Damage and Security Deposit recovery

[Jana84]

Guest stayed in my property and broke window, broke expensive lamp, left unbelievable mess after himself, ruined sheets in bed. My security deposit is only $300, but the damage is over $400. How to collect the extra money from the guest when not having his credit card on file? I have all the pictures. Jana

[Clare0]

@Jana84 What you need to do is file a claim, even if the amount exceeds your security deposit.  But you have to do this quickly as Airbnb only holds people's credit card information for a short time.  Here's the link to use: 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/264/what-do-i-do-if-my-guest-breaks-something-in-my-place

As soon as you can, get documentation (receipts, photos) to substantiate your claim and be sure to provide them to Airbnb in case the guest declines to pay.  

Sorry this happened to you!