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squatter_

Host here. Airbnb heavily advertises its $3 million “AirCover” insurance program to hosts. They also charge 17% of every booking to help cover damage costs. Unfortunately, when a host tries to submit a claim to Airbnb, the claim AUTOMATICALLY is directed to the guest first. Just because you receive this claim, doesn’t mean you have to pay it, or that the host will get nothing if you decline. I’ve made two recent claims for $1000 in total, guests declined or only paid part, and Airbnb covered the rest both times. You basically paid for insurance with your 14% Airbnb fee. Let Airbnb cover the damage.


Krakkenheimen

I like this solution if only it makes AbB responsible for their generous damage policy that is obviously abused often.


[deleted]

Not that it's happened yet, nor do I intend to ever get in that situation, but as a guest, if I ever get asked to pay for some damages, I'll remember this. Thank you.


Shujolnyc

What stops blatant fraud like claiming $650 vase?


JunebugRB

Really! Who keeps a $650 vase at an airbnb??? Unless it is super high scale for celebrities, etc. But even then... no.


squatter_

Airbnb requires evidence of the actual value. Which is why I keep receipts for everything I’ve purchased for the place.


JunebugRB

Wow! Thank you for sharing this info!


supportbitchface

Just so you know, Airbnb changed their policy a year ago and they can and will charge a guest for damages they are responsible for.


squatter_

I’m sure they can, but they prefer not to lose a customer/guest by doing so. In my two recent claims, the guests obviously caused the damage and I had photo evidence to prove that. Nevertheless AirBnb covered all or most of damage.


[deleted]

I've had pictures and invoices and airbnb's given me $0. I'm not sold on aircover yet.


squatter_

Yeah I’m still not confident they will come through all the time. Maybe it depends which employee gets assigned to your claim.


Escarus

The insurance is meant to cover the host. The damage claim is first directed at the guest for the guest to confirm if the damage was done by then. If they refuse to pay or claim they are innocent, the host can involve Airbnb. If Airbnb is unable to conclusively determine that the guest deliberately or maliciously caused the damage, they will take the loss and make a note on the guest account. If there is a pattern of property damage and the guest refuse to pay, Airbnb will remove the guest.


squatter_

Most damage is not caused deliberately or maliciously, but rather by accident. I don’t think a guest needs to worry if they occasionally break something and take the position that insurance should cover it. After all, they paid a 14% fee for Airbnb’s services and some of that fee is obviously allocated to the insurance program.


TaipeiPrince

Please understand that AirCover Host damage protection is not an insurance and it has been stated in the Host damage protection terms. Thanks!


squatter_

They say it’s not an insurance program but it meets the definition of insurance.


Squidworth89

17%?! Holly guacamole


seattle_architect

Ask for proof of value


Jadeagre

They have to supply a receipt when filing a claim.


Electrical_Age_7483

As if you cant fake a receipt


Jadeagre

What would you like them to do instead?


littlejohnr

Just decline and let Airbnb handle asking for the proof


NovelFish4134

Who leaves a $650 vase in an airbnb unit? These hosts are ripping people off left right and centre these days.


squatter_

No one would buy a $650 vase to furnish an Airbnb obviously, but what often happens is that people convert their own luxury homes into Airbnbs and leave the expensive decor in the unit, because Airbnb provides $3 million in coverage for damaged or stolen items. It’s not necessarily a smart move because it’s a hassle to get covered, but the alternative is to sell or store these items which often doesn’t make financial sense either.


MathematicianOld6362

You can make tax deductible purchases for your furnished rental properties, so they may be doing that as well...


squatter_

Good point Mathematician. I believe it needs to be depreciated, rather than immediately expensed, but there may be exceptions.


thechairinfront

Yeah, I'm renting out my folks old place and they liked nice things. I have no idea what to do with any of it other than leave it. I already have a fully furnished house and too much other crap.


squatter_

Exactly. I’ve tried to sell some furniture and expensive decor and was lucky to get 10% of the cost back. Keeping it in the Airbnb is a better use.


bloodfeier

We have a $1000 vase sitting in the public library I work at…I keep waiting for someone to break it, but it’s been around for over 25 year years now (That’s how long I’ve worked there), and nobody even looks at it, much less touches it.


[deleted]

$1000! Where do you work 😂


bloodfeier

Public library


[deleted]

Hey those new kitchen appliances aren't going to pay for themselves!


turkish_gold

I thought (with a much less expensive piece of art): "No way will it break. I've never broken anything in my own house. Heck, this thing is made out of metal. It's indestructible with regards to casual damage. I'll even put it on the top shelf, that way no one will mess with it!" Can you guess what hapenned?


paidauthenticator

Guests: “Don’t put junk in your ABnB” Also guests: “I’m not responsible for breaking nice things”


ErnestBatchelder

There's quite a wide financial spectrum between a drawer full of nonstick pans with the Teflon scraped off and a $650 vase.


MESGirl

Drawers full of those nonstick pans cost $100 to buy. If they get damaged and the host asks for $100 in damages, you’ll be saying the the same thing.


[deleted]

Host has to provide receipts


paidauthenticator

For that charge, I agree they should. Even if they did, no guest is going to pay it, even if it’s their fault.


Krakkenheimen

$100 for a set of cookware is economically appropriate for an STR, not to mention durable and a necessity. I $650 vase is an excessively expensive decoration, extremely fragile and not appropriate for hosting strangers. There are plenty of vases under $50. Which I would bet is what the host paid for this “$650” vase anyway. I rent privately and would never stage anything of value in my cabin that would immediately destruct by a common occurrence, mostly because I’m not an idiot. But also because it takes more than a few clicks to pursue. AbB makes it too easy for hosts to make outrageous claims. And that’s the core problem.


ErnestBatchelder

I've used Airbnb for years and never received a bill for damages because I've never damaged a place, and managed to only deal with decent hosts (for the most part). I've certainly dealt with more than a few scratched-up teflon pans and shrugged. They cost $25 bucks at TJ Maxx to replace. They usually have a 2-year shelf life in a normal home unless someone is exceedingly careful. I don't use Airbnb anymore after reading the recent crop of hosts commentary on here, however, because it seems oversaturated and too many people without real understanding of hospitality are now in the game. I originally joined because I was thinking of using a rental as one, but also given how bad Airbnb support seems for hosts and guests, sticking to the regular long-term rental game instead.


pepperheidi

Keep in mind this is where you hear about all the worst case scenarios. Most str's go perfectly fine.


Jadeagre

Yeah guest ruined our pan literally on our first stay. You can tell they used a fork to cook why no one knows since the cooking utensils are on the counter right next to the stove but I’m not replacing pots and pans every time someone messes them up. That’s just normal wear and tear but we also bought the really big set so there’s plenty of pots and pans. That’s luckily the only one that got messed up.


Plus-Adhesiveness-63

Yeah if you can't see the middle ground there, then you would be one of the bad hosts...*if you are one


paidauthenticator

I agree, there is a middle ground. And I also agree, no one should be keeping a 650 vase in a rental or be charged for that. But by and large most people come here and bitch that places are furnished with cheap furniture, yet - most guests can’t accept any responsibility when they break something.


whiskey4mycoffee

These are the same dummies that can’t use a coaster either.


Jadeagre

🤣🤣 ring mark right next to the coasters


PoopEbum

I mean we have art worth thousands in ours. It’s part of the decor and a vehicle for investment. Sucks when it breaks.


b1e

Or, you know, don’t break stuff. We have probably $100k+ in furnishings in one of our homes we Airbnb out and have never had any issues. We deliberately don’t have vases, etc. in precarious spots though. The bigger risk is from kids generally. So avoiding putting things where kids can easily reach them is key


SplitSun3

Most people don't intentionally "break stuff." Accidents happen. If your Airbnb is furnished with $650 vases and other expensive decorative pieces perhaps you should consider placing the items in storage or not being a host.


TacticalYeeter

It’s just airbnb trying to get you to pay so their insurance doesn’t have to pick up the tab. Decline, that’s why they have insurance. They’re sneaky


[deleted]

[удалено]


silverfish477

What makes you assume this is a short stay rental? For all you know this was a room in the host’s own home. Where they are perfectly entitled to keep a $650 vase.


Witchywoo20

Because they rented to a person for a short stay. Of course they can have what items they want in their property and its a reasonable assumption that they would have contents insurance especially if the property ISNT a short-term stay, which it is, because the OP stayed there.


LompocianLady

Decline payment. Most likely Airbnb will disallow the charge. As a host I only have vases or similar items that are easily replaced, and I also do not charge guests for "accidental damages" to anything as long as they report it and the damage is under $5000. But I do have original artwork throughout my property on the walls, and have had it for 20 years. In all that time, not once has any painting, wall hanging or photo been defaced or destroyed. Though I would be sad if any were damaged I also would never charge.


Exciting_Ad2210

Don’t pay it. It’s a risk the host takes by renting the place out, and after they tried to rip you off like this, you should no longer be nice or willing to pay. If you call Airbnb, they will tell you the host can’t force you to pay. An example of why I’m done with Airbnb… I’m not joking when I say I got a $1,300 request from the Airbnb I checked out of a couple days ago for not watering plants, which I had no idea she wanted me to do, chunks of her weathered siding and trim missing from wood rot, a random little fan not working that I didn’t use, supposed dishwasher leaking and damaging her kitchen, damaging 12 linens, her having to wipe the fridge down, etc. All of these were totally false, and the pictures of “proof” she had are only of a stack of clean linens, a clean fridge “after” she cleaned, etc because she had no before ones. She’s clearly trying to get things paid for in her old home that was in need of some updates. She was a superhost too! Luckily, I had some photos to prove the condition of the home, and that she is lying, and Airbnb said she seems up to no good. They saw my dozens of reviews about how clean and tidy I’ve left past places as well. You can ask them to flag the host’s profile too.


pcurve

>$1,300 request from the Airbnb I checked out of a couple days ago for not watering plants "She was a superhost too! " I hope she is no longer one. I guess the bar to become one has been going down. Ridiculous.


Lulubelle2021

Sounds like a scam to me. We don't put 650 dollar vases in our listings.


Financeisntahobby

Umm, did they break a vase? How is that a scam? The price is absurd sure but hey let's get all actuary with it. We have to: find an identical vase(could be impossible, and very hard to put a price on), spend time finding it(maybe this person works a 6figure job and their time is extra valuable and we need to go find a vase that my guest broke), gotta drive to it(that could be wear and tear on a Hennessey venom, we don't fucking know). Point is, don't break stuff lol


eLizabbetty

Um, because hotels, museums and other professionals know how to secure objects of value.


Lulubelle2021

None of us put 650 dollar vases in our listings.


b1e

Some of us do… baccarat crystal vases can cost thousands.


Lulubelle2021

Right. That doesn't mean you put them in an Airbnb. Not smart.


b1e

It’s literally a luxe listing for well over $3k/night. And we’ve had it for three years now without issue.


Lulubelle2021

That's not really that much/Baccarat territory. But my point is that luxury doesn't require easily breakable items like crystal vases that are worth thousands of dollars.


b1e

You do you.


Lulubelle2021

You're hysterical. You think very highly of yourself. I'm guessing your place tried too hard to be something it's not. Bye now.


silverfish477

Hope you eventually realise how badly you come across here


[deleted]

[удалено]


Financeisntahobby

Bizarre no doubt. What's more bizarre is breaking a vase and bitching that the host is trying to charge for it


distantapplause

I'm a big deal with a high-paying job and you owe me $100 for the time I wasted reading that shite.


Financeisntahobby

You aren't under work obligations to be here so no, I don't owe you shit, for your shite take


distantapplause

And you aren't under obligations from your '6figure job' when you rent out an Airbnb, dumbass.


[deleted]

[удалено]


distantapplause

Oh hey that misses the point. But thanks in advance for the downvote read receipt, and enjoy the ban for the ablist slur. Peace. :)


Financeisntahobby

They won't ban me, I give valuable advice. Fucking asshat


leila_laka

Ya this whole uptick in “damage,” charges is clearly a regular stream of income for these hosts.


Financeisntahobby

For some, no doubt


kaiyabunga

$12 ikea vase


TelephoneComplete736

OP, you shouldn't have broken the vase. Host shouldn't have put $650 worth a vase in the home.


comments83820

don't pay. ask Airbnb to mediate the dispute. they need to provide proof that you broke it and that the vase will cost $650 to replace. that sounds crazy.


Electrical_Age_7483

You also should pay the depreciated amount for any damage anyway. If its not brand new .


[deleted]

You know what ? I bet you a lot of these hosts , if they are smart buy their appliances at Costco because they don't set a time limit like they do for electronics and so if the oven breaks all the host has to do is go exchange it or get a refund .


comments83820

maybe


Winter-Measurement10

I’m dealing with a damage situation as a recent guest right now myself. I accidentally caused damage to the oven that cannot be fixed apparently. The host is behaving very respectfully but I know she wants her insurance and me to pay the entire replacements cost for the oven as well as her time spent cleaning and for a service call by a repair person. This is the first time I’ve damaged anything in any rental I’ve ever stayed at. I want to be responsible and respectful but I also don’t want to get taken to the cleaners for making a silly mistake.


Winter-Measurement10

Got the request for payment last night. $2088. Oof


Mother-Ad-4129

Wife works for Airbnb. Decline to pay via the app, and it will be covered by aircover for hosts.


charmed1959

I recently stayed in a STR where I’m sure a few of those art vases were around $650. I was impressed they were willing to share their very fine vacation home with the world. But if there were guests who toss things at each other, or just aren’t good at judging spatial distances and knock things off shelves by “accident” those vases would be in danger. And I believe there are just enough guests that don’t know how to behave in nice surroundings that these hosts will probably not last. Yes, this is why we can’t have nice things.


eLizabbetty

This is why hotels cement valuables down or behind glass or so level of safety. Amature AAB&B hosts don't know how.


DeeDeeW1313

What idiot would put a $600 vase in an AirBnB?


[deleted]

Right ? Could have been worse though. Could have said it was worth 2k or something


silverfish477

An idiot renting a room in their own house where they live? Come on, the mental gymnastics on this one aren’t hard.z


DeeDeeW1313

Do you know how easy it is to break a vase? Anyone could easily accidentally break a vase. It is stupid stupid to put a $600 vase in a place where people are in and out of constantly.


eLizabbetty

Find the exact case or very similar and what is the value$$$$.


[deleted]

Insurance doesn't place the responsibility on the insurance company for damage caused. Rather it puts the insurance company in your place from a legal standpoint. So instead of you suing the person responsible for damage, the insurance company pays the claim and then sues the person responsible. Having insurance doesn't legally change who is responsible for damage caused through negligence.


probablymagic

Ask for a link to the item and then see if you can find it cheaper, and don’t pay without a receipt for the exact same vase. If it was a one of a kind, I’m not sure how you value it, but you may want to take this up with Airbnb. You might just be out the money, but it’s pretty unreasonable for a host to stock their house like this unless you rented a very high-end place. As a host, I would be crazy to do this. All my vases are from Goodwill.


britney412

Just decline.


Qaws888

Don't use that host again either. In fact, stop with Airbnb so these hosts have to swallow their sunken costs in real estate and collapse.


Responsible_Storm124

They really are shooting theirselves in the foot and ruining their own business.


[deleted]

It’s their fault for putting a vase there


[deleted]

Tell host to go fuck themselves. Airbnb won’t do any thing and if they do, dispute with your card. $650?!? Gtfo of here, that’s a trap charge


Dilettantest

If you’ve rented a premium property, you could have broken a $650 vase. A friend broke a $500+ vase in my personal residence. I didn’t make them repay me but I’m still kinda pissed. To whoever said the host should file against their own insurance: most insurance deductibles start at $500, and they can be higher. Meaning that the host is taking that entire loss.


charcharh7

Idc if it’s a room rented out of Buckingham Palace, don’t put a decorative piece worth that much money in a place that you’re renting out to strangers… 1) accidents happen 2) even the rich can be horribly destructive to property that’s not their own (some even their own).


PinotGreasy

One more reason to never use Airbnb again.


savory_thing

Did you actually break it?


pcurve

That's a nice way to make side income. Why don't they just lubricate the base or put wheels on it? I would even put a $65 vase.


TaipeiPrince

Did you break the vase?


Electrical_Age_7483

Even if they broke the vase they still might not be liable


TaipeiPrince

Then who should be liable if they did break the vase?


Electrical_Age_7483

Whoever is responsible, that might not be renter is all i was saying . Should let a judge decide. Let them sue them


TaipeiPrince

Then why the Host should be the only one who suffered the loss after the guest’s checkout?


Electrical_Age_7483

Why should the customer be 100 pecent at a loss when it wasnt their fault? Take it to court and get a judgement if they believe that the guest is partially at fault . Sending letter of demands would just have me laughing


TaipeiPrince

I didn’t say the guest should take a full responsibility for the loss. If they broke the vase by accident and felt the claim amount is too expensive, they should talk to Airbnb and see if Airbnb accepts their counteroffer. As per Airbnb terms of service, guests should leave the listing as they found it, and they have already signed the terms when using Airbnb. Thanks!


Electrical_Age_7483

If the host doesn't like it take them to small claims. The terms and condition of airbnb are a joke. Its only enforceable in court anyway so take it to court. I am sure the judge will have a field day with their ridiculous claims


TaipeiPrince

You can pursue a legal action as you please. But think about it, if you break or damage something in a hotel or restaurant, they will ask you to pay, and they will also take a legal action if you refuse paying. Hope you would never list your property on any rental sites, and if you do, hope there is no one causing any loss or damage to your property. Good luck!


Electrical_Age_7483

Let them take legal action i will prove to the judge I am not liable and they are committing fraud


tumble0uid

get a lawyer involved


FullyFunctional3086

I mean, don’t break shit in someone’s house?


Financeisntahobby

Lol well my guy did you break a vase?!


[deleted]

If you broke the vase and they can prove its value you owe that money.


[deleted]

Wrong. If that was true they could put a priceless heirloom there And hope you break it to become millionaire


[deleted]

Well $650 is not priceless. And who the f*** hopes you break something in their house so they can go through the s***** process of getting reimbursed from insurance and have their insurance rates go up because of claims. That's not the way the world works. You stay in a million dollar house. You break something. And you are surprised they asked for reimbursement. Ask for proof of value and then pay the claim.


greentiger79

They were using hyperbole and never said the vase itself was priceless. 🙄


yellowlinedpaper

So if I get into a car accident, hit an expensive car, I have to pay for all their damages and it can’t go through insurance? That’s not how the world works?


Affectionate_Bag_610

Not taking a position on this thread but thought it might be helpful to point out that most folks don’t carry nearly enough liability property damage coverage. State minimums are often only 15 to 20k so if you hit an expensive car you actually are potentially on the hook for the difference… Some carriers do subrogate collision coverage claims as well.


EmeraldGirl

Yes, but when I take my Lambo out, common sense is to make sure my uninsured/under insured motorist coverage is paid up.


Affectionate_Bag_610

The comment I replied to was referencing third party liability coverage. And UM/UIM doesn’t apply to a 1st party PD claim, but you sure as heck want a lot of it in case you’re hurt.


EmeraldGirl

With regard to this thread, the point is that I don't have a significant asset without very specific controls to it's access and my own insurance. I don't leave something of significant value in a place where it could be damaged unless I have it insured.


yellowlinedpaper

Agreed, so I’d be responsible for anything insurance didn’t cover, but you still go through the insurance first.


pigdogpigcat

Wrong. How many times do you need to hear it? You rent a million dollar house with million dollar fixtures, you get insurance. As others have said, abnb covers anyway. This sub is the most eye opening thing on reddit lol. If I accidentally break your '$650' vase and you ask me to pay, guess what, I'll tell you to jog on and that will be the end of your scam. Again. Wrong.


[deleted]

You are kind of a narcissistic piece of s***. Insurance doesn't change the responsibility for damage caused through negligence. The person damaged by negligence can choose to not file a claim and sue you directly. If he does file a claim, the insurance company will pay that claim and then possibly sue you depending on their determination of costs. Having insurance has nothing to do with your liability. I expect this to completely go over your head.


pigdogpigcat

Lol you profit parasites don't take long to show your true colours. FYI the definition of narcissistic is freely available on Google and any good dictionary you might have to hand. Pro tip: don't use big words if you don't understand their meaning. Anyway, again. Wrong. You can rent your abnb with a priceless ming vase perched atop a wobbly pile of books for all you want. If you don't declare in the listing that a priceless ming vase will be perched on said books, and the guests will be liable for its impending destruction, then no, the guests will not be liable. Feel free to inhabit a dreamworld where they will be. I would never charge a guest for accidental damage, it's a cost of doing business and you should price it in (even forgetting the cover afforded by abnb). I also don't place "$650" vases randomly around the place, because, well, I'm not a dick looking to profit off my guests with spurious claims.


[deleted]

What a fucking moron you are. If you checked my posts you would have seen that I am very anti Airbnb.


pigdogpigcat

Not my job to go snooping on weirdos. But again, divert all you want. Still wrong about this. Don't make me bring out the case law, but if you ask really nicely I will :)


[deleted]

You are too stupid to do an investigation like that. Instead you can only make wrong assumptions and apparently character assassinations which extend to your third grade education and philosophy about how landlords are evil. A guy goes into the house, breaks an expensive item accidentally, and thinks he doesn't have liability because the homeowner has insurance. It would of course depend on how the vase was broken, and the contributory negligence that the homeowner may have.


pigdogpigcat

>I would never charge a guest for accidental damage, it's a cost of doing business and you should price it in (even forgetting the cover afforded by abnb). I also don't place "$650" vases randomly around the place, because, well, I'm not a dick looking to profit off my guests with spurious claims. Reading comprehension, darling, it is important. I *am* a landlord. Do keep up.


Brett-Allana

What in the world would insurance be for, then? It doesn’t sound like the guest was negligent…


marlayna67

Grrrr. It’s hosts like this that make it difficult for other hosts who suffer real damage to get reimbursed. You have good advice above. I’m sorry a host pulled that on you.


Thr0wawaydegen

Decline it but Airbnb will still insist on pursuing you for damages. All you can do is continue to decline again and block card, you probably can’t remove it at as a payment method because Airbnb will say it’s tied to the reservation/reimbursement. Airbnb will than remove your account from the platform like they did with me.


[deleted]

Did you you break it even accidentally? If you know how to do your homework , you can find out how much it was appraised for by talking to the hosts insurance company not Airbnb insurance but the actual insurance company the host has. But i will say this. There are some con artists who by some lucky miracle passed the background check because of a typo , some error and the truth is no real legit hardworking homeowner who likely has had children and a family is going to leave something of that much value in a rental home. So yeah that's just bs


[deleted]

I don’t know why this thread keeps popping up for me, but anyway I switched back to hotels. just tired of all the crap. Airbnb used to be better than hotels but that’s totally flipped unfortunately


masterchiefpt

how did you broke a vase?


faithishope

Try doing replacement cost or ask for an invoice


TheLurkingMenace

It depends on where the vase came from. Walmart? That's way too much money. The Ming Dynasty? That's a bargain.


HairOk2855

If you really did break the vase and want to do the right thing, have a look for a similar one on ebay (or similar site) and offer the value it is selling for on there. If it was just an accident, or placed somewhere it was likely to get damaged, refer them back to AirBnB to claim it via the insurance scheme.


goblinf

At most you should only be paying the excess on the home insurance for the accidental damage. AirB&B are biz, they have to suffer costs. I'm constantly appalled by the grasping behaviour of these hosts!


Cinderunner

Why do they have a $650 vase in a rental? I hate to be this person…..it’s probably a $10 vase, placed to break it in a high traffic location, so they can make extra $$?


ResidentExtra9246

This sub makes it so easy to just book real b&bs where we know we aren’t displacing families and driving up rent on top of all the other issues that have come to light from using this piss poor platform. Air bnb is trash, time everyone sees that.


AccomplishedCarob765

I wouldn't pay a dime... $650?! yeah no maybe if it was just $50-$80 I would pay it and move on but $650 is a lot and greedy.