Anyone successfully use VRBO Damage Protection for extra cleaning sub-$200?

[Christina B.]

A lot of my guests purchase the $59 Damage Protection policy from VRBO and I've never had to file a claim until possibly, today. Curious how others approach extra cleaning charges? (Yes, guests paid cleaning fee and dog fees. However, all towels and linens are muddy and stained. And there's excessive dog hair on the carpets, linens, and shades. By excessive, I mean we could stuff a small pillow or plushy. Dogs clearly shedding. Everything is documented via photos and even video of a small sweep of one section. Yes, I can charge the cost for extra cleaning time.)

If extra cleaning comes to under $200, do most of you just cover it and let it go? Usually, I reach out to guest first, provide pics (and/or video) and explain why it's considered excessive (or above and beyond). Most pay. A very few act surprised that excessive cleaning isn't covered by the pet fees (those cases involved poop and/or pee stains, etc.).

However, as I've never filed a claim on the VRBO dash, I'm curious if this means I just file it and don't need to reach out to the guest at all. And I don't love VRBO's review system as we can't provide comments for other hosts to see.

Thanks for your feedback and experiences!

[Michael Baum]

Hey @Christina B., so I have never had an issue with cleaning after a dog and we allow up to 2.

Are you charging a pet fee? If you are, I would bet that you won't be able to enter a claim. You already charged the guest an extra fee that is supposed to cover the extra costs for cleaning.

You can always try and see what happens!