Security Deposit for Guests That Cannot Instant Book

[Timothy420]

Is there a need in the hosting community for stipulations on the security deposit? I do not require a security deposit and currently, only allow guests that can instantly book (which I believe requires them to have good reviews and recommendations from previous hosts).

I would be very open to hosting guests with no prior reviews or recommendations only if they paid a security deposit, however, the functionality to stipulate this rule is absent from the platform. Would other hosts benefit from such settings? If so, let's submit a feature request!

Also, how do we submit feature requests?  

I will say that the number of guest requests is relatively low compared to guests that instant book (probably 15%). 

[Lorna170]

@Timothy420   The OTAs have done away with charging a security deposit IMO due to the costs of the transactions and the numerous complaints from guests who were not refunded or who did not want to pay a security deposit.  This is, of course, contrary to the needs of hosts who used the security deposit as a means to deter bad actors from destroying their accommodations.

So...in short, AirBnB is not going to restore an actual security deposit.  The one that exists on your listing now is not charged to the guest at booking and is just OTA smoke and mirrors.