Damage to my home

[Robin49]

A recent guest burned my formica countertop by placing a hot pan on it without protection. They burned/melted a pan-sized section into a 2' area of counter. They acknowledged tey did it, but wouldn't pay (I require a $300.00 security deposit). I involved AirBnB.  Sent them a  pic of the damage and a repair estimate of $300.00 prepared by a local contractor. AirBnB decided since my countertop was still "functional" to award me $25.00.  Nothing I can do about it now, and $25.00 won't cover anything. If someone cracked a window, but it still worked, or kicked a hole in my wall, but it was still holding up the ceiling - would that not be considered damage because it was still "functional"??? I may as well have plywood counters!!!!  I am really angry, and there is no re-course w/ AirBnB. They say my case is closed. WHAT IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR???? I am feeling so upset, and wonder if others have had similar experiences. I may drop out, once my future rental agreements have been met.

[Dede0]

@Robin49 AirBnB's response is absurd! My sympathies for you...

[Marie-and-Owen0]

I got a tile-shaped area routed out in the benchtop and stuck down a tile. Not optimal but at least future users may put hot pans on it rather than the benchtop.

[Emmanuelle18]

did Airbnb answered to your questions " what is the deposit for???. Nobody seems to be astonished bu the Airbnb'a attitude.... is there no mediation possible with Airbnb? it seems to me that it's a lot questionning the confidence in Airbnb isn't?

[Robin49]

AirBnB had no care whatsoever about my home or claim.  No one ever explained what my security deposit is FOR or how to use it. I believe my only re4course would be litigation (with AirBnB), and it is not worth that. I put a large cutting board over my counter (on the burned area). Oh well.

[Sara455]

great idea, but the location of the burn on my counter top would look funny with a tile or a cutting board. 

[Debbie25]

Wow! I just found this post and I see that airbnb hasn't even responded to it? Is this typical of airbnb? I rent my cabin and so far have had no issues, but if this is how airbnb treats their hosts, why would anyone host their place? Has anyone else had this issue with airbnb?

[Robin49]

AirBnB never responded to ANYTHING beyond telling me my case was closed, and my counter damage was only worth $25.00. I called and e-mailed. Spoke with someone who said they would have my "claim specialist" contavt me, but they never did.  I could sue, but it isn't worth it to hire an atty, in light of the $300.00 damage.  It scared me pretty seriously from allowing anyone who has not been recommended by other hosts to rent from me.   Also, my insurer (home owner's) told me that if damage - including fire - happens to my home while it is being rented, it will not be covered by them. There are plenty of posts about THAT on here (insurer's refusing to cover). What I wish is that AirBnB would do a little leg work and come up with a list of insurer's who WILL cover, so we know where to begion the search to find a company that will ceover without exorbitant fees.   Right now - I feel very insecure, and keep thinking I should get out of AirBnB, but it is enabling me to hang onto my home.  Almost every other experience has been positive.   Keeping my fingers crossed and wondering what others do????

[Debbie25]

Wow! I'm sorry to hear that was airbnb's response. We decided to carry rentor's insurance on our cabin when we started to use it for nightly rentals. I was wondering if we could cancel that and just use airbnb when we started using them, but it looks like we need to hold on to our rentor's insurance. You might want to check that out with your agent, it's pretty common.....we live in a tourist area and everyone who rents carries it. We use Donegal Ins. Co. but we used to have Aetna, it seems pretty reasonably priced to me.

[Sara455]

counter top burned by hot frying pan, my new pan damaged too.