Do most people set a security deposit?

[Tracy48]

Hi AirBnBers!

We are relatively new to renting through AirBnB. A guest has queried the £100 security deposit on my listing. I believe this was a default set by AirBnB when I created my listing?

He says that they have never been asked for a security deposit before - the guests (a couple from Poland) have a few good reviews from other hosts. They are staying with us for 1 night. 

Do you think I should take the security deposit off, or is it more sensible to leave it on?

Also, does anyone know if AirBnB collects the security deposit, or are we expected to?

Sorry for so many questions! Appreciate any help.

Thank you in advance. 

[Donna15]

@Tracy48, leave the Security Deposit in place. You never know when it might be necessary to claim against it.

In fact, the security deposit is never actually 'taken' by AirBnB unless a host presents a successful claim for damages. In this case, AirBnB is authorised to take an amount from the security deposit. Until then, the money remains untouched in the guest's bank. 

You can inform your potential guest that he/she has nothing to worry about, unless damage is done to your listing.

To be honest, if those people have been guests several times, I find it difficult to believe that not one of the hosts required a security deposit. (Unless, of course, the people filtered their search for listings that didn't have an SD.)

Most hosts require a security deposit. Most of those who don't have regretted it, and have quickly added one after having to pay out of their own pocket for damage done by a guest. 

I recommend reading carefully through the links in this URL. 

Essential reading for hosts.

Also contains a link with several international phone numbers (‘Contact AirBnB’).

https://community.airbnb.com/t5/General-Hosting/Community-Help-Guides/m-p/23100#U23100

[Tracy48]

Hi Donna,

That is so helpful, thanks very much. I will definitely leave it in place on your advice. 

Thanks again and have a good day!

Tracy

[Danni1]

Hi,

I tried to follow the link, but it came up invalid.

I'm also curious about security deposits. As a host, where can I control how it is set?

Thank you!

[Lyndsey2]

Absolutely I have a security deposit and often think about increasing it. Maybe the guest thinks they've never given a security deposit before because Airbnb never takes it unless it's needed. It's just a hold put on the credit card. Other rental websites and companies actually take a check and then return the money at the end of the stay, so in this way, Airbnb is actually kinder to the guest than other companies. 

[Deedee10]

I have added a security deposit after incurring damages out of pocket more than once but I worry it will reflect o my bookings for customers. What is a average amount people set. I set $250.00 ?

[Wayne9]

I have a security deposit.  I've never been questioned about it nor had to use it, but I think it would be an easier way to deal with small items.

[Christine1]

@Tracy48,

https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/884/when-will-i-be-charged

https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/352/what-happens-if-a-host-makes-a-claim-on-my-security-depos...

https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/140/how-does-airbnb-handle-security-deposits

For newer hosts and guests who are unsure about navigating their Airbnb website to find specific information on a topic, you can type keywords into your Help button search tool; you can also type in key wordsdirectly into your regular browser and hit enter/  you will be presented with a list of help centre articles to outline the way things get handled at Airbnb.

Hope this helps.

christine, 

[Deedee10]

How much is a normal deposit set at and do you think it detours bookings for clients