Protecting yourself with a security deposit works best when it's handled through Airbnb's payment system. When hosts add a deposit to a listing, any booking made from then on will be covered by the amount chosen. We'll automatically authorize the guest's credit card for the deposit 24 hours prior to check-in. We release it back to the guest 48 hours after the checkout date, if no damages are reported by the host.
If damages are reported, then Airbnb Support will mediate with the guest and host to make sure both parties are represented fairly.
When a security deposit is handled outside of Airbnb, know that under no circumstances should a guest pay a deposit before check-in. If damages are reported, then Airbnb can still assist with communication between the host and guest, though we cannot ensure either the deposit or the return of the deposit if it did not flow through our payment system.
Whether you choose to handle a security deposit with or outside of Airbnb, you can learn how to correctly include a security deposit on your listing.
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