The short-term rental industry has received substantial financial benefits as the sharing economy has grown rapidly over the past decade. Both hosts and guests should be on equal footing here. However, like any other expanding business, more and more scammers and would-be scammers come to the scene to earn money or use free services.
But what does Airbnb do to protect its hosts, and how does it help them if they get scammed by their guests? In the following paragraphs, we will discuss Airbnb host scam help.
First Thing First, Follow the Airbnb Guidelines.
Airbnb has defined specific guidelines and rules to protect both guests and hosts from getting scammed. As an Airbnb host, you should follow these guidelines; otherwise, the Airbnb host scam help service doesn’t cover any financial losses caused by scammers. For example, if you contact your guests off the platform and they offer to pay you on an insecure payment method, it’s not Airbnb responsibility to cover your loss or protect you.
- Payments made outside the Airbnb platform are accepted with prior Airbnb approval, and guests are informed of this policy when booking. This may include but is not limited to pet costs, valet parking, Wi-Fi charges, gym fees, breakfast fees, etc., local tax or occupancy tax, “all-inclusive” fees at timeshares or resorts, security deposits, and similar charges.
- Hosts and visitors are forbidden from attempting extortion to get what they want from another person or organization.
- All interactions between hosts and guests must take place on the Airbnb platform; hosts and guests may not make or request payments for reservations outside of the Airbnb site.
- Hosts and guests should not abuse Airbnb’s coupon and referral program in any way.
- Refunds for reasons other than fraud can’t be requested via chargeback, and hosts and guests must not abuse or make fraudulent chargeback claims.
Read another article by marveloushost: Airbnb Child-Friendly set-up
Airbnb Host Scam Help
If you follow the guidelines, you can prevent most guest-side scams from happening. Still, some cases are not preventable such as when guests sneak more people or their pets in and cause damage or when they try to get their money back by bringing in cockroaches or other insects. First, try to keep all the documents and gather all the necessary evidence. Then you can report Airbnb and send all the documents proving your claim. If a guest has broken your guidelines, you must inform Airbnb immediately. The more proof you can gather, the better. Take photos of your smart doorbell or surveillance footage and notes from conversations with your guests. A report from a neighbor can be compiled and sent in as well.
Airbnb will open a case afterward and take appropriate action, including charging guests a fee or keeping part of their security deposit. According to new rules, Airbnb will remove any unfair reviews guests wrote out of anger and revenge, so don’t worry about possible rageful reviews.
What If Scammers Damage Your Property?
Sometimes guests trying to attempt a scam may cause damages caused by themselves or other extra people or even their pets that they sneak in. In these cases, you can use Airbnb’s free Aircover insurance.
AirCover
Airbnb introduced AirCover late in 2021. This service replaces Airbnb’s Host Guarantee. AirCover offers a host liability program in addition to guest damage protection. Airbnb hosts get AirCover free. AirCover covers host costs for repairs and deep cleaning. Host Guarantee’s insurance only covered guest-caused property damage before AirCover.
What AirCover includes?
Airbnb host protection: Vandalism, accidents, broken dishes, fire, and pet damage are covered by Airbnb host protection.
Airbnb will pay you for repairing or replacing expenses up to $1 million. This package is like a homeowner’s personal property coverage. Host protection also covers cancellation fees and additional cleaning costs.
File your claim within 30 days of the incident. Contact the guest to collect damage fees. After the guests’ checkout, you have 14 days to contact them and inform Airbnb if they refuse to pay for damages. Proof of ownership, photos, or a complete description of the damage must be included. Follow all actions in this timeframe to be eligible for reimbursement.
If Airbnb accepts your claim, you may be paid for the item’s market value minus wear and tear. Airbnb doesn’t cover natural disasters or pet injuries. It also doesn’t cover mold or mildew damage. The policy excludes jewelry, artwork, and other valuables.
Airbnb’s liability insurance
Airbnb’s host protection liability insurance: You may always face legal issues as an Airbnb host. Airbnb’s host protection liability insurance covers these situations:
- If a guest or other party sues you
- If a guest damages someone else’s property or accidentally injures someone in the lobby or hallway and sues you
Airbnb liability insurance excludes:
- Assault/battery
- Mold/fungi
- Underage drinking, sexual assault, and property damage
Read another article by marveloushost: Airbnb pricing strategies: 5 simple tips
Conclusion
Airbnb scams are not the kinds of incidents that happen on a regular basis, but if you’re a professional Airbnb host, you should expect to face different types of them. As a professional host in the short-term rental industry, you must follow all the Airbnb guidelines to prevent possible scams from happening or to prove your claim in case of asking for Airbnb host scam help.
Have you ever had such an experience? How has Airbnb’s service helped you? Please share your related experiences and questions with other readers and us in the comment section below.