Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Airbnb deposits

10 replies

LumpyandBumps · 09/05/2025 14:53

I use Airbnb from time to time and always leave the accommodation in good order and receive positive reviews.
For the first time today I was informed of a substantial deposit ( around 50% of the weeks booking charge) AFTER I had asked to reserve. Fortunately I saw it prior to paying and didn’t continue.
The booking is for less than 2 weeks time and I hadn’t budgeted the extra charge.
I assume that as long as the host is honest I will get the money back, but the property has self check in so I won’t be able to point out any existing damage, etc, and it seems a big risk.
I am a landlord and I only take a deposit after the tenant has fully inspected the property and we have completed a video inventory. The deposit is then placed in an approved independent scheme.
I wonder if I’m overthinking this and things are normally fine?

OP posts:
FortyElephants · 09/05/2025 14:54

That's odd, I thought Airbnb had done away with deposits ages ago.

ETA apparently they can charge a deposit but only for certain properties/conditions

  1. Airbnb-Required Security Deposit: In certain cases, Airbnb may place an authorization hold on a guest’s payment method two days before check-in. This hold is not an actual charge but temporarily reserves funds. If no damage is reported, the hold is released after checkout.
  2. Host-Required Security Deposit: Hosts can set a security deposit amount (typically between $100 and $5,000 USD) in their listing settings. However, Airbnb does not collect this amount upfront. Instead, if a host reports damage, they can request reimbursement through Airbnb’s Resolution Center within 14 days of the guest’s checkout. If the guest agrees or Airbnb determines the claim is valid, the amount is charged to the guest’s payment method.
  1. Offline Security Deposits: Only hosts who manage their listings through certain property management software connected to Airbnb (known as API-connected hosts) or hotels may collect security deposits outside of the Airbnb platform. These deposits must be clearly disclosed in the listing and collected in accordance with Airbnb’s policies.
Brionylikeschocolate · 09/05/2025 14:58

my understanding would be that it’s not a damage deposit but a deposit to secure your booking, which is normal especially at short notice, and will be deducted from the total amount due?

FortyElephants · 09/05/2025 15:01

Brionylikeschocolate · 09/05/2025 14:58

my understanding would be that it’s not a damage deposit but a deposit to secure your booking, which is normal especially at short notice, and will be deducted from the total amount due?

That's a point - are you sure it's not a case of where they take 50% of the cost upfront and 50% closer to the booking date?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Holidays
SheilaFentiman · 09/05/2025 15:01

Came to post what a PP posted - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/140

OP, I would contact airbnb direct to check

Original poster
LumpyandBumps · 09/05/2025 15:03

Brionylikeschocolate · 09/05/2025 14:58

my understanding would be that it’s not a damage deposit but a deposit to secure your booking, which is normal especially at short notice, and will be deducted from the total amount due?

I was due to pay the whole amount at time of booking. It was a small print message right next to the total amount.
I have asked the host to clarify though. Thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
LumpyandBumps · 09/05/2025 15:05

FortyElephants · 09/05/2025 14:54

That's odd, I thought Airbnb had done away with deposits ages ago.

ETA apparently they can charge a deposit but only for certain properties/conditions

  1. Airbnb-Required Security Deposit: In certain cases, Airbnb may place an authorization hold on a guest’s payment method two days before check-in. This hold is not an actual charge but temporarily reserves funds. If no damage is reported, the hold is released after checkout.
  2. Host-Required Security Deposit: Hosts can set a security deposit amount (typically between $100 and $5,000 USD) in their listing settings. However, Airbnb does not collect this amount upfront. Instead, if a host reports damage, they can request reimbursement through Airbnb’s Resolution Center within 14 days of the guest’s checkout. If the guest agrees or Airbnb determines the claim is valid, the amount is charged to the guest’s payment method.
  1. Offline Security Deposits: Only hosts who manage their listings through certain property management software connected to Airbnb (known as API-connected hosts) or hotels may collect security deposits outside of the Airbnb platform. These deposits must be clearly disclosed in the listing and collected in accordance with Airbnb’s policies.
Edited

Wow. Thank you for this very comprehensive information.
I have asked the host to clarify. I have re checked every aspect of the listing and there was no mention of any form of deposit.

OP posts:
Original poster
LumpyandBumps · 09/05/2025 15:37

A quick update. At least the host is responsive.
She agrees that there is no mention of the deposit in the listing as Airbnb doesn’t allow this.
She says it’s a hold on a credit card and will only be charged if there is damage. That does remove the problem of me having to pay it and get it back, but I will still be allowing a stranger, who admits to contravening rules to access my funds at their sole discretion.

OP posts:
FortyElephants · 09/05/2025 15:45

LumpyandBumps · 09/05/2025 15:37

A quick update. At least the host is responsive.
She agrees that there is no mention of the deposit in the listing as Airbnb doesn’t allow this.
She says it’s a hold on a credit card and will only be charged if there is damage. That does remove the problem of me having to pay it and get it back, but I will still be allowing a stranger, who admits to contravening rules to access my funds at their sole discretion.

How is she holding anything if Airbnb doesn't allow it? That makes no sense. All payment has to go through Airbnb. Have you reached out to them?

kiwiane · 09/05/2025 15:47

I paid one towards electricity and tourist tax abroad but it went to a business; it was in the fine print of the listing and I did receive a prompt refund. In your situation I’d be wary of letting them charge your credit card as I can’t see you’d have any recourse through Airbnb in a dispute.

Original poster
LumpyandBumps · 09/05/2025 16:32

FortyElephants · 09/05/2025 15:45

How is she holding anything if Airbnb doesn't allow it? That makes no sense. All payment has to go through Airbnb. Have you reached out to them?

Show quote history

I am not sure how she’s planning on doing this. Although I only had her name it does seem that this property is owned by a business.
The deposit was mentioned on the Airbnb site, but only after I had pressed the reserve button so I assume they are aware of it. Unless maybe the owner has somehow managed to add it at the end as some sort of payment instruction.
There are a couple of other properties which I like nearly as much so I think I will book one of those instead.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page