Can I shorten a stay without penalty after check-in due to poor sleeping conditions?

[Carolyn376]

I recently checked in at an Airbnb for a long-term (30 days) reservation to stay at while on business. The place was advertised as being quiet, and it is indeed quiet... during the day. However, at night, starting from about 10:00 p.m., the downstairs neighbor blasts their TV so loudly I can feel the floor vibrate and actually make out the dialogue of the show/movie. Using ear plugs and headphones over that does little to dampen the noise. This means that I can’t sleep until after they turn the TV off around 1:30 a.m. I have to get up for work at 7:00 a.m. The stress and lack of rest is starting to negatively affect my work, and will only get worse as exhaustion accumulates.

I realize that Airbnb states that, normally, I am liable for the entire stay’s cost if I cancel. However, this is an extenuating circumstance that’s hurting my everyday life and livelihood. Does Airbnb make an exception in cases like these, and what can I do to resolve the situation without losing my entire payment?

[Lisa723]

@Carolyn376 first step is to contact your host and see if they can solve the problem. Meanwhile also contact Airbnb and let them know what is going on. It is likely that if the host does not promptly address the noise issue Airbnb will rehome you.

[Sarah977]

@Carolyn376  Yes, contact the host first, which is the Airbnb protocol for problems a guest is experiencing. It may turn out to just be a simple matter of the host letting the downstairs neighbor know that his TV watching can be heard loud and clear above and is preventing their guest from sleeping. The neighbor may be nice and accomodating, simply unaware. And the host may be unaware as well, and certainly wouldn't want to lose bookings, so you have to let them know.

If it turns out not to be easily remedied, as Lisa said, Airbnb will probably help to rehome you.

[Linda108]

A listing description cannot take into account that the behavior of another guest might be problematic, @Carolyn376  so it is up to you to inform the host and allow the host to take care of the situation.  Use the Air BNB message system to notify of the problem so there is a communication trail.

Let us know how this plays out!