Guest needs supervisor help

Guest needs supervisor help

 

Subject: Formal Escalation – Improper Case Closure, Active Billing, and AirCover Misclassification

 

I am formally escalating my unresolved Airbnb case regarding loss of an essential amenity (heat) and improper case handling.

 

On February 9, 2026 at 11:03 PM, I documented an interior temperature of 49°F while exterior temperatures were below freezing. Heating is an essential amenity under Airbnb’s Guest Refund / AirCover policy. I immediately reported the issue and provided photo documentation with embedded metadata (date, time, device information), along with weather records showing freezing outdoor conditions.

 

Due to unsafe and uninhabitable conditions, I vacated the unit shortly after midnight on February 10, 2026 and notified the host. The host acknowledged my departure and indicated willingness to refund unused nights.

 

This was not a voluntary early checkout. I left due to loss of heat, which constitutes loss of an essential service under Airbnb policy.

 

I requested the following:

 

  1. Cancellation effective 2/10/26 (date vacated).
  2. Refund of unused nights already paid.
  3. Cancellation of future installment payments scheduled for February 16 and March 16.
  4. Reclassification under AirCover – Loss of Essential Amenities.

 

 

Instead:

 

  • The Senior Case Manager declined to reclassify the case under AirCover.
  • My photo evidence with metadata was dismissed.
  • The case was closed without canceling the reservation.
  • Installment payments remained scheduled.
  • The reservation still shows active in my account.

 

 

I was offered a partial monetary resolution ($1,000 host / $200 Airbnb), but the reservation was not properly canceled effective the date I vacated. Closing the case without modifying the reservation status while billing continues is inconsistent with Airbnb’s Guest Refund / AirCover framework.

 

The host is now refusing to cancel effective 2/10/26, which allows continued billing exposure on my account.

 

This is no longer simply a refund issue. It is a procedural and policy-application failure involving:

 

  • Loss of essential amenity
  • Improper case closure
  • Continued billing after documented departure
  • Refusal to reclassify under AirCover
  • Lack of independent supervisory review

 

 

I am requesting:

 

  1. Immediate cancellation effective 2/10/26.
  2. Written confirmation that all future installment payments are canceled.
  3. Refund of unused nights already paid.
  4. Independent review by Trust & Safety or an Escalations Supervisor outside of the previously assigned Senior Case Manager.

 

 

This matter remains unresolved and requires corrective action.

 

Im currently in another unit and I’m trying to get this resolved without it affecting my current stay.

3 Replies 3
Helen3
Top Contributor

This is a community of hosts and guests - you would need to lodge this one with Airbnb. @Nichole172 

 

Just to understand what happened - did you cancel because the host indicated that the heating couldn't be fixed within a reasonable time frame?. 

If not - I'm wondering why you left a long term booking when the host could have paid for you to stay in a hotel for the night and had you check in the next day. 

Normally if you want to be refunded in these circumstances you would need Airbnb to agree a penalty free cancellation before you leave. 

if not as you've found it makes your position more challenging. 

Emiel1
Top Contributor

@Nichole172 

 

I understand there was a issue with the heating, not working at all.

I assume you reported this to the host.

What was the response of the host ? Could issue be resolved in short time ?

Was alternative accommodation offered ?

 

You mentioned it was a long term stay, but host was willing to refund all unused nights.

 

Did you (or the host) consider to change the reservation (shortening it to a short stay), as it would provide you full refund, ends the reservation on new check-out date and also the host would not recieve penalties (as related to a host cancellation).

 

 

 

Paula
Community Manager
Community Manager

Hello @Nichole172, welcome to the Airbnb Host Community, and I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this situation.

 

The best course of action here is to reach out to the support team for guidance. They can review your case and advise you on the next steps.

 

Regards,

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Please follow the Community Guidelines // Por favor consulta las Normas de la comunidad

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