Damage and Security Deposit Policy
Effective January 1, 2025 · Applies to all bookings made through booking.bnbhost.ca
A Security Deposit may be required at booking. It is released within 7–14 business days after check-out if no damage or violations are reported. Deductions may apply for damage, excessive cleaning, or policy breaches.
1. Purpose of This Policy
This Damage and Security Deposit Policy ("Policy") governs the assessment, collection, and refund of damage deposits ("Security Deposit") for all reservations made through booking.bnbhost.ca ("the Platform," "we," "our," or "us").
The purpose of this Policy is to protect Hosts and property owners against loss, theft, or damage caused by Guests ("you" or "your") during the booking period, and to establish transparent, fair, and enforceable procedures for deposit management.
2. Application of Security Deposits
- A Security Deposit may be automatically required as part of the booking process or requested by the Host before check-in.
- The amount varies by property and is displayed during booking confirmation.
- By completing a booking, you authorize booking.bnbhost.ca or its payment processor to temporarily pre-authorize or charge your payment method for the specified Security Deposit amount.
- The pre-authorization or hold will remain in effect until the end of your stay and will be released or adjusted according to this Policy.
3. Conditions for Withholding or Charging a Deposit
All or part of the Security Deposit may be withheld or charged to cover verified losses, including but not limited to:
- Physical damage to property, furnishings, or equipment
- Excessive cleaning required beyond normal use
- Theft, loss, or removal of items from the property
- Unauthorized guests, pets, or occupants
- Smoking, vaping, or illegal substance use
- Tampering with locks, alarms, cameras, or safety devices
- Late check-outs causing financial loss or operational disruption
- Breach of the House Rules and Guest Conduct Policy
- Any fines, penalties, or legal fees incurred as a result of your actions
4. Inspection and Reporting Procedure
- The Host or property manager will inspect the property within 24–48 hours after check-out.
- Any damages or policy violations must be reported to booking.bnbhost.ca with photographic evidence, documentation, and cost estimates.
- Guests will be notified in writing of any claim and provided an opportunity to respond or dispute within 72 hours of notification.
- Failure to respond within the stated period will be considered acceptance of the claim and authorization to proceed with deduction or charge.
5. Resolution and Deposit Deductions
Verified damages or violations will be deducted from the Security Deposit up to the actual cost of repair, replacement, or cleaning.
If the cost exceeds the Security Deposit, booking.bnbhost.ca reserves the right to charge the Guest's payment method for the remaining balance or pursue legal recovery.
In cases of conflicting evidence or unresolved disputes, booking.bnbhost.ca may mediate between the Host and Guest, but the Platform's decision shall be final and binding.
6. Refund of Security Deposit
- If no damage or violation is reported, the Security Deposit will be automatically released within 7–14 business days after check-out.
- Refund timelines depend on your bank or payment provider's policies.
- booking.bnbhost.ca is not responsible for delays caused by financial institutions or third-party processors.
7. Method of Collection and Authorization
By completing a booking, you: authorize booking.bnbhost.ca and its designated payment partners to place a hold or charge on your payment method for the Security Deposit amount; consent to deductions, charges, or withholdings in accordance with this Policy and the House Rules and Guest Conduct Policy; and waive any right to reverse or dispute such charges through chargebacks except in cases of proven unauthorized card use.
8. Evidence and Documentation
- Hosts must provide clear photo or video evidence of any alleged damage or violation.
- booking.bnbhost.ca may request invoices, estimates, or receipts to validate the claim.
- Guests are entitled to view supporting materials and submit counter-evidence before final resolution.
- All records and communications related to deposit claims are retained by the Platform for a minimum of 24 months.
9. Excessive or Intentional Damage
If the damage is determined to be intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent, booking.bnbhost.ca reserves the right to: charge the Guest's payment method for the full replacement or repair cost; pursue legal action for recovery of losses; and permanently suspend or blacklist the Guest's account across the Platform.
10. Cleaning and Odor Remediation Fees
In addition to standard cleaning charges, Guests may be charged for: deep cleaning required due to smoke, pets, or spills; odor removal (tobacco, cannabis, or other strong scents); stained linens, carpets, or upholstery; excessive garbage or unclean condition of the property. These charges may be deducted directly from the Security Deposit.
11. Fraud and False Claims
Submission of false or exaggerated damage claims by Hosts constitutes fraud and may result in account suspension or legal action.
Likewise, Guests submitting false denial or falsified evidence will forfeit any remaining deposit and may face permanent account removal. booking.bnbhost.ca reserves the right to cooperate with law enforcement where fraudulent behavior is suspected.
12. Limitation of Liability
booking.bnbhost.ca acts solely as a payment intermediary and facilitator for Security Deposits. We are not responsible for Host–Guest disputes, loss of personal items, or incidental damages unless caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct.
13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
All disputes arising from or relating to this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, or, at booking.bnbhost.ca's sole discretion, binding arbitration in that jurisdiction. booking.bnbhost.ca may also bring enforcement or recovery proceedings in the jurisdiction where the property is located.
14. Acknowledgment and Acceptance
By making a booking through booking.bnbhost.ca, you acknowledge and agree that: you have reviewed and accepted this Damage and Security Deposit Policy; you authorize deposit holds, deductions, and charges consistent with this Policy; and violations or damages may result in loss of deposit, additional charges, and permanent suspension from the Platform.