Listing misrepresented by host in Iceland

[Maya190]

Searched for a 2 bedroom property since we were 2 couples with little toddlers (toddlers slept in little travel playpens). Host misrepresented the 2nd bedroom which was a closet with the electrical switch panels and no windows. This did not meet local regulations in Reykjavik, Iceland however neither the host or Airbnb offered any resolution. We had a very busy schedule during this vacation and with 2 toddlers, it was awfully difficult and inconvenient to just pack up and look for another place in the area given that we also requested high chairs and parking. Host is basically charging for a 2 bedroom in downtown Reykjavik whereas the place is clearly a one bedroom. Guest refund policy clearly states that if a place is misrepresented, we are eligible for a refund. We documented the place, asked the host to resolve the issue and got nothing. This is a terrible experience on Airbnb's part since we were literally out most of the day exploring and got back tired, only to improvise with the "2nd bedroom" just so we can respect each other's privacy. Temperatures would go up to 29 degrees C sometimes (also documented). We will be sending a formal complaint to the local city bylaw authorities since both the host and Airbnb are not willing to do anything about this misrepresented place. The host is very unethical, and this is unusual behavior given that Iceland has a good and transparent reputation for tourism. We are also long time users of Airbnb, and all four of us will no longer be renting through this platform. That is thousands of dollars per year between 2 couples, one from Canada and the other from Norway.

Anyone has similar experiences? Please keep in mind that Iceland is a country that holds strong regulations within the Scandinavian region.

[Ana1136]

@Maya190  You clearly saw in the pictures that there isn't a window in the second bedroom and you still booked. You complained and the host offered you a 10% refund and fixed the description, everything he should have done. Why do you insist on running that persons income?  And even if you get 50% refund you still won't be satisfied until the apartment is closed for renting. As other hosts said, you should have just canceled as soon as you arrived or the day after and gotten a full refund for the unused nights. You claim that it wasn't safe but you still stayed... would getting 50% refund somehow make it safer? 

[Wayne174]

It wasn't originally stated that it didn't have a window. 

If you say its a bedroom than it has to have a window in Iceland re: http://www.rabygg.is/adgengi/a%C3%B0gengifyriralla/%C3%ADb%C3%BA%C3%B0arh%C3%BAs/svefnherbergi.aspx

You can't cancel and find new accomodation in iceland like that. If I had booked this place with an AmericanExpress credit card or paypal 100% of the disputed funds would be in my bank. 

What don't you understand about a contract ?

Airbnb hosts have to abide by the local laws and they are contracted back to back with Airbnb. What the host did here is fraud and you are defending it. 

Let me rephrase it again. If this listing was made as a monthly apartment in Iceland it would be a 1 bedroom because it would have to have an audit. 

A contract is a contract is a contract. Do I need to say it again ? 

[Mark116]

@Maya190   You can see from the photo there is no window.  You can see the size of the room from the photo.  So, the truth is, that you didn't pay close attention to the listing and then flipped out when you got there, despite even admitting it is a lovely, well appointed, large apartment so you seek to destroy the host business on a technicality.  And yes, it's a technicality.  I agree with your decision to avoid airbnb in the future. 

[Maya190]

@Wayne174 

What a small world! You have stayed in @Ana1136 apartment complex before and now she is blindly bashing both of us without being informed on the facts. I guess this public forum is a host biased one, no amount of reasoning is required. 

You're welcome @Ana1136 btw,

[Ana1136]

@Maya190 I don't know who he is btw and he has never stayed here 🙂 

[Anonymous]

@Maya190  You ask: "You're aware that Airbnb and the host are also supposed to do everything they can to find the guest a similar location? "

This may well be where you've erred in your expectations. It was very nice of your previous host to assist you in relocating, but absolutely nowhere in Airbnb's terms of service does it even imply that a host is responsible for assisting an unhappy guest in their efforts to find a similar location. Airbnb's Guest Refund Policy also doesn't assume an obligation on their part to relocate you:"Airbnb will either provide you with a refund or use reasonable efforts to find and book another comparable accommodation for any unused nights left on your reservation. "   https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/544

If your complaint met Airbnb's conditions for a refund, you were entitled only to the money on condition of leaving. Your agreement with Airbnb and the host did not entitle you to additional re-booking services. 

Another distinction I would make is that a host is far likelier to help you out when the property has been rendered unusable by unexpected circumstances, than when you're accusing them of fraud because you didn't get a bedroom window.

I really couldn't care less about the finer points of Icelandic housing regulation, and if you're pursuing legal action over your vacation disappointment you should be paying a lawyer rather than arguing with volunteers in a community forum. Bottom line is, you chose to complete the stay, and your complaints are clearly communicated in your review so that any future guests can make an educated decision about whether the property and price are suitable for them. You're not in need of any further help, so congratulations! Next...

[Stephanie]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your contributions on this topic. I feel we are now just covering the same ground with further comments and it is becoming a little bit too personal between contributors. 

I'd like to remind you to treat each other with respect and maturity - exactly how you would want to be treated. To that end, could you please review our Community Guidelines before you continue your adventure here on the CC: Community Guidelines.

I'm going to close this topic now and clear away some of the less than useful comments! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitant to message me.

Thanks,

Stephanie