Do Not Stay with Airbnb Host ** – False Smoking Claim + Dangerous Property Conditions + Airbnb’s Lack of Support

[Camila930]

I’m posting this to warn others in the Airbnb community about a deeply upsetting experience I had, and how Airbnb has failed to provide any meaningful support or accountability.

I stayed at an Airbnb property hosted by David **. Not only was the unit in terrible condition—with mold in the bathroom, a broken kitchen stove, and a barely functioning faucet—but after the stay, David filed a false claim accusing me of smoking in the unit. I don’t smoke. No one in my party smokes. I have never touched marijuana or a cigarette in my life. We weren’t even present when the alleged “smoke odor” was supposedly noticed. I have the geotag, time stamped pictures as well as receipts from our credit cards. We were NOT even home till 2 am the next day. 

Airbnb’s case manager assigned to this issue Zishan has been completely unhelpful. He called me yesterday with a 10% refund that Airbnb could provide. I provided a detailed response and requested proof of the smoking claim. To date, no credible evidence has been provided, yet the host is pursuing a $1,000 cleaning fee. How can Airbnb allow such a defamatory review to be posted with out any evidence or first reaching out to me to see if there was a system malfunction? 

What’s worse? David waited until after the 14-day window (when guests can no longer leave a review) to file this claim. This appears to be a strategic move to avoid public accountability and prevent me from warning others through the review system.

I’ve tried to escalate this beyond the case manager, but Airbnb has made it impossible to reach anyone with actual authority to intervene or resolve this fairly. Meanwhile, the defamatory claim remains, and a dangerous, substandard property goes unpenalized.

This is not just a dispute about money—it’s about integrity, accountability, and guest safety. If Airbnb allows false accusations and health hazards to go unchecked, how can guests trust the platform?

If anyone has experience dealing with higher-level Airbnb representatives or has advice on legal recourse, please reach out. I’m also considering going public on additional platforms to make sure others aren’t misled or harmed.

Please share this with others. Let’s hold hosts and Airbnb accountable.

**[Identifiable information- Name of a Host's listing removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines due to privacy concerns]

[Meredith293]

Camila and Aylen were with us in St. John the entire day and night until about 2am when we dropped them off at their air bnb. We do not smoke nor do they so this could not have occurred within their stay at the air bnb. We also have timestamped photos and proof they were with us. Shame on air bnb for not doing more to help them in this unfortunate situation!!!

[Helen3]

I'm sorry you have had such a challenging experience.

not much comfort to you but airbnb customer services are awful.  

They equally abuse both hosts and guests but taking one parties side and not requiring any evidence . 

[Emilie]

Hi @Camila930, 

I'm sorry you've had such a challenging stay recently!

Today I was not able to see that review on your profile, has there perhaps been further movement on the issue? 

Let us know how you get on please 🙂

Emilie

[Camila930]

Hello Emilie! Thanks for reaching out, yes it appears Airbnb has done the right thing and removed the review. I’m hoping justice will prevail and they will conclude that this host is lying to make extra money. I’m just sad that perhaps he has done this to other unsuspecting guests and gotten away with it? 

[Emilie]

That's great news to hear, @Camila930 -what a relief! 

[Camila930]

Unfortunately my comments were too premature because although Airbnb determines that the comment was false and removed it from my page AND returned me money off my stay. Their team just concluded that I still owe David 800$ for “damages”. This is fraud happening. Makes me never want to use Airbnb again!!!! 

[Michael9896]

We had the same experience with my wife and we were there just before you. I actually wrote my review right on the last day. 
David seems to be lying and scamming people. He just requested 500 dollars fees from me for having 4 adults at the Airbnb. He is clearly lying and hoping for the best. I declined to pay but will ask for refund and damages.

[Camila930]

Hello Micheal! He is scamming people. Airbnb’s removed the review he wrote me. Gave me back 530 part of the cleaning and 20% of the nights and just now determined I owed the host 800$ out of the 1000$ request how is this ok????? I just submitted my appeal but is absolutely ridiculous. I I’m PISSED at how incredibly incompetent Airbnb is to allow this. 

[Camila930]

Update**** on this ridiculous issue I am still having to dispute the claim with Airbnb. Somehow they found that I owe 800$ for supposed damages. I summoned my dispute but I am so frustrated and upset by this incompetence. What else can I do. Please advice!!! 🙏🏽

[Liz54]

I've just posted a review about a guest scammer who ABB wanted me to repay 33% of a months apartment rental.  Their customer service re totally useless, won't tell you where they are based (i.e. somewhere in the East!) and won't give you their surnames!  They took the guests word for the refund without reading or taking into consideration my appeals.  Good luck with your case.  Sounds ghastly.