I’m a host for over 3 years and never had a bedbug problem. My cleaners check the regular hiding places after every checkout.
I had a guest arrive at midnight to say that she found a bedbug and did not want to stay. I took this very seriously and took immediate action and offered her a full refund. As she needed another place to stay, so late at night, I even offered her $100 compensation to find another place for the night. She called Airbnb and they wrote cancelled by the host.
The next morning I had an exterminator go inspect and treat. No bedbugs were found. They took my unit apart, looked in every nook and cranny. It cost me $700!
1- Airbnb did not contact me in any shape or form. They just canceled it on my behalf.
2- The guest never provided evidence (I naively trusted her). But Airbnb did believe her.
3- Airbnb did not close down my listing, which should have been done, until I provided proof of treatment.
4- The guest requested more money because of the inconvenience. I did not think it was necessary.
5- I provided Airbnb with the exterminator’s invoice which included no findings but treated it anyways.
6- The guest left me a 1 star review saying that my unit was infested!
7- I asked Airbnb to remove her review as it was dishonest (I had proof from the exterminator) and she was asking for more money. Airbnb refused and said that I can answer her review. They sent me a link to their review policy. What??!!
This is not right! Shame on you Airbnb for not protecting the host, who works really hard to provide a clean and comfortable place to stay. The total financial loss is over $1000 and my reputation. After 1 month, I still get questions from guests looking to book. This is very damaging!
Is there a resolution centre for hosts and Airbnb??!!
