Airbnb Security Deposit: What Hosts Can Actually Charge

Most Airbnb home hosts are not allowed to charge a security deposit. This is one of the most common areas where older hosting advice conflicts with current Airbnb rules.

Airbnb’s current policy says most hosts cannot charge a security deposit either through the Resolution Center or outside the Airbnb platform. Limited exceptions exist for certain software-connected hosts and hotels.

Official source: Airbnb: Security deposits.

Most home hosts cannot add a security deposit

Do not add a manual “security deposit” to your house rules, request it by bank transfer, or tell guests to send it through another payment service simply because you saw that advice in an older article.

Airbnb’s current rule is that most hosts are not permitted to collect one.

Why Airbnb moved away from standard security deposits

Airbnb handles many damage situations through AirCover for Hosts and the Resolution Center rather than requiring every guest to place a separate refundable deposit.

This does not mean every loss is automatically covered. AirCover has terms, exclusions, documentation requirements, and claim deadlines.

Limited exception: select software-connected hosts

Airbnb says some hosts, including select software-connected hosts, may be allowed to collect a security deposit outside Airbnb.

When that exception applies, Airbnb requires the deposit to be shown in the appropriate fee field so it is properly disclosed to guests.

A host should not assume that using any PMS automatically gives permission. Confirm the setting available in the connected account.

Hotels can follow different rules

Airbnb allows hotels to ask for a credit card at check-in for incidentals or a security deposit as part of standard hotel procedure when the requirement is properly disclosed.

That hotel exception does not automatically apply to a normal short-term rental home.

Damage reimbursement without a security deposit

If a guest, invitee, or pet causes qualifying damage, the host can request reimbursement through Airbnb’s Resolution Center.

Airbnb can review the case and, if it determines the guest is responsible under the applicable terms, may charge the guest’s payment method.

Documentation matters more than a homemade deposit rule

For damage claims, preserve:

• clear before-and-after photos where available;
• date and time of discovery;
• description of damage;
• guest communication;
• cleaner or co-host notes;
• repair estimates;
• invoices and receipts;
• replacement cost support;
• serial numbers for important assets where useful.

Use How to Document Short-Term Rental Damage for Airbnb AirCover.

Do not confuse a cleaning fee with a security deposit

A cleaning fee covers normal turnover cleaning. It is not money held in case a guest causes damage.

Extraordinary cleaning may be handled through Airbnb’s applicable damage process depending on the facts and program terms.

Do not confuse authorization holds with deposits

A hotel or approved booking system may use a card authorization hold under its own disclosed terms. That is different from a normal home host privately asking guests to transfer money.

House rules still matter

Even without a security deposit, hosts should maintain clear house rules about smoking, events, pets, maximum occupancy, restricted areas, parking, and other property expectations.

Rules create clearer expectations and can support communication when something goes wrong.

Inventory matters

For furnished rentals, keep an asset record for major furniture, electronics, appliances, remotes, linens, kitchen equipment, and other items whose replacement would matter.

See Short-Term Rental Property Asset Record Tracker.

Turnover inspection matters

Damage is easier to document when someone checks the property shortly after checkout. Add a condition review to the turnover rather than waiting until the next guest notices a problem.

Use Airbnb Post-Checkout Inspection Checklist.

Insurance is separate

AirCover, a security deposit, and your own insurance policy are different systems. A host should still review vacation-rental insurance for building, liability, contents, and other relevant risks.

See Vacation Rental Insurance.

Common security-deposit mistakes

• copying an old Airbnb template that asks for a deposit;
• requesting a bank transfer after booking;
• hiding a deposit inside “house rules”;
• assuming every PMS-connected listing can collect one;
• using a deposit instead of documenting damage;
• confusing cleaning fees with damage protection;
• failing to disclose an allowed deposit properly.

Security-deposit checklist for hosts

• confirm whether your listing is allowed to collect a deposit;
• do not collect one if Airbnb does not permit it;
• use the correct Airbnb/PMS fee field when an exception applies;
• keep house rules current;
• maintain property inventory;
• perform post-checkout checks;
• document damage factually;
• retain estimates, invoices, and receipts;
• use the Resolution Center where appropriate;
• keep insurance separate from platform protection.

Where the Property Management Binder fits

The Property Management Binder helps organize property inventory, inspections, damage reports, maintenance, vendor records, and incident documentation. It does not create a legal right to charge a security deposit or guarantee reimbursement.

Frequently asked questions

Can Airbnb hosts charge a security deposit?

Most Airbnb home hosts cannot. Airbnb allows limited exceptions for certain software-connected hosts and hotels when properly disclosed.

What happens if a guest damages the property?

Hosts can use the Resolution Center to request reimbursement and may also have access to AirCover for Hosts subject to its terms.

Can I ask a guest to send a deposit by bank transfer?

Not unless your listing falls within an Airbnb-permitted exception. Most home hosts cannot collect security deposits off-platform.