Airbnb Security Deposit and AirCover: Protect Your Rental Property

The standard Airbnb security deposit does not exist for most hosts

Airbnb states it clearly: “Most hosts are not allowed to charge security deposits.”

No security deposit can be collected through the platform. You also cannot request an Airbnb security deposit cheque in person. A few special cases exist and are detailed below.

This rule surprises owners used to long-term rentals. It stems from the Airbnb model. Trust between host and guest rests on three pillars:

1. Identity verification
2. Review system
3. AirCover protection

The security deposit is replaced by a claims process after the fact. To understand the full ecosystem, read our guide How to rent on Airbnb, which details the listing steps.

Host AirCover: protection included with every booking

AirCover is the official Airbnb host protection programme. It is included free with every booking. There is nothing to activate or subscribe to on your end.

The programme combines five elements:

• Guest identity verification in 35 countries
• Booking screening by machine learning (United States, Canada, Australia for now)
• Host damage guarantee up to 3 million US dollars
• Host liability insurance up to 1 million US dollars
• 24-hour security assistance

Limits are expressed in US dollars. The conversion to euros is made at the date of payment of the reimbursement request.

What does AirCover cover and what is excluded?

The Host Damage Guarantee applies when a guest causes damage. It covers:

• Damage to the property, furniture and valuables
• Damage to your parked vehicle
• Exceptional cleaning costs (stains, pet damage, smoke odour)
• Lost income if you have to cancel a booking due to damage

Certain cases are expressly excluded:

• Normal wear and tear
• Natural disasters (earthquake, hurricane)
• Personal injury (covered by Liability Insurance)
• Standard end-of-stay cleaning (laundry, dishes, rubbish)
• Currency exchange losses

For all exclusions, Airbnb recommends taking out additional personal insurance. Our guide on Short-term rental insurance compares the available options.

How to file an AirCover claim in practice

The claim goes through the Airbnb Resolution Centre. Here are the official steps to follow as soon as damage is discovered.

1. Document the damage and photograph everything
2. Log in to your Airbnb host account
3. Go to Today, select the relevant booking
4. Click Send or Request Money
5. Choose the reason and enter the amount
6. Attach your supporting documents (photos, quotes, receipts)
7. Send the request to the guest

The guest then has 24 hours to respond. Three outcomes are possible:

1. They accept and pay in full, the money is transferred
2. They refuse or do not respond, you can escalate to AirCover
3. They offer a partial amount, you accept or escalate

If you escalate, Airbnb support reviews the case. All documents must be submitted within 14 days of discovering the damage.

Is my damage covered by AirCover?

Answer the four questions below. The tool identifies the verdict applicable to your situation and the steps to follow. Instant result, no registration required.

What evidence to gather and within what deadlines

AirCover requires acceptable evidence. Without it, your claim will be rejected. Here is the official checklist of documents to gather as soon as damage is discovered.

• Dated photos of the damage, from multiple angles
• A 360-degree video of the affected room
• A repair quote from a professional
• Purchase receipts for damaged items
• Inventory check-in report signed by the guest (ideal but not mandatory)
• Screenshots of the conversation with the guest

The deadline is strict: 14 days after the responsible guest checks out. Beyond that, the file will not be accepted. If several guests follow each other quickly, this deadline runs from the stay responsible for the damage. Not the following stay.

What to do if AirCover rejects your claim

AirCover may refuse for several reasons. Here are the main grounds and the associated remedies:

In case of refusal, you have two options. The first: use your non-occupying owner home insurance or your short-term rental multi-risk policy. The second: take direct action against the guest through standard civil channels.

Document everything you send to Airbnb. The Resolution Centre exchanges serve as evidence if you need to pursue external recourse.

Airbnb security deposits in special cases

Three exceptions allow a security deposit to be collected:

1. 1
   Professional hoteliers

   They may request a credit card pre-authorisation at check-in, in accordance with their standard procedures.

2. 2
   Hosts connected via a channel manager

   Some property management software allows a security deposit to be collected outside the platform.

3. 3
   Listings with disclosed fees

   The amount must be stated in the listing before booking.

In the last two cases, the amount and conditions must appear in the listing description. Any undisclosed security deposit request is prohibited. To frame these conditions properly, your Short-term rental contract must be consistent with your listing.

Why complement AirCover with personal insurance

Airbnb states it unambiguously: “AirCover for hosts cannot replace personal insurance.” The programme is not an insurance policy in the legal sense. Three situations demonstrate this:

• Natural disasters: only your home insurance covers flooding
• Extended vacancy: only a suitable multi-risk policy covers income loss linked to a major claim
• Neighbours and co-ownership: standard personal liability insurance does not cover short-term rentals

Take out a non-occupying owner home insurance policy or a multi-risk policy dedicated to short-term rentals. Check that the contract explicitly mentions short-term rental. Without this mention, your insurer may refuse any claim linked to a guest.

Key takeaways

The standard Airbnb security deposit is prohibited for individual hosts. The official protection is called AirCover, included with every booking and capped at 3 million US dollars. Claims go through the Resolution Centre within a strict 14-day deadline after the guest checks out. Evidence must be gathered immediately.

AirCover does not replace personal insurance. Take out a suitable multi-risk policy to cover exclusions and major claims.

In Nice, we manage the inventory, the photographic inventory check and AirCover claims for the owners we support. If dealing with claims takes too much of your time, our Conciergerie Airbnb à Nice takes over.

Frequently asked questions

Can you ask an Airbnb guest for a security deposit?

No. Airbnb prohibits individual hosts from charging a security deposit, on or off the platform. Only hotels and certain hosts connected via software can do so. The amount must be clearly stated in the listing.

How long do you have to report damage to Airbnb?

A maximum of 14 days after the responsible guest checks out. The deadline runs from the day damage is discovered. All supporting documents (photos, quotes, receipts) must be submitted within this window.

What does AirCover cover and what is excluded?

AirCover covers damage caused by the guest, exceptional cleaning and lost income following a forced cancellation. It excludes normal wear and tear, natural disasters, personal injury and standard cleaning.

How do you set up a security deposit on Airbnb?

You cannot. For individual hosts, the platform does not allow any security deposit to be charged. Protection comes exclusively through AirCover and the Resolution Centre in the event of damage.

How do you file a claim with Airbnb for damage?

1. Photograph the damage immediately
2. Go to Today and select the booking
3. Click Send or Request Money
4. Enter the amount and attach evidence
5. Send to the guest (they have 24h to respond)
6. If refused, escalate to AirCover within 14 days

What if AirCover rejects my claim?

If AirCover refuses, your main recourse is your non-occupying owner home insurance or your short-term rental multi-risk policy. You can also take direct civil action against the guest.

Does AirCover replace real insurance?

No. Airbnb states that AirCover “cannot replace personal insurance.” Take out a multi-risk policy that explicitly mentions short-term rental. Without this mention, your insurer may refuse any claim.