Air bnb calls city to inspect my listing after negative interaction with customer service.

[Seth176]

So I was battling customer service over the sms notifications not working and then being completely useless and doing absolutely nothing to fix this very important and necessary function. I get an email from airbnb asking me to make and attestation regarding the a/c I have in the unit. I received one suggestion from a guest months ago to add a fan to help circulate the cool air from the a/c throughout the unit, which I did immediately after. Out of nowhere I get this email for me to attest that the a/c is in working order which I can attest to. The same day I’m arguing with the rep about how ridiculous it is of them to require this because of one comment, not even a complaint, I get a phone call from the city asking to inspect my short term rental. Now there is no way the city would be calling only me to inspect my unit unless someone motivated them to do so. The reason I know it was Airbnb is because they don’t know I’m not also the owner of the property. If the city needs to inspect a unit in my building they will contact the owner not the tenant. So I had to be Airbnb who precipitated this inspection. Is this their way of trying to get me shut down? If so it seems totally unfair and almost harassment for them to call in an inspection just because of a disagreement. I dont see any other reason the city would be inspecting my place otherwise. There’s a chance of pure coincidence but we all know there are no coincidences in life. I’ve started a new listing with another STR platform to be ready if they decide to ban my account. What a bunch of cry babies and talk about not playing fair. I have no desire to be part of their bs any longer. 

[Brian2036]

@Seth176 

It seems highly unlikely that anyone from Airbnb or the CS subcontractors would do this to you.

They have much easier ways to damage a host, like freezing your calendar while they “investigate” an anonymous or imaginary complaint.

 I would suspect a vindictive neighbor or guest.

[Helen744]

@Seth176 I agree ,its no good being paranoid but as they say 'just because you are paranoid does not mean they are not trying to get you'. as Brian suggested its probably a neighbour ringing your local government ,who then rang airbnb, because they have them on speed dial , and them ringing you . not the other way around. H

[Sarah977]

@Seth176  I highly doubt it. As Brian says, if Airbnb wants to screw with you, they'll just suspend your listing. They don't report you to other authorities.

"The reason I know it was Airbnb is because they don’t know I’m not also the owner of the property. If the city needs to inspect a unit in my building they will contact the owner not the tenant".

Airbnb not knowing you are the owner is irrelevant. If this did originate with Airbnb, which is highly unlikely, they would give your name and address. The city knows who the owner is, and would see that it is the same name they were given.

[Ryan2352]

I concur with the others that it's unlikely AB&B would take this level of action or even know who to contact in your city to make it happen.  As others have said, they have easier means of doing things.

If your city requires registration in order to run your STR, this could be a random check that is simply coincidental.  Other thoughts are vindictive guests, angry neighbors or even jealous competitors.

[Seth176]

Thanks for your replies, I suppose you are probably correct that they have easier means. It was just so timely I could help but think it was them. And why did the city ask for me and not the owner. That’s what I can’t wrap my head around.

[Helen3]

Probably because you have put yourself as the main host on the listing @Seth176 

Do you need a license where you live for your type of listing? If so do you have one?

[Seth176]

Yes and yes