For whole house hosts that talk about only wanting registered guests on the property ---- what constitutes a registered guest?
Do you ask for names or just a count? If you get names, what do you need them for?
Thanks!!
My definition of a registered guest is the person or persons named in the rental agreement (if there is one) or those made known to be the authorized occupants of your rental property. They are not “visitors” or “guests” of the authorized occupants.
The majority of hosts here do not require the names of all occupants and are satisfied with just the name of the primary renter, whether it is a group of 10+ or just a couple. It’s a personal choice.
My max is two and I require the names of each occupant because it helps me in the vetting process. There are five things I ask the primary contact pre-or-post booking, the first being the name of his/her spouse or travel companion.
I also state specifically that the named occupants are the only authorized occupants of my condo. For my listing on another platform, where I handle the security deposit, I state that the security deposit will be withheld if there are unauthorized occupants. It only happened once.
Two years ago, a pilot and his wife on their third booking with me substituted their son and girlfriend for the stay and didn’t inform me. A couple of days into the stay, they notified the housecleaner the toilet was overflowing (they didn’t know how to use a plunger) and used all five sets of towels. She went over immediately and cleared it and let me know the “kids” were just sitting on the couch not doing anything to staunch the flow. I said, “What kids?! It’s supposed to be a 60-yr. old pilot and wife.” She said nope, they didn’t look 30.
I emailed the pilot and asked him what’s the idea with the switch-eroo and that according to my policy, he forfeits his security deposit for the breach of occupancy rule. He replied, “Go ahead if it means that much to you.” It did…and so I did.
Edit: Forgot to mention, my security deposit is $200.
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I don’t know where you’re hosting, but in my country registered guests are those who presented their documents upon arrival and were registered with the police and tourist board via online system. If inspection comes and find any unregistered guests inside the apartment, you can be fined as a host.
Registered = guest who has booed and paid for the purposes of house rules.
Of course some countries/areas have additional requirements, but that is a different matter and should also be mentioned in house rules.
Good for you @SandyToes would love to have seen the review on that one 
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