asking for ID, then you are good to go.  

Overall, most scammers don't have the time nor interest to produce fake IDs. It's easier to target those who do not require the information. I'm not saying scammer "over achievers" don't exist, as some may go through the trouble of producing these documents–it's just that the chances are small. Just decide what feels right and makes the most sense for both you, and your vacation rental business.     

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While most reservations will go smoothly as planned, there may be times when you'll be asked to produce a signed Rental Agreement. Even hotels have you sign an agreement at check in, at the same time they ask for your ID and credit card. Agreements...

Vacation Rental Agreements: Here Is Why Your Guests Should Be Signing One

Why You Should Be Asking for Guest ID After Booking

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Convenient location: 7 miles from Chimney Rock State Park, 16 miles from Tryon Intl. Equestrian Center. 1.5 miles from Lake Lure Ingles grocery.

 Book Direct and Save! A Touch of Luxury-Lake Lure

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Lake Lure cabin retreat. Perfect for a budget honeymoon or last minute anniversary getaway! 

 Book Direct and Save! A Touch of Whimsy-Lake Lure

book-direct-and-save-a-touch-of-whimsy-lake-lure/

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I have lived in the Lake Lure/Mill Spring area for more than 20 years, and now call the mountains my home. A Touch of Luxury Cabin and A Touch of Whimsy are both the perfect home base for travelers wanting to explore all our area has to offer:

  -  Hidden  miles (4 minute drive) to the only major grocery store in the Lake Lure area  

  - 5 miles (11 minute drive) to the Lake Lure Beach/kid water park

  -  Hidden  miles (14 minute drive) to Chimney Rock State Park

  - 16 miles (20 minute drive) to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring

  - 55 minute to 1 hour to Biltmore Estate in Asheville

  - Close to ziplining, hiking, water activities, wineries, and much more

  - Easy access for day trips to Saluda, Tryon, Columbus, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, 

      Black Mountain, Asheville, Blowing Rock, and much more. 

  



Why You Should Be Asking for Guest ID After Booking

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