Deposit

[Glenda212]

I have a potential guest who will be booking a month out for a long term stay. They want to put a deposit down to ensure they spot is held but can't pay the full month's requirement right now. How do I just get a deposit?

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Glenda212 

Airbnb does not allow hosts to take deposits or payments directly outside the platform. 

Explain that Airbnb automatically charges the full amount (or first payment if it’s a payment plan) when they book, and you can’t accept partial payments privately. You can reassure them the listing will remain available until booked.

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Glenda212 

In addition to @Patricia2526 comment that Airbnb does not allow payments off platform, stays 28+ days (long term stays) are paid differently than stays 27 days or less. Airbnb only collects the 1st month payment for long term stays, then the guest pays every month after that.

When payouts for monthly stays are released

For reservations that are 28 nights or more, we collect payments monthly. For most reservations, we’ll charge your guest for the first month upfront and we’ll release the initial payout to you by the end of the business day after the guest’s scheduled check-in date. Upcoming payouts are released on a monthly basis after the initial payout for the duration of the reservation.

Payouts Monthly Stays

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/285

Scams & Cautions

Lots of issues with 28+ stays on Airbnb and no much protection for Hosts. Scammers will pay for the first month, then stop paying after that. Airbnb will cancel the stay, but since the guest has established tenancy (30days in most states) you will not be able to evict them without going through a court process. Meanwhile, they stay at your property rent free. 

Some scammers will try to get you to give them a huge discount in exchange for a long stay, only to cancel the remaining part of the reservation which they can somethimes do without your approval. BTW, normal discount for monthly stays is 20%. 

Below is a Guide to long term stays on Airbnb. Strongly suggest you read through it so you know the risks. I usually recommend my clients only allow long term stays on other platforms that offer background checks, security deposits and rental agreements. Airbnb doesn't offer any of these protections for Hosts:

Guide to Monthly Stays on Airbnb

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-guides/Monthly-Stays-on-Airbnb-Guide-Revised/m-p/2066547#M2...

[Emilie]

Hi @Glenda212, 

Have you hosted long-term guests before or would this be your first one?

Patricia and Joan have shared some information on how the platform works for you to explain to the guest, it would be great to know if you've been able to get back to them or if you have more questions. 🙂

Have a lovely day, 

Emilie