Drug use in my home

[Jules284]

I’m newer to hosting with Airbnb and I’m experiencing a serious issue with one of my guests. He was late checking out, didn’t come to get his stuff (I had to put it out by the curb after he was 9 hours late to get his things) and left drug paraphernalia all over my home. I found used syringes in my bed, in the cup I use as a toothbrush holder in the bathroom, and a tourniquet and lighter in the bed. One of my spoons is missing and there’s what appears to be a large blood stain on my bedclothes that I had to throw out. My partner and I have also found shreds of copper mesh (the kind used to smoke things like crack) and what appears to be a white powder on the floor near where I believe he was using.

I contacted Airbnb host support but got bounced around to 3-4 agents and had to re-explain what happened each time. I have pictures of everything and have sent them to Airbnb multiple times. I want him to be banned from the platform and I’d like additional compensation for my partner and I having to deal with dirty needles and possible illicit substances. I haven’t gotten a clear response from host support and I’m not sure what to do.

Has anyone had anything like this happen? How did you resolve it? Did Airbnb help you at all, and how did you get them to step in? Thanks in advance!

[Helen3]

Sorry to hear this @Jules284 - how do you vet your guests? Were their any red flags with this guest? 

Leave an honest one star review .

put in a claim for any damage and the additional time he spent at the property .

i would never have dealt with needles myself but got a specialist cleaning company in and charged the guests. 

[Jules284]

Hello Helen,

Thank you for the reply! The guest was newer but had stellar reviews from other hosts. My guess is the hosts weren’t the ones doing the cleaning and their reviews were automated, or he hadn’t used in their homes.

I did leave a one-star review and a personal message to the guest about why I did.

The professional cleaning service is a good idea. I was out of town when it happened and my partner offered to clean up. I wish I would have thought of it and told them to hire someone else to take care of it. I doubt I’ll ever get any other money out of the guest. That’s why I tried to go through Airbnb. Perhaps I can estimate how much a cleaning crew would have cost and go that route. Thanks for the advice!

[Helen3]

No if you want to claim for cleaning you need a receipt for specialist cleaning you can't just estimate how much a cleaning company would have charged @Jules284 

Have you put in a claim via Air Cover for the late check out and  damaged bedding ? You need to approach the guest first for the costs before Airbnb will consider the claim if the guest refuses .

[Jules284]

I did submit a request via Air Cover, which of course he ignored. I’m now going back and forth with a new reimbursement rep. Here’s hoping something actually comes of it. I’ll be very disappointed if Airbnb doesn’t step up.