Airbnb Security Deposits?

Question

So I am confused. So on Airbnb and VRBO I have that we charge a $500 security deposit. When we get a booking on VRBO we receive some sort of statement saying that VRBO is holding $500 for damages or theft. On Airbnb it says nothing about security deposits even though I have it marked $500 in the security section. I just went to book our property from a family members account and it never said anything about a security deposit. I like the guest to have a little skin in the game so that is guarantees that our place is left in great condition. The way Airbnb books it doesn't look like that is possible?

Can anyone confirm how this goes? We have always used VRBO when we have booked our family vacations and seen the $500 held in case of damages. We have never used Airbnb for our personal use. Does Airbnb withdrawl from peoples account for security deposits or do they just plan on withdrawing if there is a problem.?

Also, on another note, how does everyone feel about using booking sites to book their properties? It feels like these sites are more and more putting the guest in charge rather than the homeowner. We have had good luck with Craiglist and have thought about taking our properties off these sites so we have more control.

Luke Carl · Answer

I like to explain it as VRBO charges an actual deposit and Airbnb's deposit is hypothetical. Or... Fake.

Hundreds and hundreds of bookings and I don't think I've ever actually filed a claim or held a deposit. If someone breaks a lamp I just buy a new lamp and I'm glad the new lamp is new and nicer. But every host is different!

Michael Nelson · Answer

@Dan Stewart let me clear things up for you.

Homeaway/VRBO charged the guests a security deposit and either holdsit for you or if you have it selected for the insurance ($59) to cover any damage it’s not refundable to the guests.

Airbnb doesn’t actually charge a security deposit anymore. The “security” is what you are saying in the event of an incident that you feel you might ask for. Airbnb proclaims from the highest of mountains about $1,000,000 insurance policy to “protect” homeowners but this is also a challenge to collect on.

For example, I had a guest put their fist into a tv, I had to submit pictures, a receipt for the tv, and a link to the identical model so show cost of the unit. Airbnb then ASKED the guest to pay for the damage. Which they did, but in the event that the guest says no it’s then up to the discretion of Airbnb to mediate.

HomeAway/VRBO- security deposit

Airbnb- mediation

I hope this helps clear things up.

John Underwood · Answer

Airbnb doesn't give it to you. You have to file a claim if you needed to keep any of the deposit.

Most of my bookings come via Homeaway and VRBO where I get the deposit and then release it after the cleaners check the house for damage. Airbnb holds all of your money till the person checks in where VRBO gives you half now and half before their stay. Airbnb will release more money sooner if you pay for the privelage to get your money.

Airbnb has no place to collect pet fees either. You have to ask for it after the reservation is made.

Michael Greenberg · Answer

Hi Dan!

If you setup your property to charge a "security deposit" under pricing on your listing page, Airbnb will pre-authorize a charge to the guest and should something happen, you file a claim through Airbnb and they intervene and help resolve the case between you and your guest.  So far, it has worked well for me and Airbnb has stood behind my claims.  Just make sure you (or someone) takes photos that you can submit to Airbnb.  I worry about Craigslist as I've read a lot of stories about scams.  I tried booking - week interface and bad hosting terms, and Trip Advisor didn't provide much.  I have settled on Airbnb and VRBO for now and it has worked well in my area.

Hope that helps!

Mike

Paul Sandhu · Answer

@Dan Shelhamer Someone like @Julie McCoy could answer this question in her sleep.  And that's probably what she's doing right now as I type this.

Dan Stewart · Answer

@Kevin Lefeuvre

Great information! We do a Christmas letter at the end of the year thanking them for their support and add ons to our properties. We could do more. I like some of your ideas.

We would like to get off Airbnb as well but nowhere ready for that. Our one property that is only on Airbnb will be listed on VRBO by springtime to slowly get away from Airbnb. Hopefully one day we can eliminate online sites altogether.

Julie McCoy · Answer

@Paul Sandhu Ha, I WISH I'd been asleep when you posted that...

@Dan Shelhamer AirBNB and VRBO do not require that you photograph between rentals.  However, it's a good idea to do, since generally that's some of the only proof they'll accept when a guest is accused of damage.

Dan Shelhamer · Answer

Looking at getting into STR’s. Does AirBnB and VRBO have you take pictures of the place before each rental?

Andy Zapata · Answer

We mention a security deposit in our AirBNB but like others have said, the guests aren't charged this.

We had one incident of damage occur and filed a claim. I'm not sure whether AirBNB or the guest paid for the damage as they wouldn't say but we were reimbursed after filing the proper paperwork.

Dan Stewart · Answer

Hi @Mike Shemp

Thanks for the reply. We do the same thing. My thing is Airbnb really does not charge the "security" deposit like vrbo does. It's almost like a hidden charge the renter does not know about. Therefor the renter does not have any skin in the game. That is what gets me nervous. I tried booking our place with a different name and airbnb actually never mentions anything about a security deposit even though we have it set at $500. Vrbo takes money out of the customers account until the landlord says they are good to go.

Airbnb Security Deposits?

Most Popular Reply