Damage to our home by guests children

[Caroline789]

We suspect our current guests will leave our house damaged as their 3 children are uncontrolled. We have not taken a security deposit as we have just started with air bnb, can we insist to check the property before they leave for damage and if any can they be charged for this? 

[Alexandra316]

@Caroline789 the security deposit on Airbnb isn't really a security deposit: they don't take it and hold it. It's the potential amount a guest could be charged if there is damage. Be aware that it can be difficult to collect on this amount. Still, I would add it to your listing. 

If you're concerned about damage, it might not be a bad idea to do a walk-through with the guest. If there is damage found, your first step is to ask them for money to cover it through the resolution centre. Make sure you document everything with pictures in case you do need to file a claim. 

[Clara116]

@Caroline789  Alexandra is correct on the security deposit and that it is difficult to collect cause guests has to agree on it..............funny how they NEVER did it is what I am continually reading from other hosts!! But you want to make sure you have it for future bookings. 

I would message and say please let me know before you depart - and for sure do a walk through - you might even video the whole thing - if there is damage - ABB loves video and esp. with what guests says and responds to all of it. pics are important too. 

If you have to file a claim you must do it before!!!! the next guests arrive - this is important. And if it is bad and you need to block off to repair or clean up - CALL ABB talk with them Immediately and don't wait on emails or call backs......be calm, clear and professional. Have evidence and messaging on ABB only with guests. Write all stuff on ABB messaging if you have conversations like "This is a recap of our conversation this morning.....etc. " the more, the better. Keep us posted. Best, Clara

[Inna22]

I respect fully disagree. While the host guarantee is only a name  with no substance behind it , security deposit is far more solid. Yes, we do not hold it and control it however in my experience when I  had a solid reasonable security deposit claim, I was not given a hard time. Yes, of course, the guest never agrees to it so you just involve Airbnb. I would encourage you to add security deposit you listing. If anything, psychologically people will just be more careful knowing you hold one as they may not know the intricacies of how it actually works.

 As for this situation at hand,  it would  perfectly appropriate for you to check out your guest.  That is probably the best time to walk through together. Make sure that you take pictures and document everything. However, even if that does not work out you can still try to reach out to Airbnb for compensation through host guarantee, but chances of compensation  are slim.

The guests have not left yet. Just because their kids are uncontrollable it does not automatically equal damage, so be optimistic!