The New Standard: Why Smart Guest Screening is Essential for Short-Term Rentals with Ela Mezhiborsky of Autohost

The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, and one of the most critical shifts happening today is in guest screening and verification. What was once an optional safeguard is now a non-negotiable standard for hotels and short-term rental operators worldwide. In our latest episode, Ela Mezhiborsky, Co-Founder & President of AutoHost, joined the conversation to discuss how technology, AI, and cybersecurity are transforming guest safety - and why operators must stay ahead of the curve.

Why Guest Screening is More Important Than Ever

In the past, guest screening was often seen as an extra layer of protection, used selectively by operators who had concerns about high-risk reservations. However, with the rise of fraud, AI-generated deepfakes, and growing compliance regulations, verifying guests is no longer a choice, but a necessity.

Ela explains that the industry has shifted from convincing operators that screening is valuable to it now being an expected industry standard. Regulatory changes, such as Arizona’s law requiring guest background checks, and stringent European compliance measures mean that hospitality businesses can no longer afford to ignore who is staying in their properties.

“You wouldn't drive without a seatbelt or fly without a passport, guest verification should be the same standard in hospitality.” – Ela Mezhiborsky

The Rise of AI in Guest Screening: A Double-Edged Sword

AI is revolutionizing hospitality, but it also presents new challenges. While AI-driven solutions are helping operators automate identity verification and fraud detection, bad actors are using AI for deception as well.

Deepfake technology can now generate realistic IDs and fake guest profiles, making it increasingly difficult to differentiate between a trustworthy guest and a fraudster. Ela warns that the industry must balance AI innovation with caution, ensuring that security measures evolve alongside emerging threats.

To combat this, platforms like AutoHost leverage biometric scans, data cross-referencing, and cybersecurity protocols to ensure that guests are who they say they are. Rather than relying on gut instinct, which can be biased or manipulated, operators must now depend on objective, data-driven verification processes.

Hotels vs. Short-Term Rentals: Who’s Leading the Charge?

While short-term rental operators have long been at the forefront of implementing strict security measures, partly due to higher regulatory scrutiny, hotels are now catching up.

There’s a common misconception that having a front desk automatically means better security, but the reality is that many hotel staff aren’t trained to detect fraudulent IDs. The industry is seeing a shift as hotels begin to integrate automated verification systems to ensure that guests are properly screened before check-in.

Ela points out that many hotels are moving toward a contactless check-in experience, which increases the need for robust digital verification tools. In response, AutoHost has been expanding its integrations with property management systems (PMS) and guest experience platforms to make screening seamless for both hotels and STR operators.

Addressing Human Trafficking & Ethical Responsibility

One of the most sobering topics discussed in the episode was the role of the hospitality industry in preventing human trafficking. While no operator intentionally enables criminal activity, lack of proper screening and awareness can inadvertently create opportunities for exploitation.

Ela emphasizes the importance of preemptive screening, ensuring that bad actors are flagged before they ever check in. In addition to using ID verification and biometric scans, training staff to recognize warning signs of trafficking is key to making hospitality a safer industry for everyone.

What’s Next for Guest Screening & AutoHost?

With AI, automation, and compliance regulations rapidly evolving, the future of guest screening is set to become more seamless and more secure. AutoHost continues to develop advanced fraud prevention technology while also making guest verification more accessible to operators of all sizes.

As more property management systems and guest experience apps integrate screening solutions, Ela envisions a near future where guest verification is the industry default, rather than an add-on.

Watch the full episode here: