Can I be fined for damaging an Airbnb property?
STAYING in an Airbnb can be a great way to spend time with friends, family or for a romantic night away.
But what happens if you - accidentally or not - damage the property? Can you be fined?
The bottom line is yes: you can be fined for damaging an Airbnb property.
This is done through the use of security deposits, which can be kept if a guest damages a property.
There are two types of Airbnb security deposit: one that is requested by the property host and one that it requested by Airbnb itself.
Security deposit requested by host
Some hosts require a security deposit for their listing and they choose the amount it will be.
If a guest damages a property, the host can make a request through Airbnb to collect on their security deposit.
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The host will provide evidence of the damaged or missing property, which may include photos, videos, receipts or invoices.
If the request is approved by Airbnb, the company can use the payment details it has on file for a guest and take their security deposit.
Security deposit requested by Airbnb
In some cases, Airbnb itself requests a security deposit for a property.
The company will take a guest's payment details and put an authorisation hold for the security deposit on it.
Guests won't be charged but won't be able to access that money until the hold is released.
As long as no property damage occurs, Airbnb will release the hold, and the money will remain in your account.
If damage does occur, hosts must go through the same process as if they had asked for a security deposit themselves, and make a request for the funds through Airbnb.
What if there is no security deposit?
If a host doesn't ask for a security deposit, but a guest damages the property, then they can contact the guest to ask for money.
However, guests will only be charged if they agree to pay - so if they refuse, then they won't be charged.
But hosts are also covered by Airbnb's protection policy.
You will always be notified in advance if a property requires a security deposit.
In other Airbnb news, a mum rented a holiday home and was left fuming over an 'inappropriate request' while she was on holiday.
A woman was left with a whopping £5,000 bill after she booked an Airbnb for her friend who left burnt cushions and dog poo behind.
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