Planning to book your first Airbnb but worried about age restrictions? Or maybe you’re a host wondering about the rules around young guests? Age limits on Airbnb can be confusing, especially with different rules for different locations and situations.
While Airbnb’s basic age requirement is 18, there are exceptions, local variations, and additional restrictions that both guests and hosts should understand. Here’s everything you need to know about Airbnb age requirements and how they work in practice.
Minimum age to rent Airbnb
18 is the minimum age a guest needs to be to book with Airbnb.
This means you need to be at least 18 to create an account, complete Airbnb guest screening, and check in. The Airbnb minimum age requirement applies only to the main guest owning the account. An adult can book for a family with members of different ages (including under 18s), but they’re responsible if anything goes wrong.
Extra Airbnb age requirement rules
The 18-year minimum works in most cases. Still, in some locations and properties, the minimum age is higher. The policies for minors may also differ depending on the listing and the host’s preferences. Here’s what to expect as a guest.
Airbnb under 25 policy
In 2020, Airbnb announced that some guests under 25 may be unable to book entire home listings in their local area. It was an attempt to prevent safety-related issues caused by parties and massive gatherings. The limitation still exists, but it has changed over the last few years.
Now, the platform uses a combination of reviews, algorithmic checks, and guest verification to detect who can book and who cannot. Overall, if you have at least three positive reviews and completed Airbnb ID verification, you should have no booking problems, even under 25.
Booking on behalf of a minor
You can make a reservation for a minor, but the main guest owning the account must be over 18 years old. This adult is responsible for the reservation and must be present during the stay. If you cannot stay with the minor for any reason, explain it to the host and make sure they have no objections. Some hosts have rules that additionally limit bookings for minors.
Note that whatever happens at the property, the adult placing a booking holds the legal responsibility. So if you book an apartment for teenagers and they throw a party breaking up something, you will pay for that. You can read more about Airbnb damage policy to know how it works.
Local differences
Location may also affect Airbnb’s minimum age. In most countries, the Airbnb age to rent is 18, including the Airbnb age requirement for the US. Yet in places like neighborhoods near colleges or areas popular for parties, hosts may apply the 21 or 25 rule to protect their property additionally. That’s why you should always read the policies in the listing before booking.
In some areas, hosts also impose additional age or identity verification requirements to meet the local law. Talk to the host directly if any of the rules seem weird to learn why you must follow them. For instance, Barcelona is known to have some of the strictest regulations.
Airbnb age requirement variations by region
While 18 is the standard minimum age globally, some regions have higher requirements based on local laws and Airbnb policies. In certain areas, particularly in the US, you might need to be 25 or older to book entire properties.
Here’s how age requirements vary by region:
| Region | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most countries | 18 years old | Standard global requirement |
| United States (general) | 18 years old | Basic requirement |
| United States (some cities/states) | 25 years old | Prevents unauthorized parties |
| Canada | 18 years old | Follows standard policy |
| Europe | 18 years old | Standard requirement |
| Australia | 18 years old | Standard requirement |
| Japan | 20 years old | Matches local legal age |
The higher age limits in some US locations target areas with frequent party issues or near college campuses. Always check the specific requirements for your destination, as they can vary by city or even neighborhood.
Can Airbnb hosts set custom age restrictions?
Yes, hosts can specify the minimum Airbnb check-in age in their house rules or listing. Many hosts who have negative experiences with student parties do not accept guests under 25 or even 30.
Even though a host won’t get information about your age when you book, they may ask about it before accepting the booking or requesting an ID. At this point, you may have your booking declined. So it’s better to play fair and mind the rules of the property you book from the start.
Airbnb age requirement: guest verification and safety
Identity verification is necessary to check a guest’s identity and validate their age. Guests need to provide their legal name, address, and government ID photo when registering at Airbnb. If the system detects that the birthday dates in the documents and registration form don’t match, they can’t register.
But why do some hosts ask for additional ID verification after you’ve already registered? This practice is completely normal for Airbnb hosts and helps them protect their property, meet local regulations, and prevent fraud. Airbnb allows hosts to request guest IDs if they mention it in the listing as a booking requirement.
Why hosts use additional screening tools
Many hosts use additional screening tools beyond Airbnb’s basic checks. Truvi’s guest screening services provide background checks, ID verification, and fraud detection that go beyond what Airbnb offers. This includes detailed guest screening that checks guest history and enhanced ID verification with biometric matching.
With Truvi, for example, guests get a secure verification link to complete the process easily, while hosts get better insights to make informed booking decisions.
This extra screening helps hosts spot potential issues before check-in, while guests benefit from faster, more secure booking processes. When a host asks for extra verification, it shows they’re responsible and take safety seriously. It also reduces the risk of Airbnb scams and fills gaps that Airbnb’s host guarantee and guest protection policies don’t cover. The simplified verification process collects only essential information and reduces unnecessary back-and-forth, creating more trust between guests and hosts.
So, if a host asks you to verify your identity, it means they care about their property and your stay. Just make sure the communication channel is secure.
Understanding Airbnb age requirements: what guests and hosts need to know
Airbnb’s age requirements are straightforward but have important nuances. The basic minimum is 18 years old worldwide, though some regions and individual hosts set higher limits – particularly 25 in certain US cities or party-prone areas.
For guests: Always check the specific requirements for your destination and read individual listing rules. If you’re booking for minors, communicate with your host beforehand and be prepared to stay with them during the reservation.
For hosts: You can set your own age restrictions beyond Airbnb’s minimums, and requesting ID verification is both common and recommended. Additional screening helps ensure responsible guests and protects your property investment.
Whether you’re 18 or 80, understanding these rules helps create better experiences for everyone involved.
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