How does HelloGuest help protect my property from risky guests?

HelloGuest advises against Instant Book for beginners and uses Request to Book to screen guests before accepting. This helps review guest profiles and previous host feedback and supports better decision-making to protect the property.

Why should communications and payments stay within the booking platform?

Keeping communication and payments within the platform helps protect both parties. If arrangements move outside the secure system, platform assurance policies may no longer apply, which could reduce compensation options if valuables are stolen or damaged.

Do you set house rules to reduce damage and misuse?

Yes. HelloGuest outlines clear house rules and expectations (for example around visitors, pets, smoking and late-night behaviour), and can specify off-limits areas and safety directives. Guests must agree to the terms before booking.

Can security cameras be used to protect an Airbnb?

Security systems can add protection, but they must follow platform terms and privacy rules. HelloGuest notes that security systems should not be installed in guest spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms or living areas, and should be placed only in off-limits areas.

What property damage protection does Airbnb provide?

The page references Airbnb’s Host Guarantee programme as providing protection for hosts against certain guest-related property damage, with compensation referenced up to $1 million, subject to exclusions and limitations.

Are there limitations to platform damage protections?

Yes. The page notes that compensation may not apply in some situations (for example, damage to rare artwork or theft of items that cannot be proven), so hosts should take sensible precautions and understand exclusions.

What else can I do to protect my valuables?

HelloGuest recommends using practical preventative measures such as keeping valuables out of guest access and using off-limits storage areas, alongside clear rules, screening, and platform-safe booking processes.

Insurance & Property Damage Protection

Airbnb Host Damage Protection Terms

Protecting your home and belongings from theft and damage.

Lovely place to stay in fantastic Lewes. Will be back.

Justin
2/15/2023

Airbnb Damage Policy & Property Security

How safe is Airbnb really? This question causes concern for both Airbnb hosts and guests. As a host, you’ll wonder, “how safe is it to allow strangers into my home?” And no matter how much we want to ignore it, there are real stories of how Airbnb guests and hosts have been scammed and stolen.

However, with that being said, the concern of safety should not discourage you as these incidents are rare, with many of our hosts never, ever experiencing any problems. We always put in extra measures with our properties to ensure our partnered co-hosts never have to worry.

Read on to see how we protect and secure your property, or use the button below to hear it from the experts themselves…

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Feerick 
 13. February, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I genuinely couldn’t recommend HelloGuest more highly.

From start to finish they were professional, organised and incredibly responsive. The team consistently replied within minutes whenever I had a question, and nothing ever felt too much trouble. That level of attentiveness makes a huge difference when you’re managing a property.

Veronica in particular was exceptional. Calm, clear, and completely on top of everything. It was obvious she genuinely cares about both owners and guests, and she always handled situations efficiently and thoughtfully.

The operational side was seamless – listings were managed properly, communication with guests was smooth, pricing and availability were handled intelligently, and the reporting was transparent and easy to understand. I always felt fully informed and supported.

If you’re looking for a management company that is responsive, professional and genuinely proactive, HelloGuest are exactly that.

Thank you Veronica (owner) and the whole team – it’s been a pleasure working with you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Richard Howells 
 6. October, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place to stay. Has everything you need and tucked away nicely so it’s private and quiet. Much better than booking a hotel. We will definitely use again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marl Een 
 28. June, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lovely place to stay, clean, charming and well decorated, perfect for a short holiday by the seaside!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mark More O'Ferrall 
 2. June, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been using this outstanding agency since April 2022. First class. They have zero staff turnover which says everything. Best of the 3 short let agencies I have used by such a distance it is simply embarrassing. They won an award last year as the best AIRBNB agency in Northern Europe. I was not in the least bit surprised. They keep my stunning property spotless.

We Get To Know The Other Party Extremely Well

As experienced property managers and Airbnb hosts, we advise our clients against instant booking, especially for beginners. The instant booking option does not allow us to screen guests properly before accepting their booking requests.

Using the Request to Book option, we get enough information about our guests before their stay to help us make better decisions to protect your property. We’ll be able to see what other hosts say about these guests and how they’ve treated the previous properties they have stayed at.

Aside from reviews and profiles, we interact with your potential guests beforehand to screen them. The power behind this interaction allows us to build a personal connection, which is good for keeping your property safe and secure.

Learn more about how we screen guests.

All Communications With Guests Handled Within The App

We know it’s tempting to avoid the commission Airbnb charges on each booking by contacting guests away from the platform. However, it doesn’t bode well for hosts to give in to such temptations in most cases.

With Airbnb’s secure online platform, we can ensure the safety of both parties. Using external arrangements, especially in terms of payments, outside of the secure system means the company assurance policy will no longer be valid. ➡️ Increase your income.

So, if valuables are stolen or damaged, you will not be compensated – and considering Airbnb’s small commission charge, this is a reasonable price for security.

Clearly Stated House Rules And Expectations

Another form of protection for our Airbnb hosts is where we set and outline clear rules and expectations that prospective guests will be obligated to follow. For example, certain rules prohibit guests from staying out late, inviting other guests, bringing pets or smoking inside.

We even go one step further to outline certain parts of the house that are off-limits or safety directives like how and when to use security systems, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, etc.

Guests must approve and agree to the terms laid out in the agreement before booking.

Learn more about setting house rules here.

Security System Installation For Added Protection

One extra layer of protection is installing security systems like security cameras that can help ensure guests respect house rules. They also serve as evidence if a claim needs to be made.

However, in this area, we must be careful. Installing home security systems can cause legal problems for the host as it infringes on the privacy rights of your guests. Therefore, all security systems must adhere to Airbnb’s legal terms and conditions.

Security systems are never to be installed in the guest’s space, like bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, etc. Instead, they will be installed in off-limit areas, where you can store your valuables outside the property.

Property Insurance

Property damage is certainly a risk hosts must be prepared for when renting their property to short-term guests. And whilst property damage is a risk, Airbnb’s Host Guarantee program is designed to protect owners from this.

The insurance programme offers hosts up to $1 million in compensation for property damage. However, there are certain areas where the compensation fee will not be applicable, for example, damage to rare artwork or theft of an item you cannot prove was there.

We’ve Got Great Instincts

One fundamental lesson we’ve learned in our experience as Airbnb hosts and entrepreneurs is that one’s instincts are nature’s way of giving essential signals. And whilst that might sound silly to some, it’s crucial to trust your intuition when dealing with guests.

Once we’ve dutifully carried out the above security measures and steps and still don’t feel comfortable with particular arrangements, it’s usually best to deny the request and fill the space with better-trusted guests.

Property Management Across The UK

Our services operate from London but cover the most frequently visited, popular tourist destinations across England, Scotland and Wales. Discover our property rental portfolio to see the types of properties we work with, from individual private homes and holiday properties to multi-unit/apartment blocks.

Our service provides full UK coverage for short-term letting. Our Airbnb manager services extend to short, medium and long-term lettings to provide a full range of rental options to help homeowners and landlords maximise their earnings and minimise any problems. Visit this page.

We manage many rental properties in popular areas and tourist destinations. This includes accommodation in all the UK’s major cities and holiday destinations.

Book A Free Earnings Assessment

Toby France

Recommended Property Manager & Co-Founder

“I’ve worked with thousands of short-let properties and helped every business determine their business goals and achieve them.”

Veronica Tribolati

Guest Manager

Being a natural extrovert and a go-getter, Veronica is a great communicator and is the face of HelloGuest.

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Airbnb cleaning service. More.
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Insurance & Damage protection. More.
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Property monthly reporting. More.

Summarise Page

HelloGuest explains how they protect homes: vet guests using Request to Book, keep communication and payments in-app, enforce clear house rules, use compliant security measures, and rely on insurance/Airbnb cover for damage claims.