You have two deadlines, both counted from the guest's checkout date. Within 14 days, ask the guest to pay and let Airbnb know, which a Resolution Center request does. Within 30 days, if the guest has not paid, file Airbnb's Host Damage Protection payment request with your evidence.
Day 14: ask the guest
Airbnb's Host Damage Protection Terms (last updated Feb 5, 2026), section 3.1.2, say that within 14 days of checkout you must use your best efforts to get the money from the guest. That means:
- explain why the guest is responsible, and
- ask the guest to pay you back or otherwise fix it, and
- notify Airbnb of your complaint.
Section 3.1.3 says a reimbursement request sent to the guest through the Airbnb Resolution Center can cover these steps, as long as it does everything listed.
The review window is also 14 days after checkout, per Airbnb's review help page. So both clocks start on the same day.
Day 30: file with Airbnb
If the guest does not pay, section 3.3 says that within 30 days of checkout you must:
- complete and file a Host Damage Protection Payment Request Form in the Resolution Center, and
- give Airbnb "Legitimate and Verifiable Evidence."
The evidence Airbnb asks for
Section 3.3.2 lists:
- the time, cause, and origin of the loss, with receipts, photos, videos, and documents
- a full list of damaged items: make and model, date you bought it, condition, and cost to repair or replace, with receipts
- detailed repair estimates for damage to the building or other real property
- receipts for extra cleaning
- the total amount you are asking for
Section 3.4 adds proof that you own or are responsible for the items, a police report for theft or a crime, and protecting damaged items from more damage.
No AI edits. Section 3.3.3 says evidence must be true and must not be "doctored or falsified in any way, including by the use of artificial intelligence." If Airbnb cannot verify it, it may ask for more documents or a different format, or deny the request. Keep the original photo files from your phone.
Limits to know
- Extra cleaning. Section 6.3.6 says only cleaning costs above the cleaning fee you charged are paid. For example, with a $150 cleaning fee and a $400 cleaning bill, the part that counts is $250.
- Not insurance. Section 2.5 says Host Damage Protection is not insurance.
- Repeat claims. Section 2.6 says Airbnb can deny requests when a host did not take reasonable care, for example repeat requests for the same kind of loss at the same listing.
- Other countries. The terms have separate sections for some countries, such as Australia. Check the version in your own Airbnb account.
Worked example
A guest checks out on Sunday, Nov 8, 2026.
- Ask the guest by Nov 22, 2026. That is checkout plus 14 calendar days.
- File with Airbnb by Dec 8, 2026. That is checkout plus 30 calendar days.
- On Nov 12 you have 10 days left to ask and 26 days left to file.
Weekends and holidays count. Do not wait for the last day. If Airbnb asks for more documents, you want time to answer.
The Airbnb claim clock works out both dates from any checkout date, gives you a calendar file with reminders, and has request text you can copy.
Steps
- At turnover, before cleaning, photograph and film the damage. Keep the original files.
- Write down what is damaged, when you bought it, and what it costs to fix or replace. Get receipts or quotes.
- Send a Resolution Center request to the guest within a few days of checkout, well before day 14.
- Give the guest time to reply or pay.
- If they refuse or do not answer, file the Host Damage Protection Payment Request Form with your evidence before day 30.
- Save every message and screenshot. You may need them if a review follows.
If a bad review follows
A claim can lead to a harsh review. Airbnb has rules on when a review counts as retaliatory. See our guide on what to do about a retaliatory review.
Sources
- Airbnb Host Damage Protection Terms, last updated Feb 5, 2026 (PDF), sections 2, 3, and 6
- Airbnb Help: Review basics for everyone (article 13)
Last checked Oct 17, 2026. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Check your own platform terms and dashboard.