Airbnb security deposit and damage: what protects hosts
How to get your money without a deposit when a guest damages something.
Most Airbnb hosts may not charge a deposit, so you claim for damage only after the stay. Ask the guest to pay within 14 days of checkout through the Resolution Center and add proof that the damage is new.
How do you get paid without a deposit?
With no deposit, there is no money set aside for you. This is how to proceed when something is damaged.
- 1
Condition before
Record the condition of the place before every check-in.
- 2
Request to the guest
Ask for the money within 14 days of checkout via “Request money” in the Resolution Center.
- 3
24 hours
That is how long the guest has to respond to your request.
- 4
Involve Airbnb
If the guest does not pay, file the request to Airbnb within 30 days of checkout.
- 5
Evidence
Before and after photos, receipts and repair estimates.
- 6
No own deposit
Most hosts may not charge a deposit outside Airbnb either.
Already have damage?
Guest damaged something?
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Which rules apply
Under Airbnb's security deposit rules, most hosts may not charge a deposit. Under Airbnb's Host Damage Protection Terms, you ask the guest to pay within 14 days of checkout and file the request to Airbnb within 30 days.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a security deposit on Airbnb?
Not for most hosts since 2022. Only hosts connected through management software (API) can run their own deposit, and they must show it in the listing.
How do I get money for damage without a deposit?
You ask the guest to pay within 14 days of checkout through the Resolution Center. If the guest does not pay, you file the request to Airbnb (Host Damage Protection) within 30 days of checkout, with evidence.
Can I charge a deposit outside Airbnb?
No. Most hosts may not charge a security deposit, neither through the Resolution Center nor off-platform; the only exception is select software-connected hosts.
Also in this topic: AI-edited photos: why your Airbnb claim can fail on themProving smoke odour at Airbnb: which evidence countsAirbnb expects reasonable care: what the rule means for hosts
Next guest arriving soon?
Scan the flat before check-in and after check-out. Then a damage claim rests on a before and after comparison.
See BildProof for hosts