Just found out my host's mom lives at the residence instead of the advertised host (month long stay)

[Kim942]

All words and pictures show the host as an active 45 year old man that works at a pub with two medium dogs. I didn't question it because I had no indication it was anything else. His mother (65-75? years old) actually lives there instead now. Reviews are wonderful but I don't know if they are before or after mom moved in. I did already pay because I didn't realize I needed to ask who actually lives there. I don't know how to politely ask if this is going to be a problem. It might be totally fine. I don't party but I am traveling with my boyfriend and the area is known for nightlife. We don't like to waste our money drinking every night but it is something we do sometimes. I think there is another available that would be much better..... I'm generally very flexible but I'm not sure this is a fit

What do I do? 

[Kim942]

Also, is this common? I've never encountered this before where there is no mention of the person actually living at the residence. It's always just the host (or no one for whole places). I've seen it mentioned where there are roommates or other guests but it was explicitly stated

[Emiel1]

@Kim942 

How did you discovered the mother lives there ?

When booking an accommodation with shared spaces (like a room), you may assume shared spaces are shared with the host or other guests, unless otherwise stated. So the host should mention his mother lives at the place and not himself.

Best regards,

Emiel

[Kim942]

@Emiel1 after I paid  he told me in a message that it's actually his mom who lives there now instead of him

Edit: I don't mind sharing with other guests of any age/type and it wouldn't surprise or bother me in a shared space, but I'm very surprised he doesn't live there at all and it is now his mother's home. I honestly wouldn't have rented had I known the real host was an older person just because it changes the whole vibe

[Lisa723]

@Kim942 you are making a lot of assumptions, about the mother *and* the host, based on their ages and/or sexes... 🙂  Anyway, in your shoes I would ask the host. If it is a shared space (your post is not clear on this) then I'd bet you can probably get a full refund from Airbnb based on misrepresentation of who occupies the space.

[Emiel1]

@Kim942 

IMHO the listing of the host is misleading when not explaining the factual situation. So maybe contact Airbnb and express your concerns:

Contact Airbnb - Community Guide [Updated]

[Kim942]

@Emiel1 thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if this was common or not