Airbnb Security Deposit Policy 2025: What Hosts Need to Know

Introduction

If you're a host, you've probably asked yourself: "Do I need a security deposit to protect against guest damage?"

This guide explains what a security deposit is, how much they usually are, and—most importantly—how Airbnb handles them in 2025.
We'll also look at alternative protection options so you can keep your property safe without scaring away guests.

What is a security deposit?

A security deposit is money set aside as a safeguard in case a guest damages your property, loses keys, or leaves the rental in poor condition.
Traditionally, hosts could choose the amount and collect it directly from guests.

Today, the ability to charge a deposit depends on the platform you use. Some vacation rental platforms still allow it, while others (including Airbnb)
have moved away from host-set deposits in favor of built-in protection programs.

How much should security deposits be?

On platforms that still allow deposits, typical amounts range from €100 to €2,000. When deciding on an amount, hosts usually consider:

• The type and size of the property
• The location and guest expectations in that market
• The risks involved (luxury furniture, swimming pools, large groups, etc.)
• The overall booking value — deposits above 20% of the booking cost may deter guests

It's also worth noting that high deposits can reduce bookings. Many guests are reluctant to tie up a large sum, which is one reason Airbnb simplified its policy.

Airbnb Security Deposit Policy in 2025

Airbnb no longer allows most hosts to set or collect a security deposit directly. Instead, here’s how things work now:

• No direct deposits for most hosts. You can’t ask guests to pay a deposit outside of Airbnb.
• AirCover for Hosts. Airbnb provides free damage and liability protection for every booking.
• Software-connected hosts only. A small group of hosts using official integrations may still set a deposit, but it must be shown clearly in the price breakdown at checkout.
• Hotels and incidental holds. Hotels can place incidental deposits (e.g., card holds at check-in), but only if this is disclosed in the listing description.

In short: if you’re a regular host listing directly on Airbnb, you cannot require a security deposit anymore.

Alternatives to Security Deposits

Since Airbnb hosts can’t usually collect deposits, protection now comes from Airbnb’s own coverage or from tools provided by other platforms.

• AirCover for Hosts (Airbnb): Automatically included, covering damage, liability, and host protection.
• Other platforms (e.g., Your.Rentals): Some channels provide their own coverage programs, which act like built-in security deposits. For example, Your.Rentals includes a policy called Your.Cover, which protects up to €2,000 for damages, lost keys, or unpaid fees on eligible bookings.

The key benefit of these systems is that guests don’t have to hand over extra money up front, while hosts still get financial protection.

Airbnb Host Protection

Airbnb no longer relies on traditional security deposits for most bookings. Instead, hosts are protected through AirCover for Hosts, which provides up to $3 million USD in damage protection and $1 million in liability coverage.

This coverage applies to damages caused during a guest’s stay, including property damage, unexpected cleaning, or stolen items.

While it acts as a financial safety net, you’ll need to file a claim through Airbnb’s Resolution Center to be reimbursed.

How to claim reimbursement in case of damage

1. Document the damage. Take photos or videos, collect receipts or repair estimates, and keep any other proof.
2. File a claim within 14 days. You must open a request in the Resolution Center within 14 days of the guest’s checkout.
3. Guest response. The guest has 24 hours to respond to your request.
4. Escalate if needed. If the guest refuses or ignores the request, escalate to Airbnb. You’ll need to provide your evidence within 30 days of the damage.
5. Resolution. Airbnb reviews your claim, and if approved, will either collect payment from the guest or compensate you directly.

Challenges with Airbnb’s Protection

• Time-consuming process. Collecting evidence and going through the Resolution Center can feel burdensome, especially for smaller claims.
• Guest perception. If deposits were allowed, guests sometimes viewed them as hidden fees, reducing booking appeal. Airbnb removed that friction, but some hosts miss the upfront financial safeguard.
• Coverage limits. Like any protection program, there are exclusions (e.g., wear and tear, minor damages), so hosts may still need additional insurance for full peace of mind.

Best Practices for Hosts

• Be transparent with guests about house rules and expectations.
• Document your property’s condition before and after each stay.
• Keep receipts and records for any repairs.
• Consider additional insurance for risks not covered by Airbnb.

Your.Cover by Your.Rentals

While Airbnb has moved away from traditional security deposits, other platforms offer their own solutions.

On Your.Rentals, every eligible booking is automatically protected by Your.Cover — a built-in safeguard that works like a modern replacement for deposits.

If property managers have their Airbnb account connected with Your.Rentals (or created directly through Your.Rentals), they don’t need to contact Airbnb separately to handle claims. All claims are managed directly by the Your.Rentals team, making the process smoother and faster for hosts.

Here’s what it includes:

• Up to €2,000 coverage for damages, missing keys, unpaid fees, or extra cleaning.
• Automatic protection — no setup needed; it’s included by default in Your.Rentals bookings.
• Fast claim process — disputes must be reported within 48 hours of checkout, with evidence provided within 7 days.
• Quick payout — approved claims are added to your next host payout or paid within 30 days.
• Exclusions — reservations imported by iCal or added manually (without Your.Rentals handling payment) are not covered.

Unlike traditional deposits, guests aren’t asked to hand over money up front, which makes the booking experience smoother and less intimidating.

At the same time, hosts get peace of mind knowing they’re financially protected if something goes wrong.