@George780 I understand that you are concerned about your financial vulnerabilities, but you should be concentrating on bigger issues, like:
1. Changing your access code the second a guest stay concludes. I can’t even imagine being walked in on by anyone or entering a place that’s already occupied. This is serious! Yes, it may have happened at this listing, but how does airbnb or any guest feels safe that all the codes at all your listings are not changed immediately when someone leaves. Really count your blessings that neither guest had weapons. This could have been a lot worse. I hope you will be implementing this change immediately—like yesterday.
2. Also, your access code should NEVER be given out before check-in time. Also, it’s important to touch base with guest a day or 2 before arrival—restating house rules, discussing check-in time and asking ETA, providing directions, and how to contact you.
Also, 4 days is not a long time to conclude an investigation, especially when compared to other hosts who have had to deal with airbnb CS for weeks with no communication; and issues ranged from guests’ complaints about cleanliness, undisclosed cameras, rental not as advertised, amenities not working, etc. So, the best you can do—while it will seem CS is taking forever—is to email and call CS everyday.
Yes, I agree that airbnb has all the power, but so will any other site you go to.
Just remember—Guest safety is paramount!