Does Airbnb Have Security Deposits?
For most hosts, no: Airbnb says most hosts are not allowed to charge security deposits, either through the Resolution Center or outside the platform. Instead, damage is handled through reimbursement requests in the Resolution Center and Host damage protection, which is part of AirCover for Hosts.
That surprises a lot of new hosts, especially anyone coming from long term rentals where a deposit is standard. It also means your protection depends much more on process than on money held in advance. Below is exactly what Airbnb allows, the small exceptions, and how to set up your home so a missing deposit rarely costs you.
What Airbnb's policy says
Airbnb's security deposits help article is short and direct:
- "Most hosts are not allowed to charge security deposits, either through our Resolution Center or outside the Airbnb platform."
- Some hosts, including select hosts who connect through software, may collect a security deposit off the Airbnb platform. When that is allowed, the deposit must be shown in the appropriate fee field so it is properly disclosed to guests.
- Hotels may ask for a credit card at check in for incidentals or a security deposit as part of standard procedures, as long as it is disclosed in the listing.
Airbnb's article on collecting fees outside Airbnb adds that hosts are not permitted to collect any fees related to Airbnb reservations outside the platform unless Airbnb expressly authorizes it.
What this means in practice
| Your situation | Can you charge a deposit? |
|---|---|
| Typical individual host listing a home | No |
| Select hosts connected through certain software | Possibly, if Airbnb permits it and it is disclosed in the fee field |
| Hotel | May request a card for incidentals or a deposit if disclosed |
| Asking a guest to send a deposit by bank transfer or payment app | No, this counts as collecting fees off platform |
If you are not sure which group you fall in, check your listing's fee settings and your software provider, and read the current help article before adding anything.
Why asking for an off platform deposit is risky
It can be tempting to message a guest and ask for a refundable deposit by payment app. Airbnb's rules on fees outside Airbnb prohibit this unless expressly authorized. Beyond the policy risk, money paid outside Airbnb is also outside Airbnb's dispute process, which leaves both you and the guest with less protection if something goes wrong.
What replaces the security deposit
1. Reimbursement requests through the Resolution Center
If a guest causes damage, Airbnb says you can request reimbursement from the guest through the Resolution Center. If Airbnb reviews the case and finds the guest responsible, their payment method may be charged.
Timing matters. Airbnb's Resolution Center money request article says damage related requests must be submitted within 14 days of checkout.
2. Host damage protection
If the guest does not pay, Host damage protection can reimburse up to $3 million for eligible guest caused damage, including certain extra cleaning for stains, pet accidents and smoke odor. The guest gets 24 hours to respond to your request first. Normal wear and tear and standard checkout cleaning are not covered. For the full picture, see AirCover for Hosts explained.
3. Your own insurance
Airbnb says its host protections do not take the place of your own homeowner's or liability coverage (responsible hosting in the United States). A short term rental policy is your backstop for what AirCover excludes.
Deposit versus reimbursement: the real difference
A deposit puts money in your hands before anything happens. Reimbursement means you prove the loss after the fact. That shifts the burden onto your records. Without a deposit, three things decide whether you get paid:
- Proof of the condition before the stay. Dated photos from the turnover right before the guest arrived.
- Proof of the condition after the stay. Photos or video taken as soon as possible after checkout, before anything is cleaned or moved.
- Proof of cost. Receipts, repair quotes and cleaning invoices.
Most hosts have the second and third pieces. The first is where claims fall apart, because nobody photographs a spotless room unless it is part of the routine.
How to protect your home without a deposit
- Photograph every room at every turnover. Make it part of your cleaner's checklist, not a special task. See what photos to ask your cleaner for after every turnover.
- Inspect as soon as possible after checkout. Ask your cleaner to report damage before starting to clean, so evidence is not wiped away.
- Write clear house rules. Airbnb's ground rules for guests say guests are expected to pay reasonable reimbursement requests if they are responsible for damage. Specific house rules make it easier to show what was agreed. See Airbnb house rules examples.
- Keep an inventory with receipts. Especially for electronics, art and anything above a small replacement cost.
- Charge a pet fee if you allow pets. Expected costs belong in fees. Airbnb's Host damage protection page draws the same distinction: cleaning and pet fees cover expected costs, while damage protection is for the unexpected.
- Reduce party risk. Most serious damage comes from unauthorized gatherings. See how to prevent parties in your Airbnb.
Clyn makes the first step automatic. Your cleaner takes photos in the Clyn app, the AI checks each one against your property's standard and flags blurry or dark shots for a retake, and every turnover is saved as a dated record. When you need to show a room's condition before a guest arrived, you already have it.
FAQ
Can I ask an Airbnb guest for a security deposit in cash?
No, unless Airbnb has expressly authorized it for your listing. Airbnb prohibits collecting fees related to reservations outside the platform, and most hosts are not allowed to charge security deposits at all. See the security deposits article.
What happened to Airbnb security deposits?
Airbnb's current policy says most hosts cannot charge them, and it points hosts to AirCover for Hosts and the Resolution Center for damage instead. Only select hosts, such as certain software connected hosts and hotels, may collect one, with disclosure.
How do I get paid for damage without a deposit?
Send a reimbursement request to the guest in the Resolution Center within 14 days of checkout, with photos, receipts or quotes. If the guest does not pay, you can escalate under Host damage protection.
If you want every turnover checked before check in, you can try Clyn free on one property at clyn.com.