Deposits

[Connie433]

We are new to Airbnb . Our question is how do we increase the deposit and how does Airbnb know to give it back to the customer once they leave ? 

[Sarah977]

@Connie433  The Airbnb security deposit is bogus. They do not charge the guest the security deposit when they book, nor do they put a hold on their credit card. So there is nothing to return.

If a guest causes damage, you have to first ask tbe guest to pay, which most will refuse to do. Then you have to go through a lengthy process, submitting photos, quotes from repair people, or prices to replace the damaged items, and fight with Airbnb customer service to try to get Airbnb to cover the damage. 

So you can set a security deposit as a possible deterent, but it has no real value.

[Lorna170]

@Connie433  There is NO SECURITY DEPOSIT.  It is bogus, fictitious, and misleading to all hosts that think that it's out there to reimburse them for damages.  All of the OTAs that promote a damage deposit DO NOT CHARGE one to the guest.  Why they persist in advertising that there is one is beyond belief.