Burnt damage on my area rug - AirHost insurance

[Maria23121]

Hi, I just started hosting this month.  All furnishings in my Airbnb was bought new specifically to start my Airbnb and just received my 1st guest Jan 10. 2025.  

I have had only 3 completed bookings so far.  After the 3rd one left  I noticed a small damage on my living room area rug from a guest,looks like a burn mark and I have signs no smoking.  Rug has a pattern so I didn’t notice right away and everything else looked fine so gave them them a good review.  

After you see the damage it can’t be unseen.  These rugs aren’t cheap.

i got a Minut devise but it’s new and still calibrating so it only currently monitors noice until calibrating is done and then it will detect smoking which I didn’t realize I had to wait for the calibration..

Since the unit is calibrating and not yet detecting smoking I have no proof of who smoked and damaged my area rug.

I have pictures of my new rug from when I’m getting the listing ready prior to me beginning to host. and pictures of the damage.

Can I still submit a claim to Airhost  insurance without referring to a guest since there is no proof and I can’t be sure which guest smoked and damaged my rug 2nd or 3rd?  Both me and my cleaner know for sure it wasn’t there after the 1st guest. Both me and my cleaners agree on that.

I would feel bad if  blamed a guest not having proof, but I should be able to compensate for my rug which was new.  These rugs aren’t cheap to replace.

wish I new how to post pictures,l doesn’t seem to allow me or I would.

Hoping someone can give me good news in what to do.  Thanks.

[Helen3]

If you know damage was caused by the last guest then get photo evidence of damage . Submit claim to guest . Get quote for repairs or replacement. 

if guest doesn't respond or appeals Airbnb will intervene.

dont leave reviews until you have fully checked your listings . @Maria23121 

[Maria23121]

@Helen3 Sadly I can’t be sure.  My cleaner said she  saw it after guest 2 I only saw it after guest 3

i can’t be 100% sure the 3rd guest did it or 2nd guest.

[Marie8425]

@Maria23121 

Learning curves if your cleaner notices something questionable after a guest they have to notify you immediately.  If it was Guest 2 you are only given 14 days from checkout or until another occupancy.  To protect everyone.  If you don't know which guest to be honest Airbnb doesn't know if any guest or your responsibility.  Lessons tend to have an expense but they happen to us all.  At this point because not assigned to a guilty party sorry you have to eat the cost.

[Frances3408]

@Maria23121 . Hi Maria, some great advice here from other hosts.

I would add please do not place expensive rugs in your Airbnb and expect to be fully compensated. Aircover, even if they pay, they will do so on a written down ie depreciated value so you will be out of pocket. Its best to have your own STR insurance as damages. Most of us hosts also build a contingency fund as wear and tear will continue to happen. 

[Joelle43]

Hello @Maria23121 

I'm replying to your question regarding uploading photos here on the CC.  In the message thread, you can see at the top of the message, you can use Bold, italics etc and you have an icon of a camera.  This is what you're looking for I think and we can upload  photos into the message by clicking on the camera.  Just have to be sure that it's not too large and of a certain type but you'll get a warning to let you know anyway.

All the best
Joëlle