False damage claims by host

[Andrew3956]

A women's group from our church stayed at an AirBnB in Gulf Shores, AL (managed by Seashell Vacation Rentals, Michelle). They had a lovely stay.

But then our church was hit with a charge for damage to a sliding glass door--$2750. The damage already existed when our group arrived, but they did not notify the owner because it wasn't dangerous, and they assumed that the owner knew already. 

We did not cause the damage. We have tried appealing to AirBnb and the host in every possible way. But now our church is being charged for these false claims. 

We already have bookings with AirBnb for future trips, but unless this can be resolved, we're canceling and never using AirBnb again.

[Joan2709]

@Andrew3956 

So sorry this happened...

How large of a group was this? Were there any children/teenagers in the group? What type of damage did the Host report?

[Andrew3956]

Sixteen. The ladies staying in the room were both mature women; they were the only ones in the room. 

[Joan2709]

@Andrew3956 

Was this a sliding glass door in a bedroom then? What damage did the guest staying in the room say they noticed on the door? Crack in glass? Slider not working properly? Lock on door broken?

Just trying to figure out how $2750 in damage was reported by the Host?

[Andrew3956]

It was something like a tempered glass that cracked and spider-webbed throughout. 

[Andrew3956]

Yes, it was in  bedroom.