Managing a short-term rental property—such as villas, apartments, or holiday homes—comes with significant responsibilities, and one of the most challenging situations a host may face is accommodating underage guests. What happens when minors show up at check-in? Are they allowed to stay? What does Greek law provide, and what responsibilities does the host assume? And most importantly, how can a property owner protect their home without violating rules or rights?
What Greek law provides
According to Airbnb’s official policy, account creation and booking are strictly allowed only for individuals who have reached the age of 18. This is because adults have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts, such as a rental agreement for accommodation.
In Greece, civil liability law and general regulations for tourist accommodations are aligned with this principle. A minor (under 18) cannot legally sign or be bound by a rental contract without the written consent or presence of a legal guardian. Furthermore, if an accident or urgent medical issue occurs inside your property, the absence of a responsible adult creates significant legal gaps, as no one on-site would have the legal authority to make decisions regarding medical procedures or hospitalization.
According to Airbnb’s policy, so-called “third-party bookings” (i.e., reservations made by one person on behalf of another who will not be staying at the property) are considered a violation of the platform’s terms when the account holder is not present at the listing. This means that a parent cannot technically make a reservation for underage children traveling alone.
How to prevent bookings by minors
Prevention is the best defense for protecting your property. There are specific digital and communication tools you can use to filter guests before they arrive:
Clear Airbnb rules
Clearly state at the beginning of your listing and in your house rules that you do not accept unaccompanied minors and that official ID verification is required at check-in. Although the platform prohibits age-based discrimination, it allows you to define whether the property is suitable for children or if a minimum age is required for safety reasons, provided this is clearly stated in advance.
Communication before accepting a booking
Before approving a reservation—especially for villas, large houses, or weekend stays—it is advisable to ask: who will be staying, the purpose of the trip, and the age composition of the group. This does not need to be done in an aggressive tone; professional communication is usually enough to understand the situation.
External verification tools
Use property management software that offers digital guest identity verification (ID verification) prior to arrival.
Minimum stay requirements
Set a minimum stay of 2–3 nights for weekends. This helps deter young groups looking for a short one-night party stay.
Smart security tools
Many hosts now use:
- Noise monitoring devices
- External entrance cameras
- Automated self check-in systems
- Guest identity verification software
These solutions are mainly preventive and help avoid unpleasant incidents.
How to handle the arrival of minors
How to handle the arrival of minorsIf, despite your preventive measures, you discover at check-in that the guests are minors and the adult who made the booking is not present, follow these steps:
Do not allow entry to the property: If the guests do not meet the requirements, you have every right to refuse handing over the keys.
Keep communication within the platform: Immediately send a message via Airbnb chat to the account that made the booking. State that the present guests are minors and that the account holder is not present, which violates the platform’s booking policy. This will serve as written evidence.
Contact Airbnb Support: Call Airbnb Support immediately. Explain that this is a third-party booking and involves unaccompanied minors. Request cancellation of the reservation without your fault and without penalties, as the guests have violated the Terms of Service.
A proper age policy protects your property and reputation
Hosting minors is not just a “difficult check-in.” It is an issue that affects legal security, property protection, and the overall image of your listing. Professional hosts in 2026 establish clear rules, apply identity verification procedures, and operate with professionalism from the first communication through to check-out.
By implementing a clear policy regarding underage guests, you significantly reduce the chances of facing damages, complaints, or legal issues.
