This host demanded a cash security deposit of 200 euros, which was not advertised in the public listing and violates AirBnB’s policy, which explicitly states: “Hosts aren’t allowed to charge guests a security deposit through our Resolution Center or outside the Airbnb platform. … If a guest, someone they invite, or a pet causes damage during a stay, the Host can request reimbursement from the guest through our Resolution Center.” Demanding a cash security deposit puts guests at risk because there is no record of the transaction and there is nothing to prevent a host from refusing to return the funds.
This host delegated the task of collecting the security deposit to a representative that was rude and belligerent, and who threatened to put us out on the street when we refused to pay it. While we were allowed to stay without paying the cash deposit, I would not recommend that anyone else stay with this host until they cease demanding a cash security deposit from their guests.