Airbnb - do you pay all upfront?

[Phoenix]

Hello PS'ers,

I am gonna be staying in London for about 6 weeks and am planning to book an apartment on Airbnb. It appears that it wants me to pay all the charges upfront. I'm extremely reluctant as I've only ever stayed in hotels before and hotels don't require you to pay until you've checked out (though I am aware they have my CC details).

Has anyone had experience of this and would you please share? Thank you.

 

[elizat]

No through that service, but I have through HomeAway and VRBO before. As long as Air BnB has a policy that in case the rental is not as described, if you cannot check in, etc. I think you should be ok.

 

[missy]

Hi @Phoenix it probably varies from country to country and even state to state but it appears this is no longer the rule and many require 50% deposit when you book. Which seems more reasonable IMO.

From last year:

https://money.cnn.com/2018/01/16/technology/airbnb-pay-less-up-front/index.html

 

[Elizabeth35]

We have stayed at HomeAway, AirBnb and VRBO. We have not booked a 6 week reservation though.
Typically we pay a deposit when booking (can pay 25%, but typically 50% I think). Then balance due usually around 30 days prior to the stay (this can vary). We read reviews carefully and only stay with experienced hosts with lots of positive reviews. Cancellation policies vary by property, so make sure you understand the penalty for cancelling or checking out early.
It appears AirBnB has a specific policy for stays over 28 days (this is from US site so UK could be different?).

Long term reservations
If you book a reservation for 28 nights or more, you’ll be charged a first month down payment when the reservation is confirmed. Then, the rest of the nights will be charged on a monthly basis.

Additionally some properties require a security deposit so you should read that fine print carefully.
We have had only positive experiences and we typically book at higher end properties.

Yes--it can be slightly more risk than a hotel. But we also book using a credit card that has excellent travel protection. Read the T&C carefully and book with experienced hosts and you should be fine.
We rarely stay in hotels any longer as we prefer having a kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as a separate bedroom from living area. For longer stays you will feel like you are living in a home as opposed to a hotel room which is preferable for us.

 

[Phoenix]

Thanks so much, ladies.

I just paid 50%. The other 50% is paid closer to the time I arrive. I've booked a place with a Superhost with lots of positive reviews. So, hopefully, it should be ok.

 

[LinSF]

I think it has to do with the length of time you are staying, the distance from today to the actual booking date, and the total amount of the rental- whether they make you pay full or partial. Everything under about $500 has been full payment required. I think its been partial where it's been over $1,000, but even then the full payment is due about 5 days beforehand.

I use Airbnb quite a bit, personal and business.

 

[redwood66]

@Phoenix please let us know how this turns out. I have been looking at AirBnB for a 2-3 month stay in Ireland with hubby. It seems you can get a substantial discount on 28+ day stays and our thought was to pick 2 or 3 in different areas - Dublin and West probably.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Yup with VRBO, we've always paid upfront. Never had an issue. Much success to you.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Phoenix]

Thanks very much, ladies.

@redwood66, I certainly will. My host has been superb so far, helping me with airport pick-up and other logistics. I notice that there's a 15% discount with this booking if you stay longer than a week. I think the discount changes from host to host and is also dependent on duration.