Security Deposit

[Ann240]

I have requested money from various guests over the couple of years and I have noted that some get paid and some don't.  Luckily they are not huge amounts however it is for breakages that I am out of pocket for.  I have current got a situation where a guest owes me R1500 and is trying to negotiate with me telling me he is a student and can't afford to pay the damages.  He broke a glass counter top and ornament that was expensive. 

My security deposit is R1500 with Airbnb, why can't Airbnb deduct from his credit card?  I have noted that this has happened on numerous occasion where I haven't been paid.  What is the point of having a security deposit when nothing is done by Airbnb if guest doesn't want to pay.

[Helen3]

Hello @Ann240 

I haven't had your experience of collecting from guests who have damaged my property before.

But as you know if Airbnb find the guest is liable they will try and collect from the guest's payment system.

It is not your problem if he is student or claims he doesn't have money.

I would just confirm the cost of the damage, provide evidence of replacement costs. and Airbnb will decide.

[Ann240]

I have.  Got pictures of broken  glass in bucket.  The point though is that if a guest doesn't want to pay, do they have the right not to pay? 

[Cynthia595]

I had a guest break a door and it was $1000 to replace.  The guest acknowledged she had broken it in an Airbnb message with me- I submitted photos to Airbnb and was reimbursed from them almost immediately, as they were able to view our messages where she admitted it was her fault. Don’t work directly with guest, recommend only going through Airbnb.  Good luck!