It's taken me a few weeks to figure out just why I am still so upset about a recent issue with a guest. I accepted a booking from someone who had 5 star reviews. He told me he was going to stay with his girlfriend so that they could attend a wedding taking place nearby. At check in, we were unhappy to find that the person who checked in wasn't the booking guest but a videographer who had been hired by our guest. He stated that he was there to film. He did not have any credentials, business name, agreement, business cards - nothing purporting to be a true business. Then our guest arrived and he was carrying lots of clothing that looked a lot like bedroom material. While we were trying to talk to him and understand what was happening, a girl showed up who was in a pretty shocking state of "undress". At this point, we told the guest and his guests that they needed to leave, he had lied about his purpose (and he said he would lie again so that he can book more Airbnb's to "conduct business and film"). They left willingly when I said I would refund all his money. I knew I could have kept the money because of my policies but decided I wanted a peaceful and fast resolution and they did leave quickly.
I then called Airbnb and explained that the guest had lied, it was obvious that the guest were going to shoot a film that seemed to be pornographic in nature and I would never allow such a thing. Airbnb support said I did the right thing and thanked me for refunding the guest in full. Then the support person said the most shocking thing to me -- he said he was going to contact the guest and extend a gift certificate so that he could find accommodations somewhere else that night. I was floored! I reiterated that he had lied and wasn't in need of a place to stay - he wanted to film in someone's home! The support person said that he understood that but it was policy for him to do so.
Does anyone else have a problem with this? I think that this guy should be blacklisted from Airbnb as he fully acknowledged that he lied, was going to use my home to film commercially and not just that, it was morally objectionable to me and most hosts, I believe. This so-called policy is not exactly supportive of Airbnb's hosts and their privacy and safety. Filming commercially without permission, agreement, a written contract and permits, and insurance is strictly prohibited by municipalities. Why is this ok? Further, how fair is this to future unsuspecting hosts as this guest told me that he will do it again?
When I received the message from Airbnb stating that they were happy to help and this case is closed - I again asked how this resolution is fair and good to their hosts? To this date, I have not received any response.
Please let me know if anyone else has had this issue and/or if you have any thoughts regarding this.
Thanks