Airbnb agrees to pay you, as a Host, whenever the Responsible Guest fails to do so, to repair or replace your Covered Property (as defined below) damaged or destroyed as a result of a Covered Loss (as defined below), subject to the exclusions, limitations, and other terms and conditions of these Host Damage Protection ...

Excellent question. Determining responsibility for Airbnb damage involves a step-by-step process and depends on the nature of the damage, the cause, and the evidence available.

Here’s a breakdown of who is typically responsible in different scenarios:

1. Guest Responsibility

The guest is primarily responsible for any damage they, or their invitees, cause during their stay. Examples: Broken furniture, stained carpets, holes in walls, stolen items, excessive mess requiring professional cleaning, damage from unauthorized parties or pets. How it’s handled: The host should document the damage with photos/videos and report it through the Airbnb Resolution Center. The guest is then asked to pay for repairs or replacement.

2. Host Responsibility

The host is responsible for damage resulting from poor maintenance, pre-existing conditions, or normal wear and tear. Examples: A leaky roof that damages guest belongings, a malfunctioning appliance that floods the kitchen, a rusty railing that breaks, or general wear like faded paint or worn-out linens. How it’s handled: The guest should report the issue immediately to the host and Airbnb. The host is expected to fix the issue and may be liable for any consequential damage to the guest’s property.

3. Airbnb’s Role (The Mediator & Insurer)

Airbnb is not automatically responsible but provides systems to resolve disputes and offers insurance programs. Airbnb’s Host Guarantee: This is not traditional insurance but a program that can protect hosts for up to $3 million in damages if a guest refuses to pay or cannot pay. The host must first attempt to collect from the guest and provide