We often hear Airbnb horror stories, but most are from the guest’s point of view. However, we don’t often talk about how it can be challenging for the host as well. I mean, we all know the world has plenty of weirdos. Imagine trusting them with your property. Urgh, sounds scary, doesn’t it?
With nightmare guests like that, people must really regret being hosts. From stealing to turning the place into an absolute mess, they can run into all kinds of problems. But an online community lets hosts share stories about what unhinged guests are capable of. Check out the wildest ones below!
#1
I'm sure I will be downvoted to the basement for this BUT
many of you need to get a grip. I am both an owner of multiple properties and a frequent guest. I am so confused by all of the hosts out here who take such an antagonistic view of guests and/or expect them to earn the right to pay you for a night's stay. Too many hosts treat PAYING guests as if they are doing them a favor by renting them accommodation. These are not friends crashing in your guest room. Like it or not, you are in the hospitality business, be hospitable.
After 4 years hosting, I recently got my first bad review for an issue that really was a bad guest experience. The guest got a refund, new accomodatoin, and left a bad review. I didn't like the Airbnb policy that allowed both a refund and bad review. After some thought though, I was ultimately happy that the guest had a satisfactory experience renting on the platform. Hopefully they will use it again and another host won't be punished for my management company's mistake.
Our competition is hotels. So, yeah, if a guest treats your property as they would a hotel, that is wholly appropriate. If they are egregiously filthy or damaging, fine, issue a complaint or request for renumeration. I see too many hosts on here who expect their properties to be treated with absolute kid gloves. Charging to replace stained towels? Are you kidding? Bleach them and keep extras. It's part of the cost of doing business. Are you not writing off your expenses?
If you spend any time on travel forums you know that Airbnb sentiment is bad and getting worse. The #1 complaint is the huge list of checkout chores when we also charge a cleaning fee (far in excess of what they perceive they pay at a hotel).
My point is that hosts should either treat this as a business or get out. The more you demand of guests, the more people will go back to hotels. That hurts everyone who is trying to make a go of this hospitality business.
If you didn't enjoy my Ted Talk, go ahead, down vote away. When Airbnb loses its paying client base and all of our utilization rates go to hell, just understand that we have no one to blame but ourselves.
many of you need to get a grip. I am both an owner of multiple properties and a frequent guest. I am so confused by all of the hosts out here who take such an antagonistic view of guests and/or expect them to earn the right to pay you for a night's stay. Too many hosts treat PAYING guests as if they are doing them a favor by renting them accommodation. These are not friends crashing in your guest room. Like it or not, you are in the hospitality business, be hospitable.
After 4 years hosting, I recently got my first bad review for an issue that really was a bad guest experience. The guest got a refund, new accomodatoin, and left a bad review. I didn't like the Airbnb policy that allowed both a refund and bad review. After some thought though, I was ultimately happy that the guest had a satisfactory experience renting on the platform. Hopefully they will use it again and another host won't be punished for my management company's mistake.
Our competition is hotels. So, yeah, if a guest treats your property as they would a hotel, that is wholly appropriate. If they are egregiously filthy or damaging, fine, issue a complaint or request for renumeration. I see too many hosts on here who expect their properties to be treated with absolute kid gloves. Charging to replace stained towels? Are you kidding? Bleach them and keep extras. It's part of the cost of doing business. Are you not writing off your expenses?
If you spend any time on travel forums you know that Airbnb sentiment is bad and getting worse. The #1 complaint is the huge list of checkout chores when we also charge a cleaning fee (far in excess of what they perceive they pay at a hotel).
My point is that hosts should either treat this as a business or get out. The more you demand of guests, the more people will go back to hotels. That hurts everyone who is trying to make a go of this hospitality business.
If you didn't enjoy my Ted Talk, go ahead, down vote away. When Airbnb loses its paying client base and all of our utilization rates go to hell, just understand that we have no one to blame but ourselves.
65points
#2
Just had a great review that said “Best. Checkout. Instructions. Ever!!!
Our check out instructions are:
1. Go outside, take a deep breath and look at the beauty of nature.
2. Remember this moment.
3. Head out.
We got this. You paid a cleaning fee.
Our check out instructions are:
1. Go outside, take a deep breath and look at the beauty of nature.
2. Remember this moment.
3. Head out.
We got this. You paid a cleaning fee.
48points
#3
Guests abandoned dog, I want to keep him, they want him back
I manage listings for a family member and one of them is a really low budget place that attracts a lot of low quality people. The latest guests exemplified that by abandoning their dog.
When I arrived, he was in the garage barking. I also noticed he damaged the casing on the entry door from clawing at it so much. They didn't even leave him a bowl of water or food.
My first thought was they were keeping him in there to keep the place clean or something, forgot about him and left. I messaged immediately saying their dog is still here, left in the garage. I received a response of "We know we already left and will not be coming back".
That kind of floored me, and I responded "Am I to assume then you've abandoned your dog here?"
No response.
Fine by me. I really hit it off with the little guy. Golden retriever. Probably somewhere between 2 and 4 years old. Very loving and friendly with people. We were basically best friends within 20 minutes. My old dog passed away a few years back. I brought him straight home and busted out his old bowls and got him some wet/dry mix. He sleeps in my bed, we go on daily walks at a nature trail, the dog park, meeting all my friends/family.
I thought I had a new dog. It wasn't reported to Airbnb (didn't want some weird policy that I have to do something like call animal control)
Tonight (almost 3 weeks later), we get a message saying "Hello we want our dog back. Where was he taken??"
My heart sank, because I don't want to give these P'OS their dog back to neglect and probably abandon again when they decide having a dog isn't convenient anymore. I really wanted to lay into them, and had this been a more informal arrangement I would. But, I'm not in a position to do that.
I'm not sure the best way of going about this. I really hate lying to people, but this is a situation I feel like I might sacrifice my morals for the best interest of my little buddy Henry (They named him "Blaze", the poor thing wasn't even named right).
I'd like to say something along the lines of "As you abandoned your dog on our property and did not respond to our last message, we were forced to call another party to remove the animal. We do not know where the animal is.". If they ask who, I'll just say "We called an individual who works with various animal rescues. If you'd like their number let me know.". If they say yes, I'll give them a Burner number for my own phone and then tell them the dog was adopted to a family in Maine (all the way on the other corner of the country).
Thoughts?
I manage listings for a family member and one of them is a really low budget place that attracts a lot of low quality people. The latest guests exemplified that by abandoning their dog.
When I arrived, he was in the garage barking. I also noticed he damaged the casing on the entry door from clawing at it so much. They didn't even leave him a bowl of water or food.
My first thought was they were keeping him in there to keep the place clean or something, forgot about him and left. I messaged immediately saying their dog is still here, left in the garage. I received a response of "We know we already left and will not be coming back".
That kind of floored me, and I responded "Am I to assume then you've abandoned your dog here?"
No response.
Fine by me. I really hit it off with the little guy. Golden retriever. Probably somewhere between 2 and 4 years old. Very loving and friendly with people. We were basically best friends within 20 minutes. My old dog passed away a few years back. I brought him straight home and busted out his old bowls and got him some wet/dry mix. He sleeps in my bed, we go on daily walks at a nature trail, the dog park, meeting all my friends/family.
I thought I had a new dog. It wasn't reported to Airbnb (didn't want some weird policy that I have to do something like call animal control)
Tonight (almost 3 weeks later), we get a message saying "Hello we want our dog back. Where was he taken??"
My heart sank, because I don't want to give these P'OS their dog back to neglect and probably abandon again when they decide having a dog isn't convenient anymore. I really wanted to lay into them, and had this been a more informal arrangement I would. But, I'm not in a position to do that.
I'm not sure the best way of going about this. I really hate lying to people, but this is a situation I feel like I might sacrifice my morals for the best interest of my little buddy Henry (They named him "Blaze", the poor thing wasn't even named right).
I'd like to say something along the lines of "As you abandoned your dog on our property and did not respond to our last message, we were forced to call another party to remove the animal. We do not know where the animal is.". If they ask who, I'll just say "We called an individual who works with various animal rescues. If you'd like their number let me know.". If they say yes, I'll give them a Burner number for my own phone and then tell them the dog was adopted to a family in Maine (all the way on the other corner of the country).
Thoughts?
43points
Founded in 2007, Airbnb has become a major player in the online travel market. The pandemic had a huge impact on the travel industry. But research shows Airbnb was one of the hardest-hit platforms, with new bookings down 85%. In the post-COVID years, it began to regain momentum.
In fact, by 2022 it surpassed 2019 figures in booking volume and usage. Airbnb’s gross booking volume reached $92.6 billion in 2025. It had 9 million listings, run by 6 million hosts. Today, it is active in over 200 countries and 81,000 cities. Over half a billion guests have stayed in an Airbnb home, earning hosts $65 billion.
#4
Guest mistook my house for the Airbnb, complained it was very messy and cleaned my house.
A few years ago I got a message from a guest saying that the house was very messy and that she had cleaned it up. I thought this was odd because my cleaner generally does a very good job. Anyway I apologised and offered to refund the cleaning fee.
After a couple of hours she messaged me and said please don’t worry and the she made a mistake…
I get home from work and find my house absolutely spotless, my house is 15 and the airbnb is 15a. I left the door unlocked and she mistook my house for the airbnb and cleaned my house…
A few years ago I got a message from a guest saying that the house was very messy and that she had cleaned it up. I thought this was odd because my cleaner generally does a very good job. Anyway I apologised and offered to refund the cleaning fee.
After a couple of hours she messaged me and said please don’t worry and the she made a mistake…
I get home from work and find my house absolutely spotless, my house is 15 and the airbnb is 15a. I left the door unlocked and she mistook my house for the airbnb and cleaned my house…
34points
#5
Lawyer guest threatened to sue us
Had this lawyer from Oregon stay at my place. After checkout, he called saying he forgot his AirPods. Usually I help guests ship stuff back for free, just charge shipping costs.
Soon as I said this, he started cursing me out, accusing us of stealing his airpods and threatening to sue. I was like, I was just about to send it. And honestly who the hell steals airpods?
Told him if that was his attitude, we'd follow the rules and charge a handling fee. He agreed.
When it came time to pay, he refused and started threatening to sue us again.
I looked it up online - lawyers using their license to threaten regular people was misuse of professional privilege. I wonder if I should file a complaint with the State Bar or something
Updates:
His sister just called us and apologized and actually paid the handling fee. And I was collecting evidence and actually found him asking us about policy for lost items but I have an auto reply on (I have pre-set some FAQ auto replies) so I just missed it among multiple messages. And my auto reply actually told him about the policy already. He knew the policy.
I am still going for a complaint to the State Bar even if it doesn't go anywhere. This is just not right.
Had this lawyer from Oregon stay at my place. After checkout, he called saying he forgot his AirPods. Usually I help guests ship stuff back for free, just charge shipping costs.
Soon as I said this, he started cursing me out, accusing us of stealing his airpods and threatening to sue. I was like, I was just about to send it. And honestly who the hell steals airpods?
Told him if that was his attitude, we'd follow the rules and charge a handling fee. He agreed.
When it came time to pay, he refused and started threatening to sue us again.
I looked it up online - lawyers using their license to threaten regular people was misuse of professional privilege. I wonder if I should file a complaint with the State Bar or something
Updates:
His sister just called us and apologized and actually paid the handling fee. And I was collecting evidence and actually found him asking us about policy for lost items but I have an auto reply on (I have pre-set some FAQ auto replies) so I just missed it among multiple messages. And my auto reply actually told him about the policy already. He knew the policy.
I am still going for a complaint to the State Bar even if it doesn't go anywhere. This is just not right.
30points
#6
Hosts, spend the night at your Airbnb
Unexpectedly, I spent the night at my Airbnb and it was an invaluable lesson.
I noticed the squeaky bed, draws that don't open and close properly and a list of other things guests had not flagged up yet.
I would encourage all hosts to spend the night at their own listing as this could flag issues, highlight things your Airbnb could benefit from and prevent the 4 star review.
Unexpectedly, I spent the night at my Airbnb and it was an invaluable lesson.
I noticed the squeaky bed, draws that don't open and close properly and a list of other things guests had not flagged up yet.
I would encourage all hosts to spend the night at their own listing as this could flag issues, highlight things your Airbnb could benefit from and prevent the 4 star review.
28points
Speaking of the hosts, dealing with nightmare guests is probably one of their biggest cons. But they are not the only ones troubled by it. As short-term rentals slowly take over residential areas, issues are inevitable.
Homeowners are really unhappy with how some Airbnb guests turn their spaces into party zones. Especially with hostile guests, people feel unsafe near their own homes. I mean, their concerns are valid because nobody can predict what a guest will be like.
#7
Guest accidentally stole beach towels
...and replaced them at their cost!
This sub tends to amplify the bad hosting experiences so I wanted to share a positive one as a newer host who still hasn't become jaded.
We had three older but still nice beach towels available to use. During cleaning, they were nowhere to be found. Contacted the guest, who realized someone in their group had taken them on an outing to a remote location and forgotten them there. We said not to worry about it, since they were great guests otherwise. The beach towels were a near-zero-cost extra amenity anyway. (And not in our listing photos!) But the guest ordered a set of four nice, large beach towels, delivered to the property. We thanked them enthusiastically, of course.
I want to believe most guests would have the integrity to take responsibility for things like this. It may be naive, but for now I'm holding onto innocence!
...and replaced them at their cost!
This sub tends to amplify the bad hosting experiences so I wanted to share a positive one as a newer host who still hasn't become jaded.
We had three older but still nice beach towels available to use. During cleaning, they were nowhere to be found. Contacted the guest, who realized someone in their group had taken them on an outing to a remote location and forgotten them there. We said not to worry about it, since they were great guests otherwise. The beach towels were a near-zero-cost extra amenity anyway. (And not in our listing photos!) But the guest ordered a set of four nice, large beach towels, delivered to the property. We thanked them enthusiastically, of course.
I want to believe most guests would have the integrity to take responsibility for things like this. It may be naive, but for now I'm holding onto innocence!
26points
#8
3 guests stuck at my cabins
I had 3 of my 5 cabins occupied a few weeks ago all checking out Monday morning. To get to the cabins you drive across a dam past my little lake. Sunday night a TERRIBLE storm rolled in that took out trees all over the grounds. I got up early Monday and started chainsawing trees in the pouring rain so the guests would be able to check leave.
I finished around 8:00 am and got a call from one of the guests saying they couldn’t get out, not because of the trees but because of the flood. Flood?
I drove back to the cabins and sure enough there was over a foot of water overflowing over the dam and flowing HARD. 2 of the guests and I all have big trucks so I slowly picked through the water to make sure it was safe then they both left. Guest 3 had a lowered Toyota Corolla. I ended up pulling a truck off my trailer, loading their car on there and driving them out.
It was a wild and exhausting morning but the guests were thrilled they were able to leave with only a slight delay and I got my 5 stars.
I had 3 of my 5 cabins occupied a few weeks ago all checking out Monday morning. To get to the cabins you drive across a dam past my little lake. Sunday night a TERRIBLE storm rolled in that took out trees all over the grounds. I got up early Monday and started chainsawing trees in the pouring rain so the guests would be able to check leave.
I finished around 8:00 am and got a call from one of the guests saying they couldn’t get out, not because of the trees but because of the flood. Flood?
I drove back to the cabins and sure enough there was over a foot of water overflowing over the dam and flowing HARD. 2 of the guests and I all have big trucks so I slowly picked through the water to make sure it was safe then they both left. Guest 3 had a lowered Toyota Corolla. I ended up pulling a truck off my trailer, loading their car on there and driving them out.
It was a wild and exhausting morning but the guests were thrilled they were able to leave with only a slight delay and I got my 5 stars.
21points
#9
Person who showed up in my airbnb is a 15 year old kid who doesn't speak much English.
He is attending a 3 week pre-college program at a nearby university. The person who booked the unit (months ago) now admits she lied - she said she was taking a course at the university and would be staying alone. She claims she is the kid's cousin but I doubt this. The kid referred to her as a "counselor" and she is an educational consultant according to her airbnb and linkedin profiles. The pre-college program has a residential option that costs 12K. Without housing/food/supervision, the program is 6K.
What I think happened is that the kid's family (who presumably speak even less English than he does) paid this educational consultant to put their son in this program, and she decided to put him in our airbnb rather than pay for housing/food/supervision through the university so she could make more money. Now I'm trying to figure out what to do. I think I will notify his university program, which specifically prohibits minors living unsupervised like this. I will make sure he gets some dinner tonight. I will report the person who did this to airbnb.
He is attending a 3 week pre-college program at a nearby university. The person who booked the unit (months ago) now admits she lied - she said she was taking a course at the university and would be staying alone. She claims she is the kid's cousin but I doubt this. The kid referred to her as a "counselor" and she is an educational consultant according to her airbnb and linkedin profiles. The pre-college program has a residential option that costs 12K. Without housing/food/supervision, the program is 6K.
What I think happened is that the kid's family (who presumably speak even less English than he does) paid this educational consultant to put their son in this program, and she decided to put him in our airbnb rather than pay for housing/food/supervision through the university so she could make more money. Now I'm trying to figure out what to do. I think I will notify his university program, which specifically prohibits minors living unsupervised like this. I will make sure he gets some dinner tonight. I will report the person who did this to airbnb.
21points
In 2025, Anytime Estimate surveyed 1,000 Americans, including 33% who have stayed in an Airbnb and 24% who have or had one in their community. The survey asked about their views on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals, their potential impact on neighborhoods, and more.
It showed that just 40% think Airbnbs make good neighbors, and only 30% believe Airbnb guests care about the neighborhood’s well-being. Also, roughly 40% believe a neighbor converting their home into an Airbnb would decrease residents’ quality of life, more than 4x the number who say it would improve it (9%).
#10
Guests who checked in today are disappointed because they can't bake a cake
So, I point out that we have a hand blender with a whisk attachment. there are several 9x13 casserole dishes she can bake the cake in. The oven is brand new and pretty good. And there are two grocery stores within 10 minute walking distance (not to count bunch of mom and pop convenience stores in between). So she can indeed bake a cake if she wants.
She's disappointed because I do not stock, flour and sugar and butter and cream for my guests.
Just had to share. Guests are getting crazier and crazier....
So, I point out that we have a hand blender with a whisk attachment. there are several 9x13 casserole dishes she can bake the cake in. The oven is brand new and pretty good. And there are two grocery stores within 10 minute walking distance (not to count bunch of mom and pop convenience stores in between). So she can indeed bake a cake if she wants.
She's disappointed because I do not stock, flour and sugar and butter and cream for my guests.
Just had to share. Guests are getting crazier and crazier....
20points
#11
Time travelers
I just hosted two time travelers. These people arrived around 8pm last night and left at 730am this morning. They left the apartment with a week's worth of wear and tear as well as four tall kitchen trash bags worth of trash plus two empty boxes. Surprisingly, no booze whatsoever.
My guess is that they somehow manipulated the time space continuum to squeeze five or six days into less than twelve Earth hours. I'd love to ask them how they accomplished this.
I just hosted two time travelers. These people arrived around 8pm last night and left at 730am this morning. They left the apartment with a week's worth of wear and tear as well as four tall kitchen trash bags worth of trash plus two empty boxes. Surprisingly, no booze whatsoever.
My guess is that they somehow manipulated the time space continuum to squeeze five or six days into less than twelve Earth hours. I'd love to ask them how they accomplished this.
19points
#12
If you charge a cleaning fee, do not tell the guest to clean?
I got the 100$ coupon for superhost, so I decided to go to an airbnb for a couple days with my wife. I’m looking at these check out instructions and these seem insane to me? Am I too relaxed or are other people too far gone? There are 100$ dollar cleaning fees, where they expect you to wipe down all the hair out of the bathroom? Then start the sheets in the laundry? I can’t comprehend this, I get taking the trash out so it doesn’t smell, or not leaving a huge mess everywhere, but is this normal? What is the average check out procedure here? I’ve never looked at other people’s listings, this is just wild to me.
I got the 100$ coupon for superhost, so I decided to go to an airbnb for a couple days with my wife. I’m looking at these check out instructions and these seem insane to me? Am I too relaxed or are other people too far gone? There are 100$ dollar cleaning fees, where they expect you to wipe down all the hair out of the bathroom? Then start the sheets in the laundry? I can’t comprehend this, I get taking the trash out so it doesn’t smell, or not leaving a huge mess everywhere, but is this normal? What is the average check out procedure here? I’ve never looked at other people’s listings, this is just wild to me.
18points
Then there’s also the housing market issue in residential areas with Airbnbs. Terrible guests can make things pretty chaotic for residents. The survey showed that almost half of respondents (46%) believe short-term rentals will harm their neighborhood’s housing market in the next five to 10 years.
Also, 44% said they would be concerned, and 29% said they would be annoyed if they learned their neighbor was operating an Airbnb. Moreover, about half (49%) think residential areas should ban short-term rentals outright. Well, many governments have already started implementing this ban in a few cities.
#13
Flagged for discrimination because someone thinks our Norwegian flag is a confederate flag. Sigh
The whole theme for the cabin is Norway. It’s referred to as a hytte (what you call a cabin in Norway). We have the flag on the porch and under every pic it says Norwegian flag. Got a message at 4am that we were being investigated for discrimination. I tried to call twice but the operator didn’t understand what a confederate flag was either time. I wasn’t put through to anyone doing the actual investigation. I tried to reply to the email but the message feed was closed. Started a new thread so we’ll see if that helps. My concern is just that the person doing the review won’t know the difference. Sigh. Just venting. In case you’re wondering, we are of Norwegian descent, have family there, have been to their hytte, that was the inspiration. We’ve had this theme for 2 years.
ETA- STILL under review. As of yesterday they are “still investigating” and as of this morning they are still “reviewing the host’s response.”
Final update: It’s official, we did not violate the discrimination policy. Case closed. I mean, duh. I hope they reach out to whomever filed the complaint and tell them they’re an idiot.
The whole theme for the cabin is Norway. It’s referred to as a hytte (what you call a cabin in Norway). We have the flag on the porch and under every pic it says Norwegian flag. Got a message at 4am that we were being investigated for discrimination. I tried to call twice but the operator didn’t understand what a confederate flag was either time. I wasn’t put through to anyone doing the actual investigation. I tried to reply to the email but the message feed was closed. Started a new thread so we’ll see if that helps. My concern is just that the person doing the review won’t know the difference. Sigh. Just venting. In case you’re wondering, we are of Norwegian descent, have family there, have been to their hytte, that was the inspiration. We’ve had this theme for 2 years.
ETA- STILL under review. As of yesterday they are “still investigating” and as of this morning they are still “reviewing the host’s response.”
Final update: It’s official, we did not violate the discrimination policy. Case closed. I mean, duh. I hope they reach out to whomever filed the complaint and tell them they’re an idiot.
17points
#14
Cleaner allowed unauthorized stay between bookings
Our cleaner was letting her nephew stay at our place between bookings. Not sure how long this was going on, but he sure was surprised when I showed up. He didn’t stick to the story and I kicked him out. Should have called the cops. Glad I didn’t get physical even though I wanted to deep down. Cleaner obviously had the schedule and was exploiting that. It’s a good idea to go check on your place unannounced and stay when the cleaner doesn’t know you’re the next guest. Needless to say, cleaner was fired and all locks/codes changed. Security cameras going up asap, obviously can’t have them up for booked guests.
Our cleaner was letting her nephew stay at our place between bookings. Not sure how long this was going on, but he sure was surprised when I showed up. He didn’t stick to the story and I kicked him out. Should have called the cops. Glad I didn’t get physical even though I wanted to deep down. Cleaner obviously had the schedule and was exploiting that. It’s a good idea to go check on your place unannounced and stay when the cleaner doesn’t know you’re the next guest. Needless to say, cleaner was fired and all locks/codes changed. Security cameras going up asap, obviously can’t have them up for booked guests.
17points
#15
Guest showed up with 22 people, Airbnb doesn't want to enforce $50/per person per night fee
I had a guest book for 2 nights for 4 guests. She showed up with 22 people and had a party (music, speaker, balloons, very loud, violated quiet hours, unauthorized parking, alcohol pouches and balloons scattered over the property inside and out, all of which I caught on my exterior cameras and sent to Airbnb).
The party ended after 1am and now Airbnb does not want to give me the $50 per person per night fee that I charge for any guest over 7 which is my max. In total the guest should have paid $750 extra (22 people total, 7 max, which means 15 people were unauthorized and a $750 fee. I define "overnight" as anything past midnight). I reported the guest the night of and when she found out I reported her she sent me very nasty messages, cursing at me in the chat, and even threatened me saying "I hope I don't have to show you how low I can get". Airbnb says they "reprimanded" the guest, but she is apparently still on Airbnb and I'm really at a loss as to what I should do.
Has anyone else experienced this and how was it resolved? Airbnb is only willing to give me what the guest wants to pay, which is $150. I'm extremely annoyed and am not sure what to do, and Airbnb support, as you all already know, is awful.
EDIT AND UPDATE: Guest has been removed from Airbnb. Still waiting to see what I can get from Airbnb. If I get the $750 fine, if not I have learned my lesson and will call the cops/shut the party down and cancel the reservation immediately.
EDIT AND UPDATE #2: Airbnb gave me the $750! Thank you all for your help and the negative nellies for the entertainment.
I had a guest book for 2 nights for 4 guests. She showed up with 22 people and had a party (music, speaker, balloons, very loud, violated quiet hours, unauthorized parking, alcohol pouches and balloons scattered over the property inside and out, all of which I caught on my exterior cameras and sent to Airbnb).
The party ended after 1am and now Airbnb does not want to give me the $50 per person per night fee that I charge for any guest over 7 which is my max. In total the guest should have paid $750 extra (22 people total, 7 max, which means 15 people were unauthorized and a $750 fee. I define "overnight" as anything past midnight). I reported the guest the night of and when she found out I reported her she sent me very nasty messages, cursing at me in the chat, and even threatened me saying "I hope I don't have to show you how low I can get". Airbnb says they "reprimanded" the guest, but she is apparently still on Airbnb and I'm really at a loss as to what I should do.
Has anyone else experienced this and how was it resolved? Airbnb is only willing to give me what the guest wants to pay, which is $150. I'm extremely annoyed and am not sure what to do, and Airbnb support, as you all already know, is awful.
EDIT AND UPDATE: Guest has been removed from Airbnb. Still waiting to see what I can get from Airbnb. If I get the $750 fine, if not I have learned my lesson and will call the cops/shut the party down and cancel the reservation immediately.
EDIT AND UPDATE #2: Airbnb gave me the $750! Thank you all for your help and the negative nellies for the entertainment.
14points
The truth is that we can never really know people. But an Airbnb host shares that hosts can look for red flags before accepting reservations. While this doesn’t solve the issue completely, it might help them avoid some difficult situations. For starters, hosts need to be suspicious of incomplete profiles.
If a guest’s profile lacks a photo, verified ID, reviews, or other details, ask a few questions before accepting the booking. Hosts should also watch for vague booking requests. When guests dodge basic questions, they often reveal a lot about themselves.
#16
Kicked Out a Group of Crybaby “Heat Stroke Victims” Full Refund, Full Regret
Had a group of three grown women check into my Airbnb in San Antonio this past Thursday. They somehow managed to put the thermostat into Eco Mode “Away,” which basically shuts the AC off, and then were shocked to return to a house that was 88 degrees in the middle of July in Texas. Shocking, I know.
They immediately freak out and claim the AC is “broken.” I drive over to check it out, and of course, the thermostat is in Eco Mode. I switch it back to normal and explain very clearly that it will start cooling now and just needs a little time. That’s when the meltdown starts.
I’m not exaggerating full on crying. Not from a child, not from someone with actual heat exhaustion. From three adult women who claimed they were going to get heat stroke unless the house hit 65 degrees in five minutes. I asked if they understood how AC works. They told me yes, because when they go to a hotel it cools in 10 minutes. Right. Because a 200square foot hotel room and a 1,800 square foot 3 bed 3 bath home are totally the same thing.
I told them the house was cooling, they just needed to be patient. But they doubled down on the drama, saying if it wasn’t freezing cold in minutes they were leaving. At that point I realized I wasn’t dealing with normal guests just manipulative, entitled people who were either clueless or fishing for a reason to cancel.
So I told them to pack up and go. I gave them a full refund just to get them out. I’m not about to let people like that stay in my property, especially when they’re already acting like victims because they don’t know how a thermostat works.
Honestly, this just confirms everything I’ve been thinking. Selling off my Airbnbs was the right move. Hosting is great until you run into people like this who think crying will change how HVAC systems function.
Had a group of three grown women check into my Airbnb in San Antonio this past Thursday. They somehow managed to put the thermostat into Eco Mode “Away,” which basically shuts the AC off, and then were shocked to return to a house that was 88 degrees in the middle of July in Texas. Shocking, I know.
They immediately freak out and claim the AC is “broken.” I drive over to check it out, and of course, the thermostat is in Eco Mode. I switch it back to normal and explain very clearly that it will start cooling now and just needs a little time. That’s when the meltdown starts.
I’m not exaggerating full on crying. Not from a child, not from someone with actual heat exhaustion. From three adult women who claimed they were going to get heat stroke unless the house hit 65 degrees in five minutes. I asked if they understood how AC works. They told me yes, because when they go to a hotel it cools in 10 minutes. Right. Because a 200square foot hotel room and a 1,800 square foot 3 bed 3 bath home are totally the same thing.
I told them the house was cooling, they just needed to be patient. But they doubled down on the drama, saying if it wasn’t freezing cold in minutes they were leaving. At that point I realized I wasn’t dealing with normal guests just manipulative, entitled people who were either clueless or fishing for a reason to cancel.
So I told them to pack up and go. I gave them a full refund just to get them out. I’m not about to let people like that stay in my property, especially when they’re already acting like victims because they don’t know how a thermostat works.
Honestly, this just confirms everything I’ve been thinking. Selling off my Airbnbs was the right move. Hosting is great until you run into people like this who think crying will change how HVAC systems function.
13points
#17
Guests asked to use mailbox. I told them the mailbox is not available for guest use and now they are angry.
I have a guest that is booked for two weeks and on their second day they asked me where the key for the mailbox was because they wanted to have some items delivered. I told them the mailbox is not available for guest use, and suggested they use "General Delivery" where the packages will be delivered to the local Post Office for pickup instead. I was nice about it, but they came back angry and messaging how it's ridiculous they can't use the mailbox and how it's going to inconvenience them.
My reason for not allowing them to use the mailbox is because I was talking to a friend who is also a host, and use of the mailbox was part of how she had problems with squatters. Her guests had some bills delivered to the address and then claimed to live there, and she couldn't get them out for 3 months (finally the squatters parents came and removed them).
Am I being unreasonable in not allowing use of the mailbox and suggesting they use the post-office instead?
I have a guest that is booked for two weeks and on their second day they asked me where the key for the mailbox was because they wanted to have some items delivered. I told them the mailbox is not available for guest use, and suggested they use "General Delivery" where the packages will be delivered to the local Post Office for pickup instead. I was nice about it, but they came back angry and messaging how it's ridiculous they can't use the mailbox and how it's going to inconvenience them.
My reason for not allowing them to use the mailbox is because I was talking to a friend who is also a host, and use of the mailbox was part of how she had problems with squatters. Her guests had some bills delivered to the address and then claimed to live there, and she couldn't get them out for 3 months (finally the squatters parents came and removed them).
Am I being unreasonable in not allowing use of the mailbox and suggesting they use the post-office instead?
12points
#18
Oh my God. VRBO booked five stays on my incomplete, hidden listing. One showed up tonight.
I am having a full blown meltdown tonight. I can’t even believe what happened.
Was out at an arcade with the wife and kids. Had just ordered pizza. Unknown number called me five times. I ignored it because it was out of state, not my current guest, and it was too noisy to talk. Then get a text. “We just arrived and need the door code”.
I was completely lost. Our AirBnB guest has been there for two days. Next one isn’t til Thursday. Ask them their name. Search my emails. VRBO booked them and I missed the email.
I have never had an active VRBO listing
I had started the listing months ago. I never completed it. Had uploaded some photos and few other fields, but decided to stick with just AirBnB for now. When I log in, even tonight, the property says “incomplete” under it. It shows it’s also hidden. Nobody should have ever been able to see it, much less book it. I never even downloaded the app because it was an abandoned project in my mind. I wasn’t looking for VRBO emails because again, I had an incomplete, hidden property.
When I logged in, my stomach sank. They booked five stays. One was last week? I never heard anything from that person as best I know. VRBO never reached out or canceled it either. So I don’t even know what happened with those people.
The other three future stays all conflict with stays already confirmed on AirBnB.
I texted back the person tonight apologizing. I told them my VRBO listing is not supposed to be active, I have tenants in there, and asked them to please not bother them. I told them I would immediately cancel the reservation so they are refunded and did. They were extremely unhappy.
I have no idea if they bothered my current AirBnB guest or if they were even home. I’ve been waiting for an upset AirBnB message or call for hours. Thankfully nothing yet, so maybe I avoided absolute catastrophe.
My next thing is probably reaching out to my bank to make sure VRBO has an ACH block so they don’t start drafting cancelation fees for all the stays that should never have existed.
I am beyond words right now.
I am having a full blown meltdown tonight. I can’t even believe what happened.
Was out at an arcade with the wife and kids. Had just ordered pizza. Unknown number called me five times. I ignored it because it was out of state, not my current guest, and it was too noisy to talk. Then get a text. “We just arrived and need the door code”.
I was completely lost. Our AirBnB guest has been there for two days. Next one isn’t til Thursday. Ask them their name. Search my emails. VRBO booked them and I missed the email.
I have never had an active VRBO listing
I had started the listing months ago. I never completed it. Had uploaded some photos and few other fields, but decided to stick with just AirBnB for now. When I log in, even tonight, the property says “incomplete” under it. It shows it’s also hidden. Nobody should have ever been able to see it, much less book it. I never even downloaded the app because it was an abandoned project in my mind. I wasn’t looking for VRBO emails because again, I had an incomplete, hidden property.
When I logged in, my stomach sank. They booked five stays. One was last week? I never heard anything from that person as best I know. VRBO never reached out or canceled it either. So I don’t even know what happened with those people.
The other three future stays all conflict with stays already confirmed on AirBnB.
I texted back the person tonight apologizing. I told them my VRBO listing is not supposed to be active, I have tenants in there, and asked them to please not bother them. I told them I would immediately cancel the reservation so they are refunded and did. They were extremely unhappy.
I have no idea if they bothered my current AirBnB guest or if they were even home. I’ve been waiting for an upset AirBnB message or call for hours. Thankfully nothing yet, so maybe I avoided absolute catastrophe.
My next thing is probably reaching out to my bank to make sure VRBO has an ACH block so they don’t start drafting cancelation fees for all the stays that should never have existed.
I am beyond words right now.
12points
Hosts should also scrutinize requests that violate house rules. Guests who try to push boundaries before reserving are showing a toxic pattern. And this pattern might continue after they stay on the property.
Last-minute local bookings should also raise suspicions. Sometimes, they can indicate party intentions. Hosts can ask about it, gauge their reactions, and decide whether to accept the guests.
#19
Superhost in London for almost 10 years, thousands of guests — can we talk about American guests and the A/C thing
Been hosting in London since 2016. Multiple properties, thousands of check-ins, Superhost status the whole way through. I've hosted people from pretty much every country you can name, and Americans make up the biggest chunk of my bookings by far.
They're also, hands down, the group I get the most grief from. And I say that as someone who's had lovely American guests too — but the pattern is undeniable, and the entitlement from the difficult ones is on another level.
Case in point: it's summer. It's hot. It's hot every summer, this is not breaking news. Roughly 10% of UK homes have air conditioning. TEN percent. It is simply not a thing here — our housing stock was built to keep heat in, not out. Some of my properties have A/C. The ones that don't have high-powered fans provided, and the listing says exactly that.
Every single summer, without fail, I get American guests checking into a clearly-listed no-A/C flat and then messaging me like I've personally wronged them. "There's no air conditioning??" Correct. It's in the listing. It's in the amenities section. It's in the house guide. Guests from Spain, Japan, Germany, Australia — they read the listing, they crack a window, they get on with their holiday.
If climate control is a dealbreaker for you, that's completely fine — book a hotel, or filter for A/C on the app, it takes four seconds. But don't book a Victorian terrace in Zone 2, ignore the listing, and then come at me like I've hidden the A/C in the loft out of spite.
Rant over. Any other UK/EU hosts dealing with this every July?
Been hosting in London since 2016. Multiple properties, thousands of check-ins, Superhost status the whole way through. I've hosted people from pretty much every country you can name, and Americans make up the biggest chunk of my bookings by far.
They're also, hands down, the group I get the most grief from. And I say that as someone who's had lovely American guests too — but the pattern is undeniable, and the entitlement from the difficult ones is on another level.
Case in point: it's summer. It's hot. It's hot every summer, this is not breaking news. Roughly 10% of UK homes have air conditioning. TEN percent. It is simply not a thing here — our housing stock was built to keep heat in, not out. Some of my properties have A/C. The ones that don't have high-powered fans provided, and the listing says exactly that.
Every single summer, without fail, I get American guests checking into a clearly-listed no-A/C flat and then messaging me like I've personally wronged them. "There's no air conditioning??" Correct. It's in the listing. It's in the amenities section. It's in the house guide. Guests from Spain, Japan, Germany, Australia — they read the listing, they crack a window, they get on with their holiday.
If climate control is a dealbreaker for you, that's completely fine — book a hotel, or filter for A/C on the app, it takes four seconds. But don't book a Victorian terrace in Zone 2, ignore the listing, and then come at me like I've hidden the A/C in the loft out of spite.
Rant over. Any other UK/EU hosts dealing with this every July?
12points
#20
Guests won’t leave
We are new to hosting on Airbnb, and we were hoping for some advice.
We make it clear in our listing that no pets are allowed. We confirm that rule with guests in writing before booking so that there are no misunderstandings.
We gave the guest the code to the lockbox as we always do, but when the guests showed up, they had a dog with them. We sent our cleaning lady over to talk to them, and they denied having a dog. They even told her to search the property. We messaged the guest and said it’s not necessary to search since the dog is clearly visible on the security camera for the front driveway.
We contacted Airbnb, who told us the guest was in the wrong and that we would be supported. That ended up being a complete lie. They asked us what we wanted, and by that time (5:30 pm) the guests had burned up all of our good will, so we asked that the guests simply leave immediately with a full refund. We were told that Airbnb was helping them find pet friendly accommodations that were readily available and extremely close.
An hour later, at 6:30 pm, Airbnb contacted us and told us that the guests couldn’t leave because the parents (50 year olds) and kids (7-10 years old) had all gone to sleep. That ended up being one of many ridiculous lies.
To add insult to injury, the Airbnb “supervisor” accidentally messaged us a message she intended for the guests that encouraged them to keep asking us if they could stay.
Airbnb then encouraged us to submit a claim in the Resolution Center for a fee that the guests must pay for the dog. Of course the guests just ignored that as well.
The guests ended up ignoring our communications and they refuse to leave. They have spent the night even though we agreed to a full refund if they left immediately. The police won’t do anything, and Airbnb is actively working to keep the guests there.
Any thoughts?
We are new to hosting on Airbnb, and we were hoping for some advice.
We make it clear in our listing that no pets are allowed. We confirm that rule with guests in writing before booking so that there are no misunderstandings.
We gave the guest the code to the lockbox as we always do, but when the guests showed up, they had a dog with them. We sent our cleaning lady over to talk to them, and they denied having a dog. They even told her to search the property. We messaged the guest and said it’s not necessary to search since the dog is clearly visible on the security camera for the front driveway.
We contacted Airbnb, who told us the guest was in the wrong and that we would be supported. That ended up being a complete lie. They asked us what we wanted, and by that time (5:30 pm) the guests had burned up all of our good will, so we asked that the guests simply leave immediately with a full refund. We were told that Airbnb was helping them find pet friendly accommodations that were readily available and extremely close.
An hour later, at 6:30 pm, Airbnb contacted us and told us that the guests couldn’t leave because the parents (50 year olds) and kids (7-10 years old) had all gone to sleep. That ended up being one of many ridiculous lies.
To add insult to injury, the Airbnb “supervisor” accidentally messaged us a message she intended for the guests that encouraged them to keep asking us if they could stay.
Airbnb then encouraged us to submit a claim in the Resolution Center for a fee that the guests must pay for the dog. Of course the guests just ignored that as well.
The guests ended up ignoring our communications and they refuse to leave. They have spent the night even though we agreed to a full refund if they left immediately. The police won’t do anything, and Airbnb is actively working to keep the guests there.
Any thoughts?
11points