AirBnB - cheeky with this deposit?

[madIam]

Last night I booked a Uk 4 night stay at an AirbnB property for half term. I'm a bit taken aback to have just received a text saying they will require a photo of my ID (not really an issue) a signed copy of the house rules (ok I suppose but I can't really see the point) and £300 deposit which will be kept for up to 4 days after my departure.

I've stayed at maybe 20 AirBnBs here and abroad and never had any of that. It's making me think twice especially as I've just double-checked the listing and none of it is mentioned. It seems like a lot of scanning shit which is a faff and the money thing annoys me as I'll have to keep checking my account to check it's there and I think it's off to just assume everyone has access to this 'extra' cash when you're quite a low-priced place and it's not mentioned on the listing. Financially it's not really an issue but I feel high levels of faff that I cba with. I mean what's the point of a signed copy of the rules - it won't be legally binding will it and they will have my deposit...

I have free cancellation but AIBU to use it?

I'm an Airbnb host and this sounds dodgy.

Do they have many reviews?

If you do decide to go ahead you don't need to faff around scanning things. Just take a photo with your phone of any documents. It will take a few seconds....

I stayed in an airb&b and the owner had previously had a huge problem with a previous guest who used fake id. They trashed the house and used caused a lot of damage. Since then she asked for proper Id and made sure she met renters in person when they arrived. I didn't mind.

Don't pay the deposit, forward the messages to airbnb and report, even the ID is excessive but I suppose reasonable. However, the unlisted additional deposit is not.

I have an Airbnb. I would NEVER ask for a deposit. That's what insurance and Airbnbs damage compensation is for.

And a deposit for noise? How does that work?! They sound batshit. Carry on, don't send the info and they will have to canx.

I've paid damage deposits several times on holiday rentals before but it was always stated quite clearly in the accommodation info and has always been via Airbnb, or whichever agent is handling the booking - never direct to the owners.
Never had to submit ID, other than names of guests.
Have always received my damage deposits back, without fail.
Sounds a bit dodgy.