Damage and Security Deposit

[Julie-And-Jeremy0]

We allowed the first dog into our property and he seemed like a very mellow dog. However, I noticed this morning that three of our windows have completely damaged blinds. I am now nervous to know if the dog has done more damage. My questions are as follows:

1. How do I file a request for the security deposit?

2. Should I ask the guest if I can take a look to assess the current damage? (They are supposed to stay 2 more nights)

3. Can I ask them to not leave their dog unattended during the remainder of their stay?

Thank you for your help!

[Momi0]

Dear Julie

To answer your serious.....ABSOLUTELY you should take control of the situation and ask the guests to allow you to check in on the other parts of your house for further damage.  Be sure to bring your smartphone and TAKE videos and photos both. 

Then show the guest the damage to your home and remind them that any damage to your property is their responsibilty.  I have it in my home house rules that any damage will be paid by the guest. I  have even taken photos before check in and after check in with every guest to ensure that my home is returned in the same way as they received it.  Please be sure to add that to your house rules that they will be held accountable for any damage caused by them or their pet.

Second, if the guest refuses to pay you for this, contact Airbnb to report it immediately.  They have a great staff there that will listen and help you guide you through the resolution center (I myself had an issue where an angry guest caught smoking in my home damaged my home and fractured/cut my 3 toes, yes police were called and he was escorted out of our home..I video taped the whole thing) and Airbnb was awesome in getting us taken care of both medically and to fix our home.  Its important to document your home and find a way to date the video like I did by putting a newspaper in the photos.  There is no denying the date of photos or videos taken then.

You can also ask the guest to leave if its not working out by going into their reservation and changing the CHECK OUT date.  That's a great way to avoid hurting your status as a great host who cares but needs to protect their property.  Make sure to inform the guest that they are leaving early if that's the case.  They will have the option to accept this or not, but if they don't, then cancel on them if your home is more important which was the case with us.  The family who brought a newborn infant into our home without even telling us even damaged our bed when the baby crapped and peed all over the sheets and mattress.....all of which I took videos and photos of.  And Airbnb was OUTSTANDING in getting us taken care of.

Wish you all the best, hope this helps.

Momi -Superhost in Hawaii

[Lizzie]

Hello @Julie-And-Jeremy0,

Thanks for starting this topic, I think it something that is quite a common question. Just to let you know I have moved your discussion into the General Hosting board, as it isn't directly related to the Open 2015 and is likely to get more response. I hope you don't mind me doing this. 

It is great to see @Momi0 has responded and provided you with her advice.

Are there any other hosts who have had experiences with hosting guests with pets who might be able to add to his discussion?

[Isabelle3]

I accept pets, ask guests to bring bedding and apart from a few small diggs on the lawn never had any problems.  Thanks Momi forr great advice.

[Liz-and-Kevin0]

I accept pets.  I would like to be able to charge a larger security deposit when a guest brings a pet than I do when guest come without pets.  There is no option for that.