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! 

[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

[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.