Airbnb damage claim: how to answer within 24 hours
Airbnb host claiming damage after your stay? You have 24 hours to answer: what to write, which evidence to ask for and how to appeal a charge.
Guest Defender guide
How much can Airbnb charge you for damages?
If you live in the European Economic Area, Switzerland or the UK, Airbnb can charge your card at most 500 US dollars for damage, and the burden of proof for the damage and the amount is always on Airbnb (Terms of Service, section 16). Beyond that it can only claim the money in other ways, such as a debt collection agency or a court. Australia has the same cap; in other countries Airbnb decides.
How a charge happens
- The host sends you a request in the Resolution Centre: you can pay, answer or decline.
- If you do not agree, the host involves Airbnb, which asks the host for evidence (documents, photos, invoices or expert reports) and you for your side.
- If Airbnb decides you are responsible, it pays the host and then claims the money from you, including on your card.
The 500 dollar cap in Europe
For people living in the European Economic Area (the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), Switzerland or the UK, Airbnb's Terms of Service (updated on 5 February 2026, section 16.2) cap at 500 US dollars what can be charged to the card. For the rest, Airbnb can use other means, such as a debt collection agency or legal action. In any dispute about damage the burden of proof for the damage and the amount is always on Airbnb, and its decision does not take away your right to go to court (16.4).
In other countries
- Australia: the same 500 dollar cap on the card.
- United States and other countries: no written cap; Airbnb decides, and you keep the rights your local law gives you.
If you have already been charged
- Appeal to Airbnb's customer service within 60 days of the charge, with your evidence.
- If you live in Europe and the card charge is above 500 dollars, say so in the appeal: the cap is in the Terms of Service, section 16.2.
- If a debt collection agency writes to you later, do not pay straight away: ask for proof of the damage and a breakdown of the amount.
This guide explains the rules of Airbnb, Booking.com and the card schemes in plain words: it is not legal advice. Guest Defender is not affiliated with Airbnb or Booking.com. If you receive court papers, see a lawyer straight away.
Sources
- Airbnb, Terms of Service, section 16
- Airbnb Help Centre: getting charged for damage (article 1415)
- Airbnb, Host Damage Protection Terms
Rules checked on 12 November 2026 against the official texts of Airbnb, Booking.com, Visa and the European Union.
More guides on money claimed after a stay
Booking.com: the property claims damage or keeps your deposit
Property keeping your damage deposit or claiming damage after a Booking.com stay? What it can do, the 14-day limit and how to decline the claim.
Upload the claim or the charge: the check is free
Guest Defender checks the claim and the charge, tells you what can be disputed and writes your appeal to Airbnb for €9.99.