Bed bugs because of another host

[Ana308]

Long story short, I *legally* sublet an apt. from an AirBnB host, who had up to the day I moved in been (illegally) renting the apt. on AirBnB. She obviously refused to deal with the problem and refused to contact AirBnB when confronted about the problem - her "solution" seems to have been renting out the place to me - so that I could deal with it obviously. So I didn't rent the place from her on AirBnB, but the bed bugs came from her previous AirBnB guests. Treatment is expensive so I contacted AirBnB but they refused to help unless the woman contacted them herself, which she couldn't be bothered to do.

I've been dealing with this NIGHTMARE OF NIGHTMARES for about a year (paying for all costs and taking on the emotional toll myself), and I finally moved recently. It was a HUGE headache to ensure no bugs tagged along in whatever was left after I threw out most of my stuff, but guess what, a week after moving out I got a bed bug bite!

I am freaking out and I am depressed. And I am pissed off beyond pissed off. The woman and AirBnB have their cash, and I the financial, emotional and psychological burdens.

What now?

-Edited for clarity if that is possible under the circumstances-

[Annette33]

@Ana308, sounds like quite a traumatic experience, so sorry this has happened to you. I want to reinforce what @Scott80 has said above: since you rented from this woman outside of the Airbnb platform, you have no leverage whatsoever against Airbnb. It's between you and the woman you rented from. Too bad you kept on paying her rent  and stayed there after you became aware of the problem.

At this point, I would suggest to just get on with it, let it go and look forward. Good luck! 

[Ana308]

@Annette33 Thank you for your kind message. I'm trying to get it together and start the fight against the bugs all over again.

PS: it's not possible to delete my original post, it seems.

[Jeanne7]

Hello Ana !

I feel sorry about what happen to you : you should find another place as the one you are renting is insane. You cannot accept to pay for that. It seems that you didnt rent this place through airbnb. If this woman has taken your money : tell her you want your money back, otherwise you go to the authorities.

I wish you find a better place !

[Dawn33]

Did you tell your friend that you might possibly be infected by bedbugs before moving in with her?


You have now willingly put her home at risk.