Pet damage in a holiday flat: what the guest pays for
When the guest is liable for scratches, hair and odour, and how to evidence the damage.
The guest is liable for damage their pet causes, even when pets were allowed. Evidence the condition before the stay and get a quote or invoice for the amount.
What matters with pet damage?
Pet damage is often small and quickly looks old. These points decide it.
- 1
Typical spots
Scratches on door frames, parquet and furniture edges are the most common damage.
- 2
Even when allowed
Permission to bring a pet is not permission to damage the flat.
- 3
Pet ban
A breach of a pet ban makes your case stronger, but it does not replace proof of the amount.
- 4
Photo from before
Without a photo of the same spot from before the stay, the guest says the scratch was already there.
- 5
Evidenced amount
Get a quote or an invoice instead of guessing.
- 6
Cleaning
Only claim cleaning that goes well beyond the normal end-of-stay clean.
Already have damage?
Guest damaged something?
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Which rules apply
Under Airbnb's Host Damage Protection Terms (version of 1 August 2026) you must try to recover the money from the guest within 14 days of checkout, and normal wear and tear is not covered. Under § 280 BGB the guest is liable for loss from a breach of duty unless they are not responsible for it.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the guest liable even if pets were allowed?
Yes, they are liable for damage their pet causes. Permission to bring a pet is not permission to damage the flat.
How do I prove the scratches are new?
With a photo of the same door frame or patch of floor from before the stay. Without it, the guest often gets away with “it was already there”.
By when must I report pet damage?
On Airbnb you must try to recover the money from the guest within 14 days of checkout, for example with a Resolution Center request. If they do not pay, you file the payment request to Airbnb within 30 days of checkout. Booking.com and Vrbo also set a 14-day deadline after checkout.
Also in this topic: Inventory missing after a stay: what you can recoverKaution for a holiday flat: how much may you charge?Mattress stains from guests: what does the guest pay?Furniture damaged by a guest: repair or replacement?
Next guest bringing a pet?
Scan the flat before check-in and after check-out, including door frames, floors and upholstery. Then a claim rests on a comparison.
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