South African homeowners involved in the growing short-term rental market are being urged to strengthen security measures as reports of theft, fraud and suspicious bookings linked to Airbnb-style properties continue to rise.
Industry experts say the rapid growth of short-term accommodation platforms has created new opportunities for criminals, with some exploiting weak identity checks, third-party bookings and off-platform communication to target properties.
Although official crime statistics linked specifically to Airbnb rentals are not publicly available, hosts across South Africa have increasingly shared reports of theft, fake identities and property damage on social media platforms.
According to Lethabo Lee Ntshudisane, author of the “South Africa Airbnb Playbook”, many homeowners underestimate the risks associated with the short-term rental industry.
Speaking during an interview with 702 Radio, Ntshudisane said platforms like Airbnb have become valuable sources of income for many South Africans but have also exposed hosts to unexpected criminal activity.
“There isn’t a dedicated category from the South African Police Service for thefts involving Airbnb properties,” he explained.
“Even Airbnb itself hasn’t released detailed public figures, which makes it difficult to measure the true scale of the problem.”
Third-party bookings and fake profiles raise concerns
Despite the lack of formal statistics, Ntshudisane said warning signs are becoming increasingly visible.
Social media discussions involving stolen property, suspicious guests and fraudulent accounts have grown significantly in recent years.
While Airbnb provides hosts with various vetting and verification tools, experts say many homeowners still ignore key warning indicators when accepting bookings.
Ntshudisane advised hosts to pay close attention to incomplete profiles, accounts without verified identification, missing profile pictures or users with limited review history.
He also warned against third-party bookings, where one person reserves accommodation on behalf of someone else.
According to him, these arrangements can increase the risk of criminal abuse because the individual staying at the property may not be properly verified by the platform.
“In some situations, the actual guest may not even be a close friend or family member,” he said.
“That creates uncertainty and additional security risks for the property owner.”
Hosts often face pressure to maximise occupancy and revenue, sometimes leading them to overlook suspicious behaviour during the booking process.
Experts urge hosts to keep all communication on the platform
Ntshudisane also cautioned users against allowing other people to use their Airbnb accounts.
He warned that account holders could face penalties, negative reviews or permanent bans if guests using their profiles violate platform rules or engage in criminal behaviour.
If theft or damage occurs, proving losses can also become difficult without proper documentation.
Experts recommend that hosts maintain detailed inventory records, photographs of property contents and external security camera systems where legally permitted.
Without evidence, filing successful police reports or insurance claims may be challenging.
Although Airbnb offers protection through its AirCover programme, hosts are still required to open police cases and provide proof of losses.
Ntshudisane stressed that all communication with guests should remain within the Airbnb platform itself.
He explained that individuals with malicious intent often attempt to move conversations to private messaging apps or external channels, making it harder for hosts to provide evidence during disputes or investigations.
Cybersecurity and property experts say the growing popularity of short-term rentals means criminals are increasingly adapting their tactics to exploit gaps in digital verification and property management systems.
Source: 702 Radio interview, South Africa Airbnb Playbook
