security deposits and who uses them?

[Ellen99]

As a host, I have gotten burned twice this summer with people leaving messes beyond the expected (one including uncleaned vomit), which required extra time and $ to my cleaning person. I do not require a security deposit, and am considering doing so now.  IT does seem like Airbnb makes it a hassle to put into practice. What are other hosts experience with this? thanks

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

@Ellen99  The "security deposit" doesn't really exist, because Airbnb does not actually put an authorization hold on the guest's account, and you as the host don't have the power to decide how much the guest is charged, if anything.

You might as well specify the fake "security deposit" in your listing; it won't impact your bookings one way or other but most of the guests probably don't know that it's meaningless. To be clear though, if you do attempt a Resolutions claim for extra cleaning, you're most likely going to be disappointed with the results.

[Ellen99]

This is depressing as hell. I had one response from a host who advised, "Just raise your cleaning fee." Really? To penalize the people who would leave the place in good shape? I just can't believe there isn't more recourse, when a friend of mine's rental company charges 50 dollars to guests who leave dirty towels behind!! 

[Anonymous]

@Ellen99  Just like "security deposit," the term "cleaning fee" is also a misnomer. Cleaning is not optional - guests are entitled to a full refund at any rate if the home isn't clean - so the nightly rate is inclusive of cleaning and all listed amenities by default. What the Cleaning Fee actually is, is a flat supplementary charge for shorter stays. You could also say it's a de facto discount for longer stays.

Your choice of whether to charge one, and how much to charge, really just comes down to the extent to which short stays are worth the time and effort you and your cleaners expend on them.

As an offsite host accommodating up to 6 guests, you're going to get families with kids, and plenty more big messes on the horizon. That means it's worthwhile to adjust your rates (including the extra-person fee) and your Preparation Time to make sure that after each booking you have enough money and time to handle your worst cleaning experience. This isn't a punishment to the good guests who took proper care of your home - they had already agreed to your rates before they hit the Book button, so all you have to do is deliver the goods as advertised.

[Ellen99]

Yes after killing myself last summer I adjusted my prep time, and that was better for this summer. I guess I go back and forth about cleaning fee rate; in reality i do most of it, and only when I am not available do I use my reliable people. In both cases of the yuck left behind, it wasn't me doing the clean up. I just feel like when its jacked up too high it turns prospective people away?.

[Anonymous]

@Ellen99 If your goal is to increase your occupancy rate, getting rid of the cleaning fee would help you fill the gaps with more short  bookings.

But if you're already getting enough business, there's no need to worry about prospective guests who didn't book.