What can I do if a guest damages my property after checkout?
What you can do depends on which platform the booking was made on: for Airbnb we can help you claim through AirCover, while other platforms rely on your security deposit and agreeing a resolution with the guest.
Most stays go smoothly, but occasionally a guest may leave damage, excessive mess, or breach house rules. What you can do next depends on which platform the booking was made on and whether the stay has already ended.
This guide explains your options after a guest has checked out.
Has the guest already checked out?
This guidance applies only after checkout. If a guest is currently staying and causing issues, such as noise, parties or unsafe behaviour, you'll need to manage it directly during the stay. We can't step in or remove guests while they're in the property.
What can I do if the booking was on Airbnb?
Airbnb bookings are covered by AirCover (Host Damage Protection). Our team can submit a damage or cleaning claim on your behalf, and will take you through the evidence needed. Airbnb reviews the claim and decides whether compensation is approved, so it isn't guaranteed.
Claims must be submitted within 14 days of checkout, so please let us know as soon as you spot the damage.
What can I do if the booking was on another platform?
Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia and other platforms don't offer host damage protection. For these bookings:
- Travelnest can't submit damage claims or charge guests
- Platforms rely on hosts to manage security deposits and resolve disputes directly
- Any compensation beyond a collected deposit must be agreed directly with the guest
If you collected a security deposit, you may use it in line with your listing terms. If you didn't, you'll need to contact the guest to try to resolve it. For future bookings, we strongly recommend setting up a security deposit for added protection.
Can I report a guest for breaking house rules?
Yes, after checkout, if a guest seriously breached them, for example through parties, unsafe behaviour or property misuse. Evidence is always needed for a report to be reviewed.
On Airbnb, this is reviewed alongside any AirCover claim. On other platforms, reports help record misconduct but don't guarantee compensation.
What can Travelnest help with?
- Submitting Airbnb AirCover claims
- Reporting guest misconduct to booking platforms
- Explaining your options for the platform the booking was made on