This Is What Happens If You Decline Airbnb Damage Request

Airbnb has become the go-to place for travel enthusiasts to find a place to rest for a day, weeks, or months. Unlike conventional hotels, Airbnb provides everything you need to enjoy a stay as you would at your home.

From kitchen appliances to electronics, most Airbnb hosts will provide all you need for a comfortable stay.

Many items to use and maintain increase your chances of damaging them. Should you cause damage, the host will require you to pay for repairs.

Not paying for repairs can have severe consequences such as being banned from the platform. This article explores what happens if you decline a damage request on Airbnb.

What Should You Do When A Host Charges You For Airbnb Damages?

When a host charges you for damages, you should contact them immediately. This will help you argue a solution without involving Airbnb.

If you did cause damages, be willing to pay for the repairs. In fact, the host might even waive the charges.

Make sure to communicate through the Airbnb app, preferably through text. It mitigates the host’s chances of altering the conversation. Besides, written messages provide a clear record of what was said and by who.

If you dispute the damage claims, be polite to the host and provide your evidence. You can send videos and photos you took during the stay and before check-out.

While at it, make sure to go through the host’s claims, crafting a response to each claim you dispute.

What Happens If You Decline A Damage Request From A Host?

If you decline a damage request on Airbnb, there are different ways the host and Airbnb can resolve the issue. The best part is that you have several rights that you can exercise during this process, including:

• The right to dispute the host’s damage request.
• The right to be heard by Airbnb.
• The right to view the evidence that the host is using to support their case.

So, what can happen if you dispute any damage claims?

The Host May Contact You To Resolve The Issue

If the host believes that you are liable for the damage caused or missing items, they might contact you to try and resolve the matter amicably.

Besides, they send you a request to pay for the damages via Airbnb’s Resolution Center. If so, you’ll have at least one day to respond to their request.

If you pay the whole amount, which the host expects you to, Airbnb will close the request. However, if you fail to pay the full amount or ignore their request, they might involve Airbnb.

The Host May File A Claim With Airbnb

If you don’t find a solution, Airbnb will assign a Community Support team member to try and resolve the dispute.

They will determine whether you are responsible for the damages and if the amount being requested is reasonable.

To do so, the team member will use evidence (photos, videos, messages, etc.) from both parties to make a verdict. They’ll also use any notes you included when responding to the host’s request.

Airbnb May Rule In Your Favor

If there’s no evidence tying you to the damages, Airbnb will refund you the total amount charged for the damages.

And if you paid for repairs, Airbnb will repay you. The company can also take action against the host. For example, they might suspend their listing or penalize them.

Airbnb May Rule Against You

If there’s strong evidence against you, Airbnb will require you to voluntarily make a payment or an appeal within a set time.

If you fail to make the payment or the appeal, they will charge your payment method.  For peace of mind, Airbnb will send you a notice and give you 60 days to appeal.

Ignoring or failing to pay for Airbnb damages can have severe consequences on you. Not only can Airbnb take legal action against you but also ban you from using their platform in the future.

Hosts will require you to sign a rental agreement, binding you to its rules and regulations. It also contains the amount you’ll pay should you cause damage.

This amount is relative and depends on the host, property type, and cost. It means you’ll pay more for high-end listings and vice versa.

What Legal Actions Can Airbnb Take If You Don’t Pay For Damages?

If you don’t respond to Airbnb’s messages after 60 days, they might decide to take legal action depending on the damage’s severity.

In some cases, Airbnb might report you to credit bureaus, which can hurt your credit score.

In addition, Airbnb may file a lawsuit in court, which can lead to a suspended sentence or hefty fines. While a rarity they might freeze your bank accounts if the amount owed is high.

Make sure to handle items in the property with care to avoid ruining your reputation on the Airbnb platform.

Can You Be Charged If You Have A Security Deposit?

Yes, Airbnb can charge you if the repair costs are more than the security deposit. Otherwise, you’ll receive a full refund if you did not cause any damage.

How To Avoid Airbnb Damage Request As A Guest?

As you can see, there can be varying outcomes depending on the host’s evidence and the extent of damage. To avoid such disputes, make sure to follow the host’s rules and regulations.

If the property is not as advertised. For example, if there are missing or broken items, you need to contact Airbnb. This will prevent the host from claiming you caused the mess or something to disappear.

While not popular with “Airbnbers”, you should also screen the host. Are there negative reviews, especially on damages and similar situations? Do the negative reviews outweigh the positive ones?

A host with more negative reviews than positive ones is more likely to send you a damage request once you vacate their property.

Make sure to scan the state of the property. Is it susceptible to damage? Are the items already worn out?

If the property is in bad shape, make sure to communicate with the host. For example, if the bed seems to be in a state of disrepair, ensure to have it repaired or changed before settling in for the night.

Otherwise, a rogue host might claim you caused the damage.

You should report any damages to the host to facilitate timely repairs. You can also take photos or videos before using the property.

This can be used as evidence should a damage request arise. And when one arises, corporate with the host and Airbnb.

Conclusion

Declining or not paying for damages on Airbnb can hurt your reputation on the platform.

Airbnb can also involve a creditor, a court, or have your bank accounts frozen. To avoid such drama, we recommend taking photos and videos of the property when you arrive and when you leave.

This can act as evidence against the host’s claims. While enjoying your stay, handle items with care and communicate with the host promptly, in case of property damage.

Some hosts are kind enough to charge you less than the actual repair cost.