Why Airbnb Claims Get Denied
Airbnb's resolution process favors whoever has better documentation. Hosts who submit vague photos with no timestamps, no before/after comparison, and no receipts get denied. Hosts who submit organized, timestamped evidence showing the exact condition before and after the guest stay get paid.
The Before/After System
This is the single most important thing: photograph your entire property BEFORE every guest check-in with timestamped evidence — following the 5 rules of strong evidence. Then photograph AFTER every checkout. Now you have indisputable before/after proof showing exactly what the guest damaged.
What to Capture
✓Before check-in: every room, appliances, furniture, walls, floors, outdoor areas, amenities
✓After checkout: all damage, stains, broken items, missing items, excessive mess
✓Close-ups of specific damage with context shots
✓Receipts for damaged items showing original purchase price
✓Cleaning or repair quotes
✓Any communication with the guest about the damage
Filing the Claim
1
Document damage within 24 hours of checkout (Airbnb's requirement)2
Message the guest through Airbnb first3
If unresolved, open a Resolution Center request with timestamped before/after photos, receipts, and repair quotes4
Every photo should have a verified timestamp proving when it was taken
