Rethinking Guest Risk: Shifting Focus from “Bad Guests” to “Guest Behavior”

Traditionally, the term “bad guest” is a static label that directly refers to a person and inherently carries negative connotations. However, the concept of a “bad-behaving guest” is much more dynamic, as it focuses on the behavior exhibited under various circumstances. By shifting the focus from the “person” to the “behavior,” this approach becomes not only more objective but also more constructive and positive.

A guest’s behavior can vary significantly depending on the situation. A guest who is generally well-behaved may, at times, display less-than-ideal conduct during a short-term rental stay. This isolated instance of bad behavior does not necessarily define the guest as a “bad person.” It is only through the accumulation of behaviors over time that we can establish a “trust metric” about an individual. This evolving approach offers a more nuanced understanding, and it is essential for all stakeholders in the short-term rental sector to embrace it.

To address the guest risk challenge in short-term rentals effectively, we must move beyond labeling someone as a “bad guest.” Instead, we need to focus on the behavior of the guest. By doing so, we position ourselves to develop a more comprehensive, fair, and ultimately effective solution for the industry.