Damage found later: what you can still do
How to link damage that only shows up after the next guest to one booking.
First check whether the 14 days after the responsible guest's checkout are still running. After that, a claim directly against the guest remains, and it depends on records that narrow the time down to one booking.
What can you still do now?
What matters is not how obvious the damage is, but whether you can link it to one stay.
- 1
Check the deadline
At Airbnb, the 14 days after the checkout of the guest who caused the damage count.
- 2
Narrow the window
Find the last record that shows the spot still intact.
- 3
Count the guests
If several guests have stayed since, a photo of the damage does not show who caused it.
- 4
Go to the guest
A claim against the guest runs out much later than the platform deadline.
- 5
Rarely used spots
From now on, include mattresses, floors and rarely used rooms.
- 6
Every turnover
Only records before every check-in narrow the window to one booking.
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 ask the guest to pay within 14 days of their checkout. A direct claim against the guest rests on § 280 BGB, and you have to show the damage happened during their stay.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still report the damage to Airbnb?
Only within 14 days of the checkout of the guest who caused it. You then have to show the damage came from their stay. If other guests have stayed since, that only works with records from before each stay.
Can I claim against the guest directly?
Legally yes, and this claim runs out much later than the platform deadline. But you must show that this guest caused it, and that only works with records that narrow the time down.
What evidence does Airbnb ask for?
Among other things, the time, cause and origin of the damage, plus evidence such as photos, videos and repair estimates. If the guest does not pay, you file the request to Airbnb within 30 days of checkout.
Also in this topic: Calculating compensation: new price or depreciated value?Guest lost the key: who pays for the locking system?Floor scratches and stains from guests: what can you recover?Water damage caused by a guest: who is liable?
Next guest arriving soon?
Scan the flat before check-in and after check-out. That way, even a claim for damage found late rests on a comparison.
See BildProof for hosts