Security deposit

[Jason270]

Hi all

i have an upcoming booking and the host has requested for a security deposit to his PayPal account. A quick Google reveals that it should be handled within the AirBnB system which I asked for clarification. 

The he host has replied that sometimes AirBnB handles the security deposit and sometimes they don't. And that in my particular booking only the cleaning fee and taxes are handled by AirBnB. 

What at should I do? 

[Ria16]

Hi Jason

My understanding is it needs to go via AirBnB

You are correct and you might like to send your host a link 

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/help/article/140/how-does-airbnb-handle-security-deposits

[Cormac0]

@Jason

Choose another location,

The deposit procedure works as follows, Airbnb keep the Guests’ account details on file and only if there is a claim made and agreed by the guest, do Airbnb take the money from your chosen method of payment.

I have some sympathy for your host as the claims procedure is extremely cumbersome and many Host have found it not handled to their satisfaction.

Regards

Cormac

The Explorer’s Club Krakow III

[Clare0]

@Jason270 Asking for a separate payment for a security deposit is a violation of Airbnb's Terms of Service and, if reported to Airbnb, can cause Airbnb to remove the host from the website: 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/458/can-a-security-deposit-be-collected-outside-of-the-airbnb-we...

Never, ever, pay for a security deposit.  If the host has a valid claim for damages, they can submit a request to Airbnb.  Kind of sounds like this host has filed many claims in which case Airbnb might have turned him down.  Abuse of the security deposit system is not a good thing on Airbnb.