How does the security deposit work?

[Brad44]

Hi I'm new to hosting so this may be a simple question. I've checked over the website but can't find the answer. My booking included a security deposit. Does the guest pay it or his it available via airbnb resolution centre if needed. I have been posed this question by s guest and I don't know if it gets paid it not. ??

*Title updated

[Mariann4]

Hello @Brad44

The guest does not pay a deposit. The guest agrees that if something happens he/she can be charged up to the amount of the deposit. You have to make a claim in order to get paid from the deposit. But the deposit will not be deposited anywhere, it stays in the guest's creditcard or pay-pal.

Mariann 🙂

[Karen352]

Thanks for that information, so it works like checking into a hotel? other sites take your deposit and then give it back 2 to 3 days later!! I'm glad Airbnb don't work like that

[David126]

@Karen352

You may have a different view if you need to claim against it.

[Helen182]

My listing says there is a security dposit chargeable, does that mean AirBNB block it from the guest credit card and unless I let them know there is a problem within 14 days they unblock the guests credit card?

[Cynthia-and-Chris1]

No, nothing is charged or "held" from the guest's card.  It is purely an authorization for them to charge up to the amount of the deposit in the event a host makes a claim against it.

[David126]

To recover anything from the Security Deposit seems painful and is certainly not a given. Plenty of discussions on this in the forum.

[Teresa-And-Andy0]

We agree there should be a deposit stipulated then returned within 2 weeks when the place is checked.

[Helen182]

Thank you

[Helen182]

Thank you.

do you know how AirBNB calculate the fee the charge me as a host? 

[Kate-Mary0]

In short, this is how it works. When a guest books, they aren't immediately charged. Instead, you must make a claim on the deposit in order for the guest to be charged. You have 14 days from the guest’s checkout date to make a claim in the event that damages happened.

The security deposit isn’t collected immediately after claiming. You must contact Airbnb via the Resolution Center and share evidence like photos and receipts for repairs. 

Here's a very helpful blog post about Airbnb security deposits: https://www.airgms.com/property-management-software/airbnb-security-deposit/?utm_source=Airbnb%20Com...

[Sara1411]

Hi 

Not sure if you can help.

As  a host I have always collected a security deposit independently of Airbnb. I now realise that I’m going against Airbnb regulations if I request it myself and now it needs to be done through them.

I do not have a problem with this.

However, I believe they implemented this agreement in the beginning of this year,   I only applied my security deposit in May of this year .

Will the security deposit rules apply to customers  who made bookings last year for this year or how will customers know that the  security deposit is now dealt with through Airbnb. If it does not apply to them do I need to continue taking security deposits from guests that booked before May 2019.

I look forward to hearing back from anyone that can help me clarify this matter.

thank you

Sara

[Jeff158]

@Sara1411  

Any alterations to your listing are applied to future bookings only.

[Echuca0]

As a professional property manager the Airbnb bond system doesn't work and is not relevant. Our clients (home  not acowners)will not accept losses if the Airbnb process judges unfavourably or incorrectly. Why should our company foot the bill? The Airbnb process creates a minimum two hours of administrative work which is not allowed for in the claim. We currently manage 20 homes, if we had 200 homes on Airbnb I would need to employ a full time member just to handle airbnb matters.

Additionally, our company does not even have an account representative from Airbnb, we are left dealing with a blog system from overseas.

If Airbnb are so desperate to evolve from a home sharing platform into vacation rentals and all other forms of generating income from holiday makers their systems and rules need to evolve and change accordingly