What to Charge Airbnb Guests for After a Stay: A Damage Guide

As an Airbnb host, one of the trickiest decisions you’ll face is figuring out what to charge guests for after their stay. We’ve all been there—broken mugs, stained linens, maybe even a mysteriously missing TV remote. But let’s be real: nobody likes a host who’s counting every scratch or misplaced fork like it’s a national crime. So, where do you draw the line between normal wear and tear and actual damage that justifies charging your guests?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s actually worth charging for after a guest’s stay and how to handle it like a pro—without being that nitpicky host who charges for every little thing. And if you want to dive even deeper into this topic, my course The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint covers all the details on managing your Airbnb smoothly, including how to handle disputes. Plus, if you ever face bigger issues, my Airbnb Dispute Winning Templates Toolkit is designed to help you win any claim with minimal hassle.

The Reality of Hosting: What Counts as Damage?

First, let’s get one thing clear: not everything that goes wrong during a guest’s stay is worth charging for. A chipped coffee mug? Nope. That lone spoon that somehow disappeared into the void? Let it go. Your guests aren’t secretly running a cutlery-stealing operation.

Instead, focus on real damage—things that impact the quality of your space or your ability to host the next guest.

• Normal Wear and Tear: This includes things like small scuffs on the walls, worn furniture, or a slightly frayed carpet. It's part of hosting, and you shouldn’t nickel and dime your guests for these minor things.

• Actual Damage: Now, this is where you can and should charge. Think broken furniture, severely stained bedding, or damaged appliances. For example, if a guest spills an entire bottle of red wine on your white couch, that’s going to cost some serious money to clean or replace—and you’re well within your rights to charge for it.

When It’s Okay to Charge (And When It’s Not)

Let’s break down what’s worth charging for and what should be chalked up as a cost of doing business:

1. Broken Furniture or Appliances
   If a guest breaks something significant like a chair, TV, or fridge, you absolutely should charge for repair or replacement. We’re talking real damage that affects the usability of your space, not a wobbly table leg that was probably going to give out anyway.

2. Stained or Ruined Linens
   Sure, a coffee stain on the sheet may not be the end of the world, but if your linens are permanently damaged—think red wine spills or makeup that won’t come out—it’s okay to charge for the replacement cost. Just be reasonable: if the stain is minor and you can wash it out, give your guests a break.

3. Unauthorized Parties or Events
   If a guest throws a party in your home against your house rules, chances are there’s going to be damage. In these cases, it’s 100% justified to charge for any broken items, excessive cleaning, or damage to walls and floors.

4. Serious Damage to Walls or Paint
   Guests sometimes hang things or rearrange furniture in ways that cause damage to your walls. If this goes beyond a few minor scuffs and requires patching or repainting, you should definitely charge for the repair.

What NOT to Charge For (If You Want to Keep Your Guests Happy)

Here’s where it gets fun: there are some things that, while annoying, really aren’t worth charging for. You don’t want your guest walking away thinking, “Wow, they charged me $5 for a missing spoon.” Let’s inject a little humor here:

• The “Oops, I Dropped a Mug” Scenario: Charging for one broken cup? Let’s not. Mugs are cheap, and accidents happen. Your guest probably feels bad enough already (and who doesn’t have too many mugs in their kitchen anyway?).

• Mysteriously Disappearing Forks: If one or two utensils go missing, relax. Forks aren’t worth losing sleep (or guest ratings) over. Save the charges for real damage—like if they take your entire set of silverware.

• A Small Spill on the Rug: Minor spills or stains are par for the course. Charge only if it’s something major that’s going to require professional cleaning. The occasional spilled soda isn’t worth hitting your guest’s wallet over.

  Pro Tip: Never buy white—no matter how cute it looks. Trust me, it’s not worth the headache! Stick to colors that can handle a little wear and tear.

Basically, if it’s under $10 and easy to replace, let it slide. Charging for every little thing will make you look petty, and it’s just not worth the potential bad review.

How to Handle Damage Charges Like a Pro

Now that you know what to charge for, let’s talk about how to actually handle damage charges without upsetting your guests:

1. Document Everything
   Before you send a claim through Airbnb’s Resolution Center, make sure you’ve documented the damage with clear, time-stamped photos. This will back up your case when you request reimbursement from the guest. Pro tip: take "before" photos of your property so you have a point of reference for any damage.

2. Talk to the Guest First
   If the damage isn’t too severe, it’s a good idea to reach out to the guest privately before filing a formal claim. Most guests are willing to resolve the issue amicably, and this approach can help maintain good relations. A simple, “Hey, I noticed this after your stay, how would you like to handle it?” goes a long way.

3. Be Professional and Reasonable
   Keep it polite and professional when addressing damages. Don’t overcharge, and don’t let your frustration get in the way of handling the situation gracefully. Airbnb prefers hosts who maintain a professional tone, and guests will appreciate it too.

4. Use the Airbnb Resolution Center
   If the guest isn’t willing to pay for the damage, or you prefer to handle things officially, submit your claim through Airbnb’s Resolution Center. Provide your photos, any communication you’ve had with the guest, and an itemized list of what you’re charging for.

If you want to make this process a whole lot easier, check out my Airbnb Dispute Winning Templates Toolkit. It’s packed with ready-to-use templates that will help you submit claims professionally and get the compensation you deserve—without the headache.

Get the Airbnb Dispute Winning Templates Toolkit here!

How My Course Can Help You Avoid Damage in the First Place

Charging for damages is one thing, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could avoid damage disputes altogether? That’s where my course The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint comes in. This course teaches you everything you need to know to set up your Airbnb, manage guests, and avoid common hosting headaches (like damage claims) before they even happen.

In the course, you’ll learn:

• How to set up house rules that protect your property

• Tips for vetting guests to avoid problematic stays

• What to do when a dispute arises and how to win it

• Proven strategies to grow your Airbnb business and protect your profits

Check out The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint here!

Conclusion: Charge Smart, Not Small

Hosting on Airbnb is a great way to earn extra income, but dealing with damages is part of the game. The key is knowing when to charge (and when not to). Don’t sweat the small stuff like a missing fork or a broken mug—focus on real damage that impacts your business.

And remember, if you’re looking for help with dispute resolution, my Airbnb Dispute Winning Templates Toolkit has got you covered. Ready to take your Airbnb hosting to the next level? Sign up for The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint and learn how to grow your Airbnb business while avoiding unnecessary disputes.

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I turned a challenging situation into a thriving million dollar short-term rental business. My mission is to prove that anyone can replicate my success with effort and dedication. I am committed to teaching and guiding others to achieve their financial goals.