security deposit

[Sandra6442]

Hi there, this is Sandra from Utah.  I co-host with my friends who used to be Superhosts a few years ago.  She mentioned that security deposits were allowed then, how do I add that feature to the new listing?  It's January 2024 btw.  Thanks in advance for your help.

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Sandra6442 

Unfortunately, Airbnb no longer allows Hosts to charge a security deposit (unless you use a 3rd party channel manager):

Security Deposits

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/140

"Hosts aren’t allowed to charge guests a security deposit through our Resolution Center or outside the Airbnb platform. Instead, we inform guests at the time of booking that their payment method may be charged if they cause damage during a stay. There is one exception: Hosts who manage their listings with API-connected software can set a security deposit using our offline fees feature. If a Host has done this, the deposit requirements will be clearly communicated during the booking process."

[Teresa---Todd0]

Hello Joan2709,

I am actually coming across this issue right now (8/13) as a group of clients are scaling up and need to make a transition to a new API-connected software.  They have shy-ed away from AirBNB following the security deposit change...  Hoping to reconnect with AirBNB again provided we can resolve this issue.  Are you familiar with any API's that AirBNB will accept their security deposit requirement?  We would all be so grateful!

Thank you,

Teresa

[Joan2709]

Hi @Teresa---Todd0 

I currently don't use a channel manager, but according to the Airbnb Help Article about security deposits, you are allowed to charge them with a channel manager if their software is connected to your Airbnb account.

I would review whatever prospective channel managers you are considering and what services are offered. You can verify that security deposit collection is one of them before committing to subscribing. Below is a screen shot of an Airbnb reservation and the Host must be using a channel manager as the callout mentions a security deposit as displayed on the reservation:

Perhaps another Host who uses a channel manager can chime in here an provide specific channel managers they have used that offer security deposit collection.

[Inna22]

You are allowed to have a deposit, you are just not allowed to collect it directly. We can debate if that deposit is worth anything, because you do not have direct access to it but that is a whole other topic

[Joan2709]

Hi @Inna22 

How would you be able to have a security deposit on Airnb? (unless using a channel manager). I know other platforms allow it (Vrbo), but Airbnb doesn't according to their TOS. That would be great news for alot of Hosts if they could charge a security deposit?

[Inna22]

@Joan2709 you can not charge a deposit yourself. However, you can set it. Once you set a deposit, you can proceed with a claim through airbnb. While it is not worth a whole lot, it does stop some people from causing damage. Just one of many steps. At the end of the day, the only thing that works is asking for IDs for everyone staying at the property. Once I started doing that, the condition of the house after guest groups improved to another level.

[Joan2709]

Thanks @Inna22! So, you set a deposit, but still have to go thru a resolution with Airbnb to be paid. I didn't know that! How do you set a deposit on the listing?

I think you are on the right track with the IDs for sure! 

[Darlene305]

If you follow Airbnb rules, you will probably never see a dime and how are you going to contest it then, their virtual companies!  This whole thing Airbnb is requiring violates your rights by state law to obtain a refundable deposit to hold in case of damages.  Airbnb wants to force you into not charging the renter a security deposit and that goes against your landlord rights.  You are putting thousands of dollars in the hands of a stranger that is going to be transient to say the least and has no vested interest in your property.   Airbnb wants landlords to buy an insurance policy and then have to deal with them for recovery, give me a break you have no ideal how problematic that is and it leaves the person with no incentive to take care of your property and then they can lie and say it was like that when they arrived and then it's on you to fight the insurance company, no thank you.  There is a legal system already set up for disputes if tenants thing you over charged them for damages, called small claims court.

[Sande297]

Hi @Inna22 , how do you ask for their ID's? Just in the chat? Do you word it in a special way to get them to comply? Thanks for your help!

[Inna22]

@Sande297 

it is in my description, house rules and in a welcome message immediately upon booking. I offer to upload them through the chat or to show in person. I hope this helps

[Darlene305]

Legally, Airbnb has no management control over your property, and they acknowledge that in their TOS too.  By most states laws I know of, you have every legal right as the property owner to charge a refundable security deposit.  Airbnb is violating your landlord rights!  They can put what they want in their TOS; it doesn't mean they will be upheld by the courts.  For them to force you into a third party insurance policy that most likely will not want to pay out and leaves the renter off the hook for responsibility for damages increases the risk of damages too.  People advertising should not be intimidated into compliance by Airbnb and stand up for their legal rights or they will run all over you for their own benefit.

[Darlene305]

I left Airbnb due to their attempts to control and manage my rental property when all I'm doing is advertising on the website and paying them a commission has gotten out of control in their justification for charging large booking fees and promote it as they are assuring the renter they won't have any problems if rented through their site. Still, they can't legally make that guarantee other than that they control the payout to ensure that, when they arrive, they get entry and the property is acceptable, or get their money back; that's it. They're just a third party holding the rent initially then have to release it.  Take for example, how people have abused filing a complaint after they have stayed in the property that it wasn't it good condition and they want their money back, and then they dip into your account and take the money back from you.  I personally meet and greet my guests, give them a tour to inspect it's condition and then sign off as to it's condition being as advertised and clean, giving them space to make notes if they want and even give them a couple of days reasonable time to note anything they may have found later.  This ensures I never have a moveout dispute on the condition they received it in and then we have a clean slate for the move out inspection.  

[Rebecca]

Hey @Sandra6442, 

Did any of the answers below help to answer your question? If so, it's always a lovely gesture to mark it as the best answer. It's like a big virtual hug to the member who supported you. 😊

If you need any help, just shout.