Truly just venting here cuz I know my coworkers are sick of it.

Currently in town for a 5 day full staff retreat, which involved renting several large properties.

The property I rented for a group of coworkers has been a nonstop nightmare ONLY because of the host.

Total price paid $15000+

This is a NICE property, of which we paid plenty for.

The issues started on check in day. I will fully admit we missed a message from our host asking for our ETA - we were in transit, WiFi and cell coverage and whatnot meant we didn’t get the notification, and we ended up in a situation where we didn’t realize we were unable to check in until we pulled up.

Host demanded we call him, and let us know he was 40 minutes out. I had planned to drop my coworkers and make an urgently needed grocery store run so I asked the host if I could provide him with the name
And number of my coworker so they could check in.

He refused, was firm I must be present and would be the only person he would work with. Who knows what the plan would have been had I been hit by travel delays…

He then calls back, letting me know he feels bad, agrees to let me send him a picture of my ID but says “ I won’t leave until you return so I hope you can make it back from your errand quickly”

Ok… I am off to run my errand.

I get a call about 10 minutes into my shopping trip from my coworker who is now meeting with Natalie, another host who magically was able to show up much quicker than 40 minutes.

Apparently the host we’ve been chatting with, Nick, didn’t get my picture text and tried calling. My phone never rang or showed a missed call, Nick didn’t try again, and instead decided I was lying and sent someone over to kick us out of the house and force my party to wait outside until I arrived.

I abandoned a cart of groceries and headed back to the airbnb to address the issue.
When I arrived, Natalie was standing at the front door, hands on hips, smug ass fucking look on her face.

Wind knocked from her sails as I walk up with my ID that I’m guessing she assumed I didn’t have.

She headed into a locked room with my ID and I don’t see her for several minutes. After about 10 minutes of this, Nick finally arrives. Makes a big speech about how disturbing it was I never texted him and then didn’t answer my phone. I asked if he tried again or left a voicemail? He says “no. I didn’t need to “

Mind you - the entire house is a cell service dead zone and I’ve now discovered this.

Next - Nick requires I do a full property tour documenting all flaws. I am forced to write everything down, and Nick becomes irritated with me when I start getting really specific and pointing out every tiny dent that I can find throughout.

Mind you - Nick made me do this lmfao.

He then heads downstairs and I remain upstairs with my coworkers for about 30 minutes shooting the shit.

Imagine my surprise when I headed back to the front entrance to head back to the grocery store - Nick is still there, seemingly moving things from
One side of the locked office to the other.

He remained in the property for approximately 1 hour total after arriving. We couldn’t get him to leave. He ultimately left when I decided to left, which felt deeply uncomfortable.

Next night, a coworker got locked out and couldn’t reach any of us. She tried Nick via text since she had his number after checking in, he didn’t answer, and ultimately one of us woke up and let her in.

12 hours later Nick called me and chastised me for “texting instead of calling” then said “did you get your issue resolved?”

Yeah buddy. We did.

The next day - Nick called me back to back to ensure I’d bring a package in for him.

And then today, the day before we check out - I get a call from Airbnb support letting us know the host is very alarmed out belongings are still in the house. Yep. Cuz we have the property for another 24 hours. I call Nick, Nick begins accusing me of adding an additional day last minute and tells me how “inconsiderate” that was and “it’s customary to ask the host first”

I explain that I didn’t do that. Nick cuts me off and says “you clearly added an additional day.”
I tell him to check the fucking app.

Nick gets quiet, I then say “Nick - I’m sick of having my trip repeatedly disrupted by you. I’ve brought packages in” and the cuts me off, with a dramatic “it was a tiny package, was that really that difficult?” I said “and do you know what I was doing when I was forced to take your call?”

Nick replies “ok. I see who I’m dealing with”

I hit the fucking roof yall.

So here we stand - Airbnb support has reassured me that “oh yes you are in fact booked for the dates on our app and therefor this issue is resolved” and has said nothing about the insane fucking stay we’ve had.

So, I have a question if there’s any recourse for my brother in this peculiar situation. He reached out to Airbnb and they said there was nothing wrong and closed the case.
Background: 4 of us(40-50yo men) stayed at a 2 bed condo near Clemson University to attend the Vtech/Clemson football game. Upon entering the unit Friday night, we noticed personal belongings in the bathroom and laughed. Then a gentleman(name withheld) came out of the bathroom about 5 minutes later and introduced himself. He lives in the attached garage and only has access to his room through the downstairs bathroom. None of this was disclosed beforehand. Host said he lived in the duplex next door, not the unit we were staying in. Very bizarre and uncomfortable. But we’re 4 grown men so we dealt with it. I can’t imagine a group of women encountering this. Saturday morning he came out of the bathroom to ask us if we wanted any pizza. The whole situation is becoming bizarre and comical at this point. Fast forward to Saturday night, we come back after the game and are watching the end of the World Series game while 2 of us are asleep. This person comes in with 2 guests of his own. We obviously feel weird and retreat to our rooms after they ask us if we wanted to smoke weed. Then we hear the gentleman violently puking for 5+ minutes outside of our room on the attached patio. We peeked outside to see him lying on the hammock throwing up off the side. We were beside ourselves because they had the lights on and had to be told to turn them off. We had early flights out of Atlanta the next morning and I was irritated. My brother has a short video of him lying comatose in the hammock. It wasn’t cheap to stay here either. It was not a carefree stay and felt very bothered by this person and the continued encounters we had. Not to mention, there was no soap in either shower lol.

Update: he’s apparently edited his listing to show the guy lives there in a 3rd bedroom and manages the property. It’s the garage but whatever. He has been a host for 10 years with 1 review. Very odd.

It will be interesting to read the different responses, as very often when I read reddit posts like this, it's pretty obvious by the replies who is a airbnb host/owner and who is a guest.

I have been working as a co-host for just over 10 months now. I have gotten a very good feel of Airbnb and I have learned a lot since I started. I am managing a VERY unique property which makes it harder for me to learn some things.

I am looking to find someone I can talk to who can help me with certain things. I would like some help strategizing our pricing, description and listing photo order. Where can I find someone who can help? Willing to pay for one to one video mentorship, just not sure where I can find this.

I started renting out my spare room in July and the summer was great! Got awarded super host status and top 5% of homes.

But now it’s approaching November, and… nothing. I’ve reduced the price and allowed people to book for one night (instead of two minimum), and still nothing.

I’m not turning on instant book because I’m a female and live on my own so it’s important to approve my guests, but not sure what else to do. Anyone else got any suggestions?? Do you find November to be a dead month?

One of my cousins is staying at an Airbnb and she found the fridge to be gross. In particular the water/ice dispenser. Link to picture: water/ice dispenser

Would you clean it or ask the host to send cleaners?

So we booked with a host for about a 12 day stay. We noticed the couch in the living room was a very cheap Chinese Amazon couch. Uncomfortable but we only used it to sit. The first time sitting on the corner seat, the backing leaned back. At first we figured this was a feature, in hindsight it was either broken before we got there or we got unlucky in a game of Russian roulette. They filed a claim wanting us to pay for the entire couch. A big sectional off Amazon, cheap Chinese made for a little less than $500. Obviously we should have said something but with our plans and kids running around we didn’t put too much thought into it. The claim showed this couch is just over a year old. I’ve had Amazon furniture crap out on me in less time. Whether it was broken before we arrived or we somehow broke it by using it normally, is it really fair to blame the guest that got unlucky for wear and tear that eventually broke the couch? This seems like an unlimited furniture hack for hosts. Buy cheap furniture, wait for it to finally give out during a guest stay, then have them pay for the entire thing. Any advice or lessons learned? Should we offer to just pay to repair or replace that one part of the sectional? what’s air bnbs policy on wear and tear?

We reserved a nice AirBNB for the last week of the year. Everything good but the host requested an email for check-in instructions. I’m really hesitant to take communication off platform.

How can we politely communicate that we prefer to keep all communication on platform and are not comfortable providing an email?

Is this a potential red flag?

What risks are there to taking communication off platform? Is this a way to skirt around the new rules?

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/45379296?check_out=2027-01-15&viralityEntryPoint=154&s=76&check_in=2027-01-10&adults=1&guests=1

Mods. please delete if not allowed. I'm a travel writer with The Boston Globe, and I'm working on a story about the policy changes, trying to get both sides of the story. I'd love to hear from guests who were floored by the list of end-of-stay chores, or hosts who were appalled by how guests left the rental. You can reach me directly at muther@globe.com. Looking for folks who won't mind their name being used in a story. Many thanks in advance.

This is my first time getting an Airbnb, have previously booked w/ friends from there acounts. Made a reservation a month ago and asked before I fully reserved it to make sure it was the whole apartment and nothing was shared. Host agreed that the whole unit was mine. The last day I could cancel (today) literally 3 hours before, She tells me that she will be staying the entire time with her dogs. Sent her the screenshot of what she said initially and she responded things came up she has to stay for work. I canceled the reservation, now I can't find another reservation or hotel thats not overpriced anywhere in the city. Was going for next weekend for Dia de los Muertos. She kind of ruined my trip. This Apartment was LISTED AS THE ENTIRE HOME not the room, anybody confused about it.

I was trying to book an Airbnb for October 30–November 1, but October 31 appeared unavailable on the calendar, so I decided to book another property.

I thought the first reservation hadn’t been completed because I was still going through ID verification. Then I discovered both bookings had gone through, and I’d been charged for both. The unintended reservation cost ₱3,374.

I contacted the first host within an hour to explain and ask for a full refund. He declined, saying the reservation had blocked his calendar and he couldn’t make an exception to the cancellation policy. I asked him to reconsider, but he declined again.

I understand there’s a cancellation policy, but I’m confused about how the booking went through when one of the dates appeared unavailable. I’ve already contacted Airbnb support, and my case is in progress.

Has anyone dealt with something similar? Was Airbnb able to help, and is there anything specific I should ask support to review? That amount is a lot for me, so I’m trying to understand my options.

UPDATE: It's been resolved! The agent for the airbnb was very nice and helpful and explained the mishap that happened with the ID also, and issued a full refund on their own end since it was my very first time booking. Waiting til its been sent!

I stayed at a place 6 months ago and left a 3* review that had several positives, but noted several negatives such as noise from the upstairs neighbors and the worst part being the place was entered without permission or prior notice by the owner or owner's family while we were out. I considered this a safety issue and noted it in the review and actually reported it to Airbnb when it occurred. This occurred on the last day of our stay. I never asked for a refund or anything as a result of the concern or safety violation. The review was published. 6 months later I get a notice that its been removed for "pressure or coercion". This is a little upsetting because the review was an honest statements of fact. There is nothing that could have been seen as pressure or coercion. It's also odd that it was up for 6 months and suddenly now is allowed to be removed. Unfortunately I can't post the review here because it's not online and I didn't save a copy at this point. Are hosts lying to have reviews removed? I never contacted the host other than during our arrival and to say we checked out. I never asked for anything from the host. I'm also concerned it could affect my rating as a guest.

So I booked a place and got one of those links to fill out a form with my ID, etc. no problem. The message says the form includes a “damage waiver.” Well the “damage waiver” is actually a $20 non refundable fee. I wanted the host to document in the chat that he was asking for this fee so I told him the payment system on his site wasn’t working and he made a request through Airbnb for the money.

Obviously $20 isn’t much but this just rubbed me the wrong way so I called Airbnb saying this non refundable extra fee isn’t allowed since it’s not in the price. The genius of his plan was that since it was called a “damage waiver” the support rep first thought it was a permitted security deposit, but after she checked with a supervisor decided it wasn’t allowed.

In the end I got a refund of the stay and Airbnb paid part of the difference for me to stay elsewhere (since it was the day of the reservation). Ultimately it was a nicer place but probably not worth the hassle over $20

I’m just curious— I’m assuming the host knew this was risky and could cause issues with Airbnb for him, which is why he tried to disguise the fee as a “waiver.” Why is that worth it for $20? Is there something on the host end squeezing you guys for fees from the platform?

Hi! I'm so sorry, I'm very new to this subreddit but me and my partner are currently staying in an Air BnB and our host asked us if we wanted new towels.

We said no, and requested for another day -- as we'd been busy.

Despite this, he showed up anyways-- knocked on the door, and when we didn't reply (we didn't hear him...) he entered anyways.

I will admit, our apartment is a bit messy, but I don't believe it's fair of him to enter without permission and begin passive aggressively insulting my partner for being messy? He claimed there was a "smell", which she explained, we had just eaten. Hence the containers of food on the counter -- and he completely pasted over that to continue complaining.

Sorry I've come for advice here on what to do. I'm unsure if this is allowed, and unhappy as my partner came to me on the brink of tears as we are both female and admittedly, having a man enter where we are staying without permission is quite terrifying.

My partner and I next week are celebrating a four year anniversary next weekend. The big plans were to do s’mores on the fire pit, grill some steaks for dinner and end in the night in the outdoor hot tub. However after requesting, our booking was auto denied and we were asked to submit an appeal. I did and even messaged the host. Host acknowledged that it wasn’t his doing and he’ll see if he can change things as he is in agreement that we should have our weekend at his cabin. However my appeal was denied despite our host wanting us to stay. What should we do? Why was I denied? I have no reviews. I have never stayed at an airbnb before.

Hi, first post here.

I’m currently staying at an Airbnb in Miami for another 9 days, and I’m having an issue with the shower that I’m not sure how to fix on my own.

The shower seems to have a temperature regulation problem. It only runs either extremely hot (almost scalding) or freezing cold. No in between…

My boyfriend and I have tried adjusting the single-handle faucet to find a comfortable middle temperature, but we can only get about 2–3 seconds of warm water before it becomes extremely hot or cold again. It’s practically impossible to take a normal shower without constantly adjusting the handle.

The bathroom sink also doesn’t produce hot water at all. The kitchen sink does, though.

Here’s the situation:
- Hot water is listed as an amenity.
- I first messaged the host around midnight last night.
- I followed up at noon today explaining the issue in more detail.
- It’s now 6 PM, and I still haven’t received any response.
- I have another 9 days left on my reservation.
- This place uses a Septic system.

I otherwise really like the property and would prefer not to relocate, but having a functioning shower is pretty important, especially for a longer stay. I’ve only been able to attempt the shower twice, and when I did, it had to be extremely short otherwise I’d burn myself or freeze. I’m too busy fiddling with the faucet before I can actually clean myself.

I’m not sure whether this is a plumbing issue that can be easily fixed or something more complicated.

For hosts and experienced guests:
- Does this sound like a plumbing issue, or could we be operating the shower incorrectly?
- How long should I reasonably wait for the host to respond before contacting Airbnb Support?
- If the issue can’t be resolved promptly, would requesting a partial refund be reasonable?
- Has anyone dealt with something similar, and how was it resolved?

I’m not trying to be difficult or unreasonable. I just want to be able to shower comfortably during my stay.

I’d really appreciate any advice or insight. I’ve attached my Chat history

Thank you!

I own a cleaning business and since Airbnbs recent announcement, properties have been in a lot worse shape as it’s given guests the excuse to not even clean up after themselves. I wish I could share pictures on here but it doesn’t work in this Sub.

Guests want to complain about doing chores or at the minimum cleaning up their scattered trash and filthiness? Okay, the cleaning prices will go up for hosts, which means…YAY! Guests have increased cleaning fees! It’s a cycle! Now we can hear guests complain about increased cleaning fees! Oh wait…they won’t notice because now it’s included in the final price ;) nightly rates are going up! The same people complaining about chores are shooting themselves in the foot, paying more! 😂 The same people with high cleaning expectations for their arrival are the same people complaining about the chores! Guess you’ll just have to pay more for cleaning! Oops. Guests will take advantage of this new announcement and think everything is free reign, leaving cleaners to clean up absolutely disgusting things that I could show you, but I will spare you!

The average guest doesn’t realize just how dirty they are. As Airbnb cleaners we are expected of the highest standards of cleanliness, so don’t be surprised if rates go up!

For the trolls. Firstly, prior to the new announcement, we’ve never required any of our owners to request guests to do anything for checkout, except start a load of dishes in the dishwasher as many owners have an 11-3 timeframe. We need those dishes done by the next turnover and they take a significant amount of time to wash by hand. (Yes we go through and make sure the dishwasher did a good job) If they don’t start the dishwasher, it is what it is. We don’t charge extra to the host. To be more time efficient, we do take home all dirty linens in storage bags to wash and replace beds with 2nd and third sets on the property.

Airbnb Trip Booked for this December
$3100.00

Had a bad Iceland night trip so got a coupon for $208

I had purchased Airbnb gift cards so i have a credit of $380 and another for $500

When I go to payment mention both iPhone and desktop.

It only shows options for my payment of credit card and then applying credits but it doesn’t give me a place to input or toggle my coupons (like it doesn’t show up) unless I click into my account and does not expire until June 2027

Is there a way to apply it?

Thank you!

What would happen if a guest left your dishwasher or washing machine running and a fault caused it to break or catch fire whilst they out? I appreciate some say it's common courtesy to start a dishwasher before you leave but I was taught it's common courtesy not to leave appliances running as it's a safety risk

Shout out to hosts who maintain sweet places that are clean, fresh, and comfy. 🤘

I see a lot of hosts who are upset with the new changes. I, as a guest, am kind of relieved to know that on the morning of my checkout, I’m no longer under the threat of a $200 “cleaning fee” for leaving behind a coffee mug in the sink (as the dishwasher runs with all the other dirty dishes) or two K-cups in the trash when I’m racing to make a flight. (And I’ve never had an issue with a host trying to collect it.)

The dishes and trash are taking the spotlight in terms of news coverage, but it appears a lot of other things are festering between hosts, airbnb, and guests that haven’t really been discussed nearly as much.

For example, reading the new rules, a host can’t ask for a government issued ID any longer unless the host can provide documentation/ proof that it’s required due to an HOA/ legal requirement.

They also can’t, generally ask for an additional contract to be signed? Is that true?

Then, if they do have an additional contract, Airbnb won’t support it. So if I break some house rule that Airbnb won’t enforce, and the host determines to kick me out/ terminate the reservation, then I’d be fully refunded by Airbnb. Right? (And it would then be up to the host to file a civil suit.)

(I don’t ask this to try and circumvent rules. But I’ve seen threats from hosts here saying if they turn the air down below 74 degrees, they’d be kicked out, no refund. Or day guests not being allowed and a penalty if guests are on-site. (Not overnight…. But you have 8 people there during the day and 2 sleeping…. You owe me thousands more.)

It seems those controlling hosts have lost a lot of control. Is that correct? (And again, I’ve never had a problem with a host for any of my stays but I’ve started talking to some super controlling hosts here that relate better to the soup Nazi rather than actually providing a good hospitality experience for their guest.)

So what are the changes that are really affecting hosts besides trash and dishes which, most guests would take care of anyway, vs the more broad changes that the soup nazis seem to be pissed about?

I know I'm going to ruffle a few feathers but does anyone else feel like hosts are just digging us into a deeper hole and making us all look bad. The general public is not sympathizing with us no matter how you word it.

My checkout instructions have always been:

-Leave the house clean and tidy

-Lock the doors

-Additional cleaning is always appreciated but not required.

I just let my guest's interpret the first one however they want. This has been my checkout instructions from the very start and I have a 5.0 rating and am booked out.  I've never charged a cleaning fee and have always worked it into the nightly price.

Most guests still wash their dishes. Most guests still leave the towels in a pile near the washer or start the washer. Most guests take out the trash. And some do even more. 

The ones who don't are the ones who probably weren't going to anyway.

Keep in mind, I have a 4 bedroom house with 5 beds, pet friendly, hot tub and huge backyard. I mainly host families with small children or concert goers as I am near a concert venue.

⭐️ I have doubles & triples of every single piece of linen, duvet, towels etc. My cleaners or I strip the beds, replace and wash the stuff at home. I thought everyone did this.

⭐️Most guests wash their dishes but more times than not I am rewashing at least a few items that may have not been washed to my standard or have finger prints on them. A lot of guests forget to clean out the coffee machine so I have to wash the pot anyway. Is that not happening you guys do too? If it is, then why is washing a few more dishes such a big deal? If it is enough dishes, I just pop them in the dishwasher on the fast cycle.

⭐️All my guests take the trash out as it gets full during their stay. But they almost always leave something in the trash assuming because of the morning rush to get out of there. I actually don't mind this because it means that I don't have to waste a trash bag for things that I am throwing away during cleaning. I then simply take it out after I'm done cleaning.

If this is a hill you want to die on, why not have a sign in your Airbnb that says something like 'We would truly appreciate it if you did the following but it isn't required...(insert list of your current chore list)'. You don't have to have this in your checkout instructions on Airbnb. Did Airbnb say this wasn't allowed or something?

Geez I'm just getting tired to seeing things on social media and then reading the comments bashing all hosts in general and stating things like 'this is why people stopped using Airbnb'.

Honestly, am I missing something? I feel like there are logical workarounds for the new changes.

I’ve booked past trips with an ex of mine and now when I go to look at my trips I can also see past trips and I’m forced to look at her profile picture since they were added as an attending guest, please let me remove/delete certain past trips I dont need the ptsd