Broken couch

[Ashley22]

Hi community

Been an airBNB host for about 4 years.

Upon my most recent guest checking out I have discovered my couch is broken - the side arm has been snapped and now floppy.  They of course denies it and says it was like that all along.  But I know it wasn't because prior to them staying, I cleaned the unit and as per normal routine I dragged the couch carefully by the side arm slightly to relocate it to vacuum around it.  So when I went to do the same this time I nearly fell backwards.

So I am confident it was them.

Furthermore, upon arrival to clean, the couch and cuishons were all flattened, suggesting an emormous pile of clothing, or similar had been placed over the couch for a prolonged period of time.  And this makes sense as the guest said they were between houses so bringing a lot of items with them.

So what do I do?  New couch is worth about $600 and the bond was $200. But they deny it.  Should I hit up airBNB for the damages?

/A

[Gordon0]

Nice listing, @Ashley22. I'm afraid I don't rate your chances on this one and you're destined for disappointment if you think Airbnb will pay. Please don't take this the wrong way, but it doesn't look like a high end and particularily robust sofa, so you may well just have to suck it up and put it down to the cost of running a business.

That said, if you have contents insurance, that may well pay out?

Good luck. 

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Ashley22 

In cases like yours it is important to take pictures and video of the broken furniture and upload them together with the receipt of the sofa or the link to the same sofa online and the short explanation on resolution center where you will ask the amount for a new sofa. You have 14 days to do it  or until your next guest arrives.

Your guest can accept and pay or decline your claim or ignore it. Then you should involve Airbnb to mediate. Airbnb will then contact your guest and get back to you.

It seems Airbnb has simplified damage claims process and small claims are resolved in a few days  (my experience)

If your sofa is less then a few years old you have a good chance to get the full amount or at least a part of it. It is worth trying.