Smoke odour on Airbnb: which evidence counts
How to show Airbnb that the guest caused the smoke smell.
Show that the guest caused the smell, with photos, a professional assessment, smoke detector readings or their admission. Ask them to pay within 14 days of checkout.
What helps prove smoke odour?
A smell cannot be photographed. This evidence still shows where it came from.
- 1
Photos
Capture traces such as ash, cigarette ends or burn marks right after checkout.
- 2
Professional assessment
A specialist can judge the cause and the cleaning needed.
- 3
Smoke detector readings
Save alerts or logs from the smoke detector for the stay.
- 4
Admission
If the guest admits smoking in a message, keep it.
- 5
Invoice
It should name the treatment, such as ozone treatment, and clearly name the property.
- 6
Condition before
Photos before check-in show there was no sign of smoking.
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Which rules apply
Under the Airbnb Host Damage Protection Terms you must show that the guest caused the smoke odour; Airbnb may, at its discretion, require invoices from an approved third party. You ask the guest to pay within 14 days of checkout and file the request with Airbnb within 30 days.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does Airbnb always require a professional's invoice?
No. You must show that the guest caused the smell, for example with photos, a professional assessment, smoke detector readings or an admission. Airbnb may, at its discretion, require invoices from an independent third party it approves.
What if the invoice is not ready yet?
Ask the guest to pay within 14 days of checkout anyway and add the invoice once you have it. You file the request with Airbnb within 30 days of checkout.
How do I show the flat did not smell before?
You cannot capture the smell itself, but you can capture the condition of the flat. Photos at every changeover show there was no sign of smoking before.
Also in this topic: Airbnb expects reasonable care: what the rule means for hostsAirbnb Resolution Center: process, deadlines and orderWhat Airbnb does not reimburse: consumables and wear
Next guest arriving soon?
Scan the place before check-in and after check-out. That way a smoke odour claim rests on a comparison with the condition before.
See BildProof for hosts