Would you accept a same-day booking from a guest who lives in the same city as your property? What checks would you carry out before handing over the keys?
According to Truvi’s new STR Risk & Resilience Report 2026, which analyzed more than 95,000 protected bookings (January–September 2026), certain characteristics statistically increase the likelihood of property damage or incidents.
These findings are indicators that call for additional screening, not proof that a particular guest will cause problems. The aim is not to create a “blacklist” or reject bookings arbitrarily, but to implement appropriate preventive measures before check-in.
The five findings of the report
The report identifies five specific factors where the relative risk index increases significantly. Here is what the data shows and how property managers should respond:
Guests living nearby (Local bookings)
Guests living within 20 miles (approximately 32 kilometers) of the property showed a 72% higher risk of a property damage incident compared with the average.
This does not mean that someone living in the same city is a problematic guest. They may need temporary accommodation due to renovations, work commitments, or family visits.
Practical action: Apply the established identity verification procedure and request the necessary information about the stay, without treating guests differently solely because of where they live.
Last-minute bookings (Same-day bookings)
Bookings made on the same day as check-in showed a 60% higher risk than the average. The limited time before arrival can make it more difficult to complete the usual screening procedures.
Practical action: Confirm the number of guests, arrival time, and acceptance of the property’s house rules. Avoid automated Instant Book reservations without screening filters.
Property type: Detached houses vs. apartments
According to Truvi, detached houses showed approximately 2.4 times higher risk of an incident compared with apartments. For villa and holiday home managers in Greece, this finding highlights the need for clear terms of use, particularly when properties have outdoor spaces or can accommodate large groups.
Practical action: Use a clear rental agreement, where permitted and required, outlining the terms of property use, guest responsibilities, and how potential damage will be handled.
Properties with entertainment amenities
Properties featuring at least five group entertainment amenities, such as hot tubs, saunas, and pool tables, showed more than twice the average risk. Even when compared with similarly sized properties, the risk remained approximately 60% higher.
Practical action: Establish clear rules regarding parties, events, guests not included in the booking, and use of the facilities. These rules must be communicated before the stay is confirmed. Require guests to sign specific terms of use for high-risk amenities and acknowledge their acceptance of responsibility.
Direct bookings outside platforms
For direct bookings, the relative risk index increased from 1.34 to 1.85 times the average between Truvi’s previous analysis in May and the latest data.
This finding does not mean that direct bookings should be avoided. However, it highlights the need to compensate for the absence of information that platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com may provide, including identity verification and review history.
Practical action: Establish a verification process, written booking terms, secure payment methods, and appropriate damage protection. Check that your insurance coverage also applies to bookings made outside platforms.
Checklist before accepting a same-day or direct booking
Use the following list as a standard operating procedure (SOP) before giving the green light for check-in:
Identity verification: Has a valid identity document (ID card/passport) been uploaded, matching the name on the payment card?
Confirmation of guest numbers: Do you have a written declaration confirming the exact number of people who will enter the property?
Signing of terms & rules: Has the guest signed the digital rental agreement and the house rules?
Security deposit / Damage protection: Has the security deposit amount been held or damage protection activated through a specialized platform?
Communication of the purpose of the stay: Is there a clear and reasonable explanation for the stay (especially if the guest is a local resident)?
Full payment & authentication: Has payment been completed through a secure payment processor that supports 3D Secure?
Read also – Damages in Airbnb rentals: The most common problems and how to protect your property
How to reduce risk without discriminating against guests
Truvi’s findings do not justify arbitrary booking rejections or different treatment of guests based on personal characteristics. Assessments should be based on objective booking characteristics, using transparent procedures that are applied consistently. The collection and processing of personal data must also comply with the GDPR, limiting the information collected to what is strictly necessary.
Finally, an important clarification is needed: the study sample includes bookings protected by Truvi and is not necessarily representative of the entire global short-term rental market.
For Greek hosts, therefore, the main value of the report lies in prevention. An organized screening process, tailored to the property and booking method, can reduce exposure to damage without creating unjustified barriers for guests.
