What happens if a host makes a claim on my security deposit?
A host has 14 days from your checkout date to make a claim on the deposit for damages to their property. If the claim gets approved, Airbnb—and not the host—will deduct the security deposit amount using your payment method. A host can’t deduct a security deposit amount on their own. All security deposits are handled through Airbnb.
What to expect if a host reports damages
If your host makes a claim on your security deposit, here’s the process:
- We'll ask for documentation from the host, and as soon as we receive it, we'll ask them to contact you through Airbnb’s Resolution Center to discuss the claim. If your host sends you a request, you'll be notified by email and through an alert on your Dashboard.
- Reply to your host's request in the Resolution Centre within 72 hours. Your response will depend on whether or not you agree to the amount requested by the host:
- Agree to the amount: Click Accept in the Resolution Centre. We'll process your payment and send it to your host, which usually takes 5 to 7 business days.
- Don't agree to the amount: Click Involve Airbnb in the Resolution Centre and let us know why you think your host's claim is invalid. We'll contact you and give you 72 hours to respond to us so we can mediate.
In any case, we'll make sure you and your host are represented fairly and gather any details and documentation needed to reach a resolution. Most security deposit claims will be resolved within one week.
Documentation from hosts
Communication through email is required in order to collect needed documentation from the host, which will include photos and/or video along with receipts, invoices, written estimates, or links to comparable items denoting actual cash value for repair or replacement. If we determine money is owed based on documentation and communication from both parties, we'll move forward with collecting from the deposit. We reserve the right to collect payment from you using the payment details we have on file.