How Does the Process Work in Cases of Damage, Loss, and Destruction?

Every homeowner considering short-term rentals inevitably has this question in mind: “What will happen if a guest damages something in the house?” Lost belongings, broken glasses, or scratched tables... This concern is very natural; because your home is not just a real estate investment, but also a value that you have created with great effort.

At Homeyday, we approach the process with this sensitivity. In this guide, we outline in detail the professional roadmap we follow in cases of damage, loss, and harm.

1. Damage Management Begins Before the Guest Arrives

The real answer to the question “How do we solve the damage?” lies in preventing the damage from occurring in the first place.

• Guest Selection and Communication Language: In the communication established prior to the reservation, we analyze the guest's profile and purpose of travel. If necessary, we eliminate risky profiles even before they enter by giving clear warnings such as “This house is not suitable for parties” or “We have quiet hours”.

• House Rules: Every detail, from the smoking ban to pet rules, is written with enough clarity to serve as a "legal basis" both on digital platforms and in property guides.

2. Who Takes Care of the House Between Check-in and Check-out?

Privacy is essential while the guest is in a short-term rental, but this does not mean leaving your house to its own fate. As Homeyday, we operationally get involved in the process during complaints from neighbors, technical fault notifications, or emergencies, ensuring the property's security even from a distance.

3. Post Check-out Control: How is Damage Detected?

The critical moment is when the guest leaves. When Homeyday operations teams enter the apartment for cleaning, they follow a professional checklist:

• General Condition and Furniture: Broken chairs, burn marks, or deep scratches on surfaces.

• Electronics: Functionality of TV, air conditioning, and white goods.

• Textiles: Stains that won't come out or textile damage.

• Documentation: When any problem is detected, photos are taken with date and time stamps, and video recordings are made. These pieces of evidence are reported to the homeowner.

4. How Do Platform Damage Policies Come Into Play?

Not just Airbnb, but each of the other global channels like Booking.com has its own security systems (like the Resolution Center).

• Quick Response: We document the damage with evidence and communicate it to the guest in a gentle but clear manner. Many damages are resolved at this stage with the guest's acceptance.

• File Tracking: If an agreement cannot be reached, we open a file through the damage protection programs offered by the platforms, following the compensation process to the end on behalf of the homeowner by presenting invoices and price quotations.

5. Minor Damage vs. Major Damage: Does Everything Need to be Turned into a Battlefield?

Locking processes for every small scratch is not efficient. Homeyday categorizes damage:

1. Minor / Operational Damages: Items like a broken glass or plate are generally considered "part of the business" and are quickly replenished with our stock management.

2. Medium and Major Damages: In serious situations such as breaking a TV or damage to doors/locks, the damage compensation process is strictly applied.

6. Insurance and Additional Security

Instead of relying solely on the guarantees provided by the platforms, we recommend checking if your homeowners insurance is compliant with the "short-term rental" status. While we act as your advocate in the operational and platform side of the job, we provide you with strategic advice regarding the scope of your insurance policy.

7. What is Your Role as a Homeowner?

We communicate with the guest on your behalf, collect the evidence, and open the file. All we expect from you is to share the sensitive points in the property at the beginning and to give the necessary approval for repair proposals in case of major damage. In other words, you are involved in the process but away from the burden of every detail.

8. Realistic Expectations: What Can We Do, What Can't We Do?

Due to our honesty policy, it is not realistic to guarantee that 100% of every damage will be collected. However, having a team that knows the process, prepares professional files, and is fluent in platform language significantly increases your success rate compared to handling it alone.

9. What Do We Do Initially to Reduce Damage?

During the discovery phase, we protect the property from the start with "damage-preventive decoration" recommendations such as durable furniture choices, washable paint suggestions, and safely storing valuable items.

Conclusion: Damage Management is Not Just About "Getting Things Back Together", It is a System Established from the Start

The risk of damage and loss exists in every accommodation model. The important thing is to manage this risk with a professional team and prevent financial and moral wear. With Homeyday, your property is in safe hands.