When charging for damages do you usually charge the full replacement value?

[Chelsie-And-Kevin0]

I am curious what other would do in this case (and don't want to be bias because I really did not like the interactions I had with these guests).  The group set a hot pan on the table leaving a burn mark (there are pot holders that they could have used or they could have set it on the counter).  

Because I believe that guests down the road are more likely to cause damage if they see damage already done, I am going to either replace the table or try to sand it down and restain it (which is tricky since we have lots of back to back bookings in May).  

Would you charge the guest the full value for the table or just a portion? It was new about 6 months ago with no other damage done to it.  I bought it for $318 with 4 chairs, but no longer available so I will have to replace it with something else  but the chairs are still fine.  

My I want to charge them $200 which is our security deposit amount but again I think that is because I really did not like this group and they were a huge pain.  I realize that I shouldn't charge more for damages because they were jerks in general so any thoughts are appreciated! 😄 

[David126]

@Chelsie-And-Kevin0 

May be a moot point as you make it sound like your Guests are unlikey to agree to pay much or anything.

[Nina204]

I would also add in a charge for your time and energy to pick up a new table (a delivery fee) you can call it.

[Inna22]

@Chelsie-And-Kevin0  you are more likely to get anything at all if you charging the amount of your deposit or less. Otherwise you are entering the world of the ever elusive host guarantee. This means you should be going after $200. If the guest does not volunteerily agree to pay, this would also make a great case when Airbnb gets involved because you’re obviously being reasonable. I think it is fair charge. Damage is damage. 

[Lisa723]

I have not charged full replacement value for damage, but depreciated value. If the damage was intentional it might be different, but it seems to me that host/guest share the risk of accidents.

[Letti0]

@Chelsie-And-Kevin0 I would have a fit if this happened to one my tables. We have only started renting the Guest House in March on AirBnB/HA and are using the Main House for Weddings and Events since last July. The Cottage should be up for renting before the end of summer. My deposit is only $500. The 3 tables I bought were $1.699 (Cottage) $1,899 (Guest House) and $2,399 (Main House) this did not include chairs 10, 12 and 14 for the tables at $299-$329 each. Also shipping and tax is not in this cost. 

I also think like you if there is damage already they will be more careless or not give a crap. Hey, it's already got damage why should I care if I add to it mentality is very real I have seen it in many areas of life. I have commercial insurance because I am a business. The Host Guarantee and the "security deposit" you requested is never going pay for anything if the guest does not admit to the damage. 

[Fred13]

"I have commercial insurance because I am a business."

1- Airbnb should start a true deposit system, to cover smaller claims.

2- Require every host to have their own insurance, to cover larger claims.

3- Drop the Host Guarantee program and change it to what VRBO offers, a $1m Liability policy.

[Letti0]

@Fred13 I could not agree more. You are spot on.