Discrimination and Racism

[Jack-And-Kristy0]

We recently had a white male book for 3 night for a total of 5 people. My business partner who is black showed him the house. A few hours later, the guest said that he was cancelling because he didn't feel safe. Our rental house is in an ethnically diverse older neighborhood. I am white and female and I've never had any issues when I've been alone over at the house. This is over a 9 year period. I think that racism is involved. Now Airbnb has refunded the guest two thirds of his money even though we have a moderate cancellation policy. Any similar experiences?

[Ann25]

I actually don't think it's reasonable to expect immediate updating of the calendar is not easy on their app. We live in a mobile world. AirBnB has received millions in VC funding and will try to do an IPO. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask them to do this before they ding hosts for taking a few days to update their listings. 

[Andrea9]

@Ann25

At the moment it takes too much reading to see that you don't rent to men (guests don't really read!).

My tip re. renting only to females (I too have "at least one female", cause chaperoned men are OK):

In the description at the top of the listing make the first thing they see the part about it being for FEMALES ONLY.

In caps, because it gets lost in the long text otherwise.

Have it also as the first point in your House Rules. Not as a long sentence, but a short For FEMALES only.

Then again under The Space.

[Ann25]

Thanks. I added Female guests only. (Sorry, gents!) to both listings.

That will hopefully decrease one factor but I still think I have raised very helpful product suggestions for AirBnB to take into consideration. It's not an us against them. I believe most people are good -- AirBnB, hosts and guests. Hoping AirBnb will figure out a way to curb the truly racist behavior and not punish others. 

[Linda0]

Hello Jack and Kristy -

Sorry to hear about your cancelation because of the harsh reality that there are people like that; but you are better off that they didn't come and then falsify their experience (I would not trust someone like that if they mentioned it to me beforehand) while at your house.

There are so many good folks out there that will love coming to you home and experience the diversity of your neighborhood and the rich cultural environment.  I have been so lucky that I have had Asians, Swedish, Africans (black and white) and our course my own countrymen as guests in my home and they have been so endearing, respectful and trustworthy. I hope you get re-booked soon.  In no time, I hope you'll have a world-wind of guests.

Happy Hosting

Linda J

[Lisel0]

Recently we received a negative review saying basically that we were  clean, and welcoming but " a crowded"  (e.g. we live here vs hotel ambiance) place.  Then from remarking on unfamiliar smells ( intl cooking frequent by guests here)  review went to rating us as  "the worst"  like a low end hostel in third world setting. Since we are in a visibly affluent and  gentrified brownstone neighborhood in Brooklyn, I can only think that the "BLACK LIVES MATTER" sign in our window, and ethnically diverse friends visiting  and guest community gave this Russian guest a chance to share racist assumptions linking race and class et al. Why should we and our Haitian non -profit partners our fees are shared with, suffer from cruelty like this? Other guests here rallied to support us but what can they do? 

I protested this to AirBNB - but to no avail so far. Any suggestions to stop this trend and remove the meanspirited, racist review?