Airbnb won't remove retaliatory, unfounded public response from host

Angie873
Level 1
Los Angeles, CA

Airbnb won't remove retaliatory, unfounded public response from host

The host of the Big Bear Lake, CA Airbnb we stayed at left a retaliatory response which, thus far, customer service claims it cannot remove in response to my review documenting a gas heater being stuck on in July, causing unsafe temperatures of up to 99 degrees indoors.  So far, the only recourse I've been presented with is to remove my review, which would leave future guests in the dark about the health/safety risks they may encounter.  However, leaving the host's public response could lead to future hosts denying us a reservation.

All documentation: **[Identifiable information removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines due to privacy concerns]


The host's retaliatory response includes multiple false claims, including:

 

  1. Host claims there was a ”heat wave” that was ”all over the news.”  Weather data proves otherwise.

  2. Host claims that I called Airbnb asking for a refund. This is false. I messaged Airbnb when we were lightheaded and weren’t sure how to proceed, having not experienced a problem with an Airbnb before. We’d messaged the host earlier that day but hadn’t heard back.

  3. Host claims I thought the cabin was fully air-conditioned. Screenshots show that I readily acknowledge the limited cooling (we're local; we get it) and call attention to the primary problem of the heating system inexplicably continuing to put out hot air. She never acknowledges this or the significant risks to us and our dogs associated with extreme heat and a clearly malfunctioning gas heating system. 

  4. Host flatly rejects my note about cleanliness in which I mentioned a toilet brush I photographed, the majority visibly stained by feces. The host claims no prior issues with cleanliness; in reality, guest reviews include ”hoping for a cleaner experience next time" and another described dust so bad it was problematic for the family's allergies.
  5. Also regarding policy: the host’s copious rules (including check-out procedures) are not included in the listing, violating Airbnb policy.  She also prefers contacting her via text, also against Airbnb policy. 

    Not long ago a healthy, thirty-something friend died of heat stroke despite circumstances that seemed surprisingly benign. This is a real issue.
5 Replies 5
Bhumika
Community Manager
Community Manager
Toronto, Canada

Hi @Angie873 , I'm sorry to hear of the situation with the review. Did you happen to reach the Support team about it again?

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Please follow the Community Guidelines

Ana2038
Level 10
Santa Ana, CA

@Angie873 , I don’t see where the host posted anything negative regarding your stay (according to Airbnb reviews posted). I do see your review left for host pointing out issues with the listing but again,  nothing negative from the host that would affect your ratings as a guest. 

Marie8425
Top Contributor
Buckeye, AZ

@Ana2038 

A Host always responds to negative reviews.

A Host is running a business, like any business a Host is n ot going to just agree with a negative review so it is available for public viewing. 

The Host may or may not correct issues you had but either way he needs his business and public negative review is going to be responded to.

I realize a tragedy effected your life in another arena.  If you were able to leave a negative review then it appears that you didn't feel so unsafe that you vacated property.

I understand someone in your life died.  I also understand the Host wasn't responsible and probably not aware.

If the Host is that bad others notice also and there will be many negative reviews.  I would hope future guests wouldn't believe the Host over multiple Guests

If the Host has many positive reviews and then your negative even if the Host didn't respond your review would be discounted by interested Guests.

@Marie8425 ,sorry, but  I have no idea what you are talking about(?). 

@Ana2038 

Sorry my error wrong person.  I meant for the person that posted I apologize not paying attention