Verifying your listing
Guests shouldn’t have to worry that a listing is fake or isn’t where it says it is. That’s why we’ve built a new system to verify listings on Airbnb. To verify a listing, Hosts will need to demonstrate that the listing is a real home, at an accurate location, and that they have access to that location.
We’re beginning to prompt Hosts to verify listings in select countries, and more will be added throughout 2024.
If you’re required to verify your new or existing listing, we’ll let you know which method to follow when we ask you to verify. The verification method(s) available for each listing varies according to a number of factors and not all methods described in this article will be available to every Host.
For more information about how we use and protect the information you share with us, check out our Privacy Policy and learn more about trust and safety at Airbnb.
Note: A listing being “Verified” only means that the Host has provided info in order to complete our listing verification process. This process has safeguards, but is not a guarantee that a listing is what the Host claims it to be. For more information on the process of verification, including the many ways Hosts may have their listings considered verified, please see below.
Why we verify listings
Verifying listings helps us to scan for fraudulent behavior and makes it easier for guests to book with confidence and locate their listing upon arrival.
When we verify your listing
We’re beginning to prompt Hosts to verify new and existing listings in selected countries, and more will be added throughout 2024.
If you’re prompted to verify a new listing you’re creating, you’ll need to complete this step before your listing can be published.
When prompted to verify an existing listing, you’ll have several weeks to complete the process—refer to your email for your ‘complete by’ date. After that, your calendar will be blocked from accepting new reservations until you’ve completed the verification process. In some cases, upcoming reservations may be canceled for listings that have not been verified before the ‘complete by’ date provided.
How the process works
There are several methods to verify your listing—each method usually takes around 15–30 minutes for most Hosts.
You’ll be prompted to follow one of the methods described below. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to choose from different methods. Please be aware that not all methods described below are available to every Host.
You’ll only need to complete one method.
Most listing verification methods are done while onsite at your place. You may not need to complete an onsite listing verification method if one of the scenarios below applies to your listing:
- Existing listings may be verified using a combination of data from previous bookings and guest reviews as well as Host-provided documentation.
- Professional Hosts paired with a dedicated Airbnb account manager may be asked to attest to the accuracy of the listing.
Depending on the method you select, listing verification may include a combination of human and automated review processes. You can review status updates of your verification by visiting the Publishing checklist.
Method 1: Take 2 photos
You’ll use the Airbnb app to take 2 new photos outside and inside of your place while precise location sharing is enabled. The inside photo must match a photo of the same area from your listing details page.
Depending on your circumstances, if you’re not able to take verification photos while onsite yourself, you may be able to submit recorded videos instead, or ask a friend to help you verify your listing.
To take photos, you’ll need to have wifi or good cell service and you may be prompted to enable precise location sharing and camera permissions before you start. You can choose whether to allow permissions ‘once’ for only your current session, or ‘while using the app’ for anytime you’re using the app.
If you have provided your consent previously or provide it via the location sharing prompt, Airbnb may use your location data to perform and verify a one-time match of your device’s location to that of your listing. If you have allowed Airbnb to use your location while using the app, location data may also be used to provide a better user experience, for example by showing nearby listings, or making it easier to list your space.
Before you begin, make sure the information you entered for your listing’s location and map pin are correct.
How to verify with photos:
You’ll need to log in to your account using the Airbnb app to verify your listing with photos. If you’re not able to match photos using the app, you can verify another way.
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You’ll need to log in to your account using the Airbnb app to verify your listing with photos. If you’re not able to match photos using the app, you can verify another way.
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We’ll let you know within 24 hours if your listing is verified or if we need more information.
Method 2: Record 3 videos
You’ll use your phone’s video camera to record three short videos (less than 20 seconds each) of yourself at specific locations in and around the listing:
- From inside, showing the living space and exiting through the front door.
- From outside, showing the front of your place from the yard or street.
- From nearby, showing the street sign of your street, the nearest intersection of your street, or an intersection no more than two streets away.
It’s ok if you’re not connected to the internet while you take the videos. Later on, you’ll upload all 3 videos into the Airbnb app or website from any location where you can connect to the internet.
Before you begin, you’ll be given a unique numeric code that will need to be visible in each video—for example, by writing the code on a sheet of paper and holding it up in each video.
You’ll also need to show your face briefly in each video. If your phone model doesn’t allow you to switch between exterior mode (rear facing) and selfie mode (front facing) while taking a video, you can flip the phone around to capture your face.
Once you’re ready, you can upload the videos from any location. You can upload up to 100 MB per video.
Before you begin, make sure the information you entered for your listing’s location and map pin are correct.
How to verify with videos:
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We’ll let you know within 24 hours if your listing is verified or if we need more information.
Method 3: Ask someone else to verify
Live in a different city from your listing? If you’re prompted to match photos or record videos but can’t be at the listing yourself, you can ask someone else to help you verify your listing by following one of the two methods outlined above on your behalf. They won’t be granted access to your Airbnb account nor any of your Host settings.
The person you designate to help will need to have access to your place and their own Airbnb account—if they don’t already have an account before you send them a request to help, they can create one before starting the verification process. They may be prompted to update their app to the latest version and allow camera and location sharing permissions.
You’ll be asked to provide the email address of the person you designate to help. We’ll send them detailed instructions by email and you’ll be notified once they’ve completed the process.
How to ask someone else to verify:
- Go to Listings and select the listing you want to verify
- Click Complete required steps and then Verify your listing
- Click Verify another way, then Ask someone else to verify
- Enter the email address of the person who will help you verify your listing
- Add any additional instructions for them, such as access instructions for your place
- Review your request and click Send
- Tap Profile and then Switch to hosting
- Tap Menu and then Listings
- Tap the listing you want to verify and then Complete required steps
- In the Publishing checklist, tap Verify your listing
- Tap Verify another way, then Ask someone else to verify
- Enter the email address of the person who will help you verify your listing
- Add any additional instructions for them, such as access instructions for your place
- Review your request and tap Send
- Tap Profile and then Switch to hosting
- Tap Menu and then Listings
- Tap the listing you want to verify and then Complete required steps
- In the Publishing checklist, tap Verify your listing
- Tap Verify another way, then Ask someone else to verify
- Enter the email address of the person who will help you verify your listing
- Add any additional instructions for them, such as access instructions for your place
- Review your request and tap Send
- Go to Listings and select the listing you want to verify
- Click Complete required steps and then Verify your listing
- Tap Verify another way, then Ask someone else to verify
- Enter the email address of the person who will help you verify your listing
- Add any additional instructions for them, such as access instructions for your place
- Review your request and tap Send
We’ll let you know within 24 hours of their submission if your listing is verified or if we need more information.
Methods we may also use for verification
Documentation
Most Hosts who are prompted to verify their listing will need to complete one of the onsite verification methods detailed above (taking photos or videos). In some places and in some specific situations, we may ask you to provide documentation to verify your listing instead.
If we ask you to provide documentation, you’ll take a photo of a qualifying document or upload one you have on file. The image or file must include the entire page—a partial page won’t do. A qualifying document is one that:
- Officially connects you to the listing address, such as a utility bill, mortgage statement, property tax document, or HOA membership
- Clearly displays your name and the full, correct listing address
- Hasn’t been altered in any way
- Is fewer than 60 days old (most documents) or fewer than 365 days old (lease agreements only)
- Is a .png, .jpg, .jpeg, or .pdf file that’s less than 10 MB
We’ll review the document and let you know within 24 hours whether we can confirm the address. If your document is unable to be confirmed, you can try again up to 5 times.
Security code
Most Hosts who are prompted to verify their listing will need to complete one of the onsite verification methods detailed above (taking photos or videos). In some places, for example where it’s required to comply with local rules, we may require you to verify a listing using a security code sent by mail. This method is not available in most places.
If we allow verification by security code in your situation, we’ll mail you a letter containing a unique security code that you’ll need to enter online at the provided URL within 60 days of the date the letter was sent. After that, you’ll find out if your listing is verified within minutes.
To qualify for this method:
- Your listing must accept mail from an official postal service, not just a package carrier
- You must be able to pick up the mail within 60 days from receiving a notification that we’ve mailed the letter—we’ll send it within two weeks of your request
- This letter can only be sent to the listing address
If you have any issues with the code, check that you’ve entered it correctly and that your letter is fewer than 60 days old. If you haven’t received the letter within 3 weeks of receiving a notification that we’ve mailed the letter, please contact us to request a new one.
If you have multiple listings that need to be verified, make sure that you’re entering the right code for the right listing—The listing’s title is at the top of your letter.
Note: You must be logged in to your Airbnb account to enter your security code. If you’re unable to pick up your mail, a property manager or another authorized person may do so for you and provide you with the URL and code on the letter. We strongly discourage sharing your password.
Having trouble?
- Install the latest version of the Airbnb app: Some features required to complete the listing verification process are not available on older versions of the Airbnb app. If you’ve been asked to match photos in the Airbnb app but the latest update isn’t available for your phone, you’ll be able to verify by recording videos and uploading them to your account on the Airbnb website instead. Alternatively, you can ask someone else to follow the verification process on your behalf using their phone.
- Check your messages: You may have been sent additional information via text or email. Do you think you may have missed an email? Learn why.
- Grant camera and location permissions: The Airbnb app may need permission to access your camera and location sharing. Still not working? Try refreshing the app.
- Take high-quality photos: Take outside photos in daylight and indoor photos in a well-lit room. Shoot from the same angle as the photos you’ve been asked to match and keep the phone still while you snap. Make sure both verification photos are clear and in focus.
- Keep videos short: If your video’s upload size is larger than 100 MB, try taking shorter videos or reduce the video quality in your phone camera settings.
If you still need assistance, contact us for support.
What we share
The information you share during the listing verification process is handled according to our Privacy Policy and isn’t shared with guests or published on your profile.
We may share your information with authorized third-party service providers to help support the listing verification process—including to detect fraud on our platform and verify your location.
How we use and manage your data
The information you share during the listing verification process is used to verify that:
- The listing’s described location matches the property’s physical location.
- The property described in the listing exists at the physical location referenced.
- The Host or designated representative has access to the property.
Only authorized Airbnb personnel and authorized third-party service providers may access the information you submit. We keep your data in accordance with applicable laws and other legal requirements, including:
- Time necessary to meet safety and anti-fraud requirements
- Upholding Airbnb’s community guidelines
We delete personal data collected as part of the listing verification process in accordance with our retention periods and the purposes for which the data was collected, or when a data subject rights deletion request is processed. Under limited circumstances, we may retain personal data for legal compliance reasons or as otherwise allowed under applicable law.
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