Airbnb's Failure to Act on Illegal Listing Despite Clear Evidence

[Rav1621]

Hello Airbnb Community,

I’m reaching out here out of sheer frustration with Airbnb’s inability or unwillingness to resolve a critical issue I’ve been raising for months.

The matter involves a property listed on Airbnb that is operating illegally under local regulations. Specifically, the property lacks the legally required license to operate as a short-term rental. This has been confirmed by local authorities, and I have provided Airbnb with all the necessary documentation multiple times to support my claims.

Despite this, Airbnb has:

1. Failed to Act: Repeatedly sent automated and generic responses instead of addressing the issue.
2. Ignored Evidence: Continued to request the same information that I have already provided multiple times.
3. Deflected Responsibility: Redirected the issue back to the host, even though the problem lies with Airbnb allowing an illegal listing to remain active on their platform.

This lack of accountability is deeply troubling. Airbnb has a responsibility to ensure its listings comply with the law, and their inaction in this case raises serious questions about the platform's commitment to legal and ethical standards.

As someone who has relied on Airbnb’s assurances of trust and responsibility, I find their response—or lack thereof—completely unacceptable. Their inability to resolve this matter despite clear evidence undermines the community's trust and reflects poorly on the platform.

I am sharing my experience here in hopes of bringing attention to this systemic issue and to call on Airbnb to:

1. Take immediate action to remove the illegal listing.
2. Improve their processes to ensure reports like these are handled seriously and efficiently.
3. Provide transparency and accountability for cases involving legal non-compliance.

If anyone in this community has faced similar challenges or has advice on how to ensure Airbnb takes appropriate action, I would greatly appreciate your input.

Let’s ensure Airbnb upholds the principles it claims to stand for and respects the communities it operates within.

Thank you,

[Rav1621]

The issue has been raised with the condominium management. In fact, the condominium board has formally directed the host to cease the illegal rental activities, and they have also reported the matter to local authorities. However, the condominium's powers are limited; beyond issuing these directives and filing reports, there is little else they can enforce directly. Unfortunately, enforcement of compliance lies primarily with Airbnb and local government authorities, and as of now, neither has taken substantive action to resolve the issue. This leaves residents, like myself, facing ongoing disturbances without adequate support from the responsible parties.

[Elaine701]

@Rav1621 

We are a legal host operating in a popular tourist destination.

We are fully and legally licenced, but many others listed on Airbnb and other platforms are not legal.

This has been a constant battle between the government  and Airbnb for many years, and Airbnb has been repeatedly fined for continuing to illegally list these properties. Yet to date, these illegal lets are still listed on Airbnb and other platforms. 

So, I don't think that threatening Airbnb will make much difference. The local authorities need to repeatedly fine Airbnb until they finally decide to comply. So, work with the local authorities.

[Rav1621]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I completely understand where you’re coming from, and I respect the position of legal hosts like yourself who are playing by the rules in what feels like an unfair landscape.

You're absolutely right—Airbnb has faced fines and government scrutiny for years, yet they still continue to list illegal properties. It’s deeply frustrating that the financial upside seems to outweigh the consequences for both the platform and illegal hosts. That said, while fines and government intervention are essential, they often take time to produce meaningful results. In the meantime, residents and compliant hosts are left dealing with the fallout.

I agree that stronger action from local authorities is necessary, and I am actively working on that front by filing complaints and providing evidence to the appropriate agencies. However, I also believe that sustained pressure on Airbnb is important. Even if individual complaints don’t seem impactful, coordinated, well-documented cases can escalate the issue and highlight Airbnb’s failure to address its obligations under the law. This can lead to further regulatory scrutiny and reputational damage that eventually forces action.

In the meantime, I remain committed to doing everything I can—whether it’s engaging the authorities, pushing Airbnb, or even seeking media attention—to ensure that illegal operators are held accountable. It’s not just about fairness for residents but also for legal hosts like you who deserve a level playing field.