Listing wrongly suspended as “duplicate” of a previous host’s property

[Frederik139]

I’m reaching out here because I’m facing what seems to be a serious misunderstanding with Airbnb’s system, and I hope someone from the community (or Airbnb staff) can help clarify or escalate this situation.

I recently purchased a summerhouse, which I now fully own and manage myself. After creating a new listing for the property, it was suddenly suspended and flagged as a “duplicate” of a previous listing that had once existed under the former owner.

Here’s the issue:

• I have no connection whatsoever to the former owner or their Airbnb account.
• The previous owner’s listing was never flagged or removed for any policy or quality issues.
• My listing has a completely new ownership, management, and account.
• I have a strong hosting record with only 5-star reviews from other listings.

Despite explaining all of this and providing proof of ownership, Airbnb has upheld the suspension, citing their “Relisted Listings Policy” — which apparently ties enforcement to the property’s address, not the owner. This means that even though I had nothing to do with the prior listing, my new one is being penalized automatically by their system.

This feels deeply unfair. A property should not be “blacklisted” because of a previous host, especially when there’s new ownership and new management involved.

I’ve also offered to contact the former owner personally to remove their old listing if that helps clear any confusion in Airbnb’s system — but I haven’t received any reply from support on whether that would make a difference.

I’m kindly asking Airbnb to manually review this case rather than rely on automated AI-based detection. Human review is crucial here, since automated systems can’t see that ownership has changed and the property is being run responsibly and professionally now.

Has anyone else experienced something similar? Or does anyone know how I can get in contact with a department that handles ownership verifications or appeals beyond the standard support channel?

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this. Any advice or support from fellow hosts would be greatly appreciated.

Best, Frederik ☺️

[Joan2709]

@Frederik139 

Numerous posts from other Hosts about this same issue. Just type "duplicate listing" in the "search the community box".

I do suggest the previous owner permanently delete their listing (after downloading the financial information for this year).

You'll have to continue to escalate this with Airbnb as they have created this issue by allowing AI to automatically suspend any duplicate listing prior to investigation by a human to determine if there is a legit new owner and verifying the previous listing had no issues.

Circumvention Policy

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3566

[Frederik139]

Thanks for your help. Airbnb replied

”After reviewing your appeal and the information you've shared, I can clarify the specific reason for the listing's removal. Our records indicate that this listing, "Summerhouse at Ajstrup Strand," matches a previous listing at the same location that had been removed due to violations of our Host Ground Rules.

Under Airbnb's Relisted Listings policy, if a Host publishes a new listing that matches one previously subjected to an enforcement action (like removal) within one year, it is flagged as a relisted listing and deactivated. This policy is in place because the enforcement action is tied to the physical property itself, not just the previous owner or account, when it comes to certain types of violations.

While I understand this is not the news you hoped for, and it must be incredibly disappointing given you are a new owner, this is the reason our team has upheld the original decision. The system identifies the property based on its physical location and characteristics as having a prior history that led to removal.

As stated in the previous communication, we cannot accept further appeals on this specific listing at this time. If you wish to provide feedback on Airbnb's policies or your experience, you can do so at [link].”

[Joan2709]

@Frederik139 

So it seems like there were some issues with the previous owner/listing that they did not inform you of. 🤔

Airbnb's comments mention within 1 year as the time frame for any new listing, so perhaps they may consider allowing you to list it after 1 year elapses?

In the mean time, you have several options. You could list the property on other platforms, or sell it.

[Frederik139]

There have been no violations from the previous owner, so it’s factual false 

[Helen3]

How do you know this if you're not connected with the previous owner @Frederik139 ??

What are the ratings and reviews for the previous listing like? Any guest complaints? 

[Frederik139]

Because I asked the real estate agent to forward the email to the seller who replied to me… But of course they could just be straight up lying — it might be a legal case if my lawyers says they should have informed me before acting with good faith 

[Joan2709]

@Frederik139 

Yes...the previous owner may not have been truthful and you may have a "failure to disclose" case on the part of the seller.

Did they ever say why they were selling? Of course, they might not have been truthful on this as well.

[Joan2709]

@Frederik139 

Since we aren't able to see the previous listing or know what transpired between the previous owner and Airbnb, can't really comment on whether what Airbnb is saying is factual or not. Also, only the previous owner would know if Airbnb had placed any "listing issues" on the property and you would also only be able to see the public view of the listings and reviews (unless the owner gave you their login password, or added you as a Co Host to the previous listing).

Your profile on the CC shows "Guest" so not able to see any of your current listings? 

[Frederik139]

Hi again, 

I paid the deposit for the property, however I haven’t officially taken over. Therefore, I will consult my lawyer to determine whether the seller should have informed me about this matter. 

My listing is already suspended, and that is probably the reason why you cannot view it 🙂

[Joan2709]

@Frederik139 

You mentioned in your first post you already had a track record as a Host on other listings?

• I have a strong hosting record with only 5-star reviews from other listings.

[Frederik139]

yes I did have the chance to rent it out six times, which gave me 5-star reviews. After that, the listing got suspended.

[Joan2709]

@Frederik139 

So you didn't have other listings/properties; just this one that got suspended?

As I mentioned, best to list on other platforms while you try and work out something with Airbnb...doesn't sound like you be able to get it re-listed for awhile and any legal issues might take awhile as well. In the meantime, you need to generate revenue. 

List on other platforms, or consider traditional mid or long-term rentals. 

[Frederik139 · Accepted solution]

I just spoke with a nice support team member who told me that the seller should remove the listing entirely, and then I would be able to have it up and running! I am so relieved.

[Joan2709]

@Frederik139 

Good news...hope so! 👍

Let us know how it goes...lots of other Hosts in the same predicament.