guest stayed 5 nights, party-hosted, broke 2 chairs and a window. damages ~$1,800. filed AirCover claim with photos and timestamps. airbnb refunded the guest IN FULL claiming "the listing photos didn't match expectations." lost the $1,200 booking AND have $1,800 damage.
aircover decisions are notorious for going against hosts. escalation tree: file appeal first, then formal arbitration demand under their TOS, then file with state AG. file with credit card chargeback if guest paid by cc.
file a small claims suit against the GUEST directly. you have their contact info, you have evidence of damage, the airbnb refund decision doesn't bind a court. most guests settle quickly to avoid the judgment.
direct lawsuit against guest is the move. airbnb is just the platform — your tort claim against the actual person who damaged your property is independent.