Airbnb scams: what public records can and cannot catch
Rental scams are common enough that many guests worry about them. A public record check is useful against some of them and useless against others. Here is an honest split, for stays in the City of Los Angeles.
Where a record check can help
- The address does not exist or is not a home. A real residential address has parcel and assessor records. A listing that points to a vacant lot, a commercial building or an address with no record is a reason to stop and ask.
- The registration number does not belong to the address. In the City of Los Angeles, a listing must show a City Home-Sharing Registration Number, and the number should match the property. A made up or borrowed number is a warning sign.
- The home is not what the listing says. Records show the year built, the building size and permitted work. A listing describing a large modern home at an address that records show as a small older unit deserves a question.
Where it cannot help
- A host asking you to pay or chat off the platform. Keep payment and messages on the booking site. Records cannot see this.
- Fake or copied reviews and photos. A reverse image search on the photos is a better tool.
- A host who cancels at the last minute. Records say nothing about behavior.
A short checklist
- Find the registration number and check it matches the address.
- Look the address up on a map and compare it with the photos.
- Check the property record.
- Pay only through the booking site.
How Deedlore helps
Deedlore compiles the public record for a City of Los Angeles address, and the Stay Check adds a manual review of the City registration within 2 business days. Deedlore describes properties, not people. It does not check hosts, detect fraud or guarantee a stay. Deedlore is not affiliated with Airbnb, Vrbo or any booking platform.
Know before you book!
Related guides
- How to check an Airbnb address for safety
- Red flags when booking an Airbnb in Los Angeles
- How to look up permits for a Los Angeles address
- Is an address in a hazard zone?
- How to check an Airbnb before you book, step by step
- How to check if a Los Angeles Airbnb is legal
- How to check the area around an Airbnb
Common questions
Does Deedlore check the host?
No. Deedlore describes properties, not people. It does not show host names or run background checks.
Does a registered rental mean a safe stay?
No. A registration shows what the City has on file as of the date checked. It is not a finding that a stay will be safe or good.
Which addresses are covered?
Addresses in the City of Los Angeles only. Other cities, including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, have their own rules.