This is one part question, one part warning.

I just booked an Airbnb. The listing said a security deposit is required, but it didn't give an amount. I assumed it would be added to my Airbnb payment.

After booking, I got an email with a link to a third party website (Enso Connect). The email said this website would be where I check in and get access info.

Well, the link took me to a website that wanted a photo of my drivers license, my phone number, and a $750 security deposit (more than 50% of the total bill). Needless to say, I am very reluctant to pay this.

I managed to actually get a human at Airbnb, but she told me this host is authorized to collect security deposits. But I'm not comfortable paying through a separate website that is not Airbnb (and I'm also annoyed I wasn't told the security deposit amount before booking).

The Airbnb customer service agent says I can use a feature within Airbnb to send the host the security deposit. I checked this out, and it does seem legit, but I'm still hesitant because of the amount. Also, over 10 years and 15+ rentals, I've never had any host ask for a security deposit or use a third party site.

I have messaged the host but haven't heard back yet.

I'm trying to book a place for my parents to stay to see the Artemis launch, so options are VERY limited.

I opted to cancel, but I thought I'd ask if anyone here has had this happen before. And also offer up a warning in case it happens to anyone else.

Never seen that before and wouldn't pay outside of the platform, but a good FYI.

Thanks for chiming in as a host. When I google searched this particular issue, there was not much info and it was conflicting.

What you've explained about security deposits not being necessary was my understanding. Which makes it all the more frustrating and confusing why Airnbnb is giving some hosts exemptions that violate their own policy.

When I initiated the chat bot and explained my problem, the AI response was "security deposits are not allowed, report this listing". Obviously, I got the * explanation when I talked to customer service.

The lack of transparency on this - both by the host and Airbnb - is not acceptable, IMO.

Side note, because we are desperate, I also searched booking.com. I saw three properties there that were available to book for our exact dates. They all had great reviews, but I couldn't read any of them because the booking.com listing said the reviews were all left on another platform, and when someone books through booking.com and leaves a review, then there will be a review to read on that website. Red flag.

So, I went back to Airbnb and found all three listings there, except NONE of them were available to book. I messaged the host (same host for all three), and he confirmed they were booked. I told him about the issue on booking.com. Ugh - the last thing I want is to book a place for my parents that isn't even available.

So, if anyone wonders why some of us stick with Airbnb despite its problems - this is why. Because the other platforms are WORSE.