@Sarah977
In my first reply to you I posted the link to the article:
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/140/how-does-airbnb-handle-security-deposits
With respect, you are not interpreting it differently, you simply haven't read the article. As I pointed out it is at odds with your received information and note from ABB CS.
This Airbnb required Security deposit places an authorisation on a payment method. It states in part:
Airbnb-required security deposits
As part of our continuing effort to build trust and enhance safety, we may independently require a security deposit for certain reservations. This can happen if something stands out when we review the reservation details. Factors may include the timing of a reservation or the listing's features.
The security deposit amount is set by Airbnb, and you’ll always have a chance to review the amount before you decide to make a reservation.
As you see this is Independent. Set on Certain Reservations. Based on Something standing out. And is an amount set by Airbnb.
YOU (the guest) will always have chance to review the amount BUT, No mention about you the host.
It is interesting how the language matches between the email and the article.
The article stating:
As part of our continuing effort to build trust and enhance safety, we may independently...
The email stating:
As part of our continuing effort to build trust on Airbnb , we're testing improvements to our security...
This article is in the Travelling section, not the Hosting section. However the hosting section links to the same article too.
There is a separate section within the article which deals with the host set security deposits entirely, these set Security deposits do not make an authorisation on a payment method:
Host-required security deposits
Some hosts require a security deposit for their listing. If you’re a guest and you’re booking a listing with a host-required security deposit, you’ll be shown this amount before you make your reservation. The amount is set by the host, not Airbnb. In this case, no authorisation hold will be placed, and you’ll only be charged if a host makes a claim on the security deposit.
The article is very clear, I think.
I'm currently trying to untangle the spaghetti which is the hosting do's and don'ts for my own benefit so this information is particularly useful. I can't see that they can provide conflicting information in this way.