To secure a bigger discount for an extended stay, I booked a room for 29 days with a host in Houston who misrepresented the safety of the area and the proximity of their property from known landmarks that I was comfortable knowing were safe. I arrived with immediate concerns. I never entered the property, spoke very briefly to the host on their ring doorbell as he dashed off to a meeting. I expressed conce4ns for my health and welfare knowing I would be arriving late hours and leaving very early some days. I also own a very nice BMW that would likely not survive a couple nights without a break in. Airbnb said the host is not obligated to refund me, and the host immediately postured to have me cancel and would “consider a refund” afterwards.
I waited 2 days, the host and Airbnb support went silent and then I canceled with a couple messages pleading them to refund. They’ve refused and after I said I was going to retain an attorney to take them to court, the said I’ve voilated an extortion caluse. They’ve basically stolen $1600 from me without recourse. What can I do?
