Security deposit

[Stephane56]

Airbnb doesn't let hosts ask for a security deposit to guests and the only way to secure a security deposit is to mention it on the listing. In case of damages, the host must contact the tenant for a payment. 2 options, the guest refuses or the guests accepts. If the guest refuses, then a claim must be sent (72 hours process if I'm correct), but no guarantee of any payment. I had guests whom completely destroy the flooring of the living room, I made the claim, nothing ever happened then and no feedback from airbnb.

Airbnb also mentions that the guests will be responsible for payment if the claim is made within 14 days prior to the check out. Again, what if the guests says no.

Best case scenario, the guest damages the property, accepts to pay after check out as the host discovers the damages at the check out but the guest has no cash to pay and the taxi is waiting to take the guest to the airport. 

The next guest is supposed to arrive the same day or the folowing. In this case, the host has no choice but to advance the cost for fixing the place and still no guarantee the guest will ever pay.

Any solution anyone?

[Marit-Anne0]

@Stephane56

The solution is to have an insurance that covers damages.

[Stephane56]

Thank you for your suggestion but this suggests that 1 the security deposit has absolutely no reason to be asked 2) the host would make a profit on both the insirance and the security deposit. I don't believe this is a solution.

[Marit-Anne0]

@Stephane56

From reports, it seems that it is hard to cash in on the security deposit, so I would not count on it.  And if the guest do not admit to the damage, it is likely that airbnb will side with the guest.  

[Stephane56]

I completely agree with you. I had the case and nothing happened despite providing photos of the damages. Well no solution I guess. Guests disappeared and airbnb never followed up with me. Thank you anyway for your message

[Patrick346]

I had similar issue.  I submitted the request with photos and the guest never responded and Air BnB did not take care of not either.  I thought if there was no answe by the guest that I would win by default.  What's the point is a security deposit that is impossible to collect

[Nick293]

I'm booking business travel for someone else and they are being asked. I used the call back service (which due to the maze that is the help cetntre I now can't find)

Help Centre said if there is no mention of it on the bookers listing they don't get it and not in advance. 

I went back to the host and they said they have approval (from Air BNB) to get it in advance. 

I'm not in opposition to in in theory and they are asking to pay through the site, but it sounds dodgy. 

any suggestions? or can sosomeoneind the call back option on the site?

[David126]

@Nick293Not sure what you mean by call back service, there is no up front Security Deposit using ABB.

[Nick293]

Thanks David, I didn't think so - I've reported the message.

The Call back service is just a service where the help centre calls you back... you fill in your number and they call you back to save you being on hold for ages, but I now can't find it or the contact centre number