Host issues

[Brenn0]

Hi 

I booked a unit for a friend of mine through airbnb.

he was told by host when he first moved in he would have to leave for a week in nov. she requested cash security deposit which he paid. Come November he moved out for the week and I received a msg on airbnb saying the unit was no longer available and she has kept his $1800 deposit and has blocked my profile. Is there anything I can do a) to let others know she can't be trusted and b) to get security deposit back? Thanks!

[Alice-and-Jeff0]

@Brenn0 - You're really in a pickle.  The fact that the reservation is actually not for you, there isn't a lot that Airbnb can or will do for you.  You can try to file to request the funds back via the Resolution Center - but I wouldn't expect much. The fact that your friend gave her cash for a security deposit is against Airbnb polices - for both the host and the guest. Since you made a reservation, you had the opportunity to write this host a review, but they would have had an opportunity to have it removed because, unfortunately, you never actually stayed at the property.  You could flag the property and the host and contact Airbnb to see what they have to say, but again, I would expect much.  As for the cash and deposit, you need to contact local law enforcement as this likely falls under the law of theft.  Good luck 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427/can-i-book-on-behalf-of-a-friend-or-family-member

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/140/how-does-airbnb-handle-security-deposits

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/458/can-a-security-deposit-be-collected-outside-of-the-airbnb-we...

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/767/what-is-the-resolution-center

[Lawrene0]

Tricky situation for you, @Brenn0, that doesn't give you much of a leg to stand on. Third-party bookings are not allowed. He should have booked for himself, and then said no to paying anything to her outside the platform. Asking for a cash security deposit is not allowed either. When she asked, he could have reported it to Airbnb (if he had booked for himself) and then been rehoused. Instead he paid it and made everything worse. 

Did he wreck the place? The fact that she has got him out, kept the deposit, and blocked you, might mean that all did not go well. Your friend has done nothing good for your profile. I would be giving him an earful. 

[Lawrene0]

I see where my answer is entirely bleak, @Alice-and-Jeff0's is more helpful, @Brenn0. Go with that 🙂