Hi airbnb community
we just had a nightmare booking, where the guest booked instantly, being able to do so, with this their first airbnb booking; so the positive reviews and I'd check provided no protection for us.
What at happened is that there booking un aware to us, was to stay at our place for their party of 70 people, who invited people, who arrived we are here for that party. Our listing is for a maximum of8 guests, no parties.
Then the police were called to stop the noise, by 3 neighbour's, when we found out about this the following day, we went to our property to find the house full of people, windows smashed and the place in a total mess. Horrific. Told that the window will be fixed, sure but the glass broken and left all over the floor and throughout the house. Blood everywhere on the floors and towels.
Contacting airbnb, they cancelled their stay and emailed to leave. No response and then that night the party continued, with other people arriving for the party. The neighbours heard fighting, swearing, glass being broken, police again. Nothing could be done.
we called airbnb a number of times and was told your case manager will get back to you. Two days later nothing.
on the second day we went there to access and still the house was full of people. To get them out over the next few hours, we were physically and verbally abused, that's it's an airbnb and we can do what we like, we do this all the time, get over it. My fellow helpers life's were in danger entering our house, due to the threats put on us.
the police arrived and it was very stressful. The police provided a report and took a report for the damages and visual of the house being what looked like a toxic substance part py house. Drugs left, items broken, condoms, tampons just to make you as a host scream and cry at how this could happen. My friends there to help with the access all affected by the hostile situation, feeling extremely anxious and distressed. My last two days have been totally consumed with this and I've been unable to do my main work. Airbnb has no remedy to stop this happening and their email to vacate is just an email. They can do nothing else, to get the people out of your house, while you have to wait for them to get out. Hoping that the intruders past the 8 guests allowed, partying illegally are just doing whatever they like. A home invasion that you are helpless to do anything about. The police won't help, when it's an airbnb as they say it's a civil matter, until the checkout time.
Still no help by airbnb. Today I've called and been told that 'we understand, this matter is escalated and we will get back to you ASAP'. Still 10 hours later nothing.
So we have turned of instant book, it's way to scarey to have groups targeting your place for a stay, only for a toxic substance party of massive numbers, your house destroyed, you potentially assaulted, your neighbours out at risk and little help by airbnb.
Airbnb hosts beware aware that this now appears to be a trend for whole houses to be targeted for these kind of events. There are other reports of this on the Internet; thiught that it would never happen to us. Airbnb must have a protocol to stop this sort of this happening.
we have filled out all the forms for compensation on line, but who knows if airbnb will assist us.
we thought airbnb was terrific for both the host and guest, but now we see it as a very dangerous platform, where you don't really know who is coming to your house. If they are not suitable, you can't get them out and when they damage your place, airbnb don't seem to take it seriously or promptly to assist. How disappointing is this.