Invasion of privacy - when is it vital to tell a guest they’re doing something dangerous?

[Sarah284]

Hi everyone!

I’m Sarah Rayner. 

In England I’m quite well known. 

I am a professional writer and love debating.

Currently legislation is going through parliament clamping down on fake online reviews. 

As a rule of thumb, we won’t take bookings for people unless they have 100 good reviews. 

But we have been caught out by one guest, and we were lured into letting her stay because she had a dog, and promised her dog was ‘well behaved’.

It out she was a sex worker. She was the worst guest we’ve ever had, and I think she’s no longer advertising herself on Airbnb.

She was unbelievably rude, and when I turned up early to clean, she made me wait in the car for two hours! 

She complained there were too many books for sale in her room. I’m a professional writer though, so I like to give my books away. 

It costs money to do giveaways and no one can trick me, or that’s what I thought… 

But she left used condoms and a massage toy. Proving some women will stop at nothing to get a good online review! 

[Rebecca]

Hello @Sarah284 👋

Welcome to the Airbnb Community Center. I'm really sorry to read your recent experience with a guest. Did you reach out to Airbnb customer support about this guest? 

I think there is a lot of support here on the Community Center to avoid these situations in the future too. @Joelle43, @Lorina14 and @Chippy3 - do you have any advice or support to offer Sarah? 

[Helen3]

If I only took bookings from guests with 100 positive reviews I would soon be out of business . Many of my guests don't have any reviews 😀😀 @Sarah284 

Not sure why having a dog would lure you into letting a guest stay - but I'm sorry they turned out to be problematic guests for you .

Hopefully you left an honest review to warn your fellow hosts . 

[Chippy3]

@Sarah284 Hi Sarah,

Wow,  I’m really sorry you had to go through that. That sounds like a very distressing and disappointing experience, especially when you’ve gone out of your way to offer a unique, generous stay with your personal touch as a writer.

It’s so disheartening when someone misrepresents themselves, and I think your story is a powerful reminder that even strong vetting processes (like requiring 100+ reviews) aren't foolproof. Sometimes, unfortunately, a “well-behaved dog” is not the red flag,  it’s everything else.

Your question about when to step in and say something to a guest doing something inappropriate or potentially dangerous is so valid. I believe the line is crossed the moment:

• There’s a health or safety risk

• You suspect the property is being used in a way not aligned with Airbnb’s standards

• Or, like in your case, there’s blatant disrespect and boundary-pushing

At that point, it’s not an “invasion of privacy”, it’s protecting your space, your mental health, and your business. Always document what you can, reach out to Airbnb Support, and trust your gut.

Thank you for sharing your story so candidly. I’m sure many of us have had moments we questioned ourselves for being “too trusting” , and your post helps others feel less alone in that.

Wishing you smoother stays and more guests who truly appreciate what you offer. 💛

[Helen3]

How many guests have you had @Chippy3 that have had 100 positive reviews? 

[Chippy3]

@Helen3 That's not my personal benchmark.

[Helen3]

My point is it's not a terribly practical one if you want to generate bookings .

I haven't had one guest who's met that criteria across any of my listings in nine years of hosting 😀 @Chippy3 

it's a little confusing because none of the guests who have reviewed @Sarah284  meet that criteria either. 

[Chippy3]

@Helen3  Sure, I understand that criteria doesn't work for everyone.  This insightful feedback can help @Sarah284 determine what her rule thresholds are for comfort and risk.